Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-12
Our Relations in Central and South
AmerICa.n


1t is not improbable that this govern
ment, in the near future, will have to in
ter'ere in the affairs Of some Of the Cen
trail and South American Republics in
way much more authoritative than it has
ever yet done. Its policy has always
! been, and is yet, doubtless, neither to in
| terfere nor to allow other nations to ir-
tertere with the Central and South Amer-
can republics, but the condition of affairs
in the United States of Colombia and
Central America may require it to do
something more than to look on and war;
others on.
There appears to be an intention on the
part Of Mexico, Notwithstanding that
BaFrios is dead and that the scheme 10
form a federation Of the five republics has
fallen through, to attack Guatemala. and
force from her certain concessions. When
| Barrios began the war for union Mexico
claims TO have sent several thousand
troops to the frontier Of san Salvador 10
aid that republic in resisting Barrios. It
was q very general impression at the time
that MeXco's scheme was to grasp Central
+AlLicl lNtu ACilitbAg IL Il ldNtItblt ODtOi-
tunity presented itself. Tie war having
closed with the death of Barrios and the
failure Of Barrios' scheme, Mexico appears
TO be anxious to make w8ron Guatemala.
1t is probable that the Mexican Govern
mCnt has some purpose in view for the
advancement of the interests of Mexico,
and that the claim that Barrios' successor
3 Errtn lat
policy that Barrios inaugurated and that.
therefore, war ought to be made ON
| Guatemala at once is only a pretext for
covering her own selfish designs.
The United states cannot OF course per-
nit Mexico 10 adjust affairs in Central
America to suit her own notions. Our
commercial Interests in all of the Central
American republics are much greater
! shan those OF Mexico. A commission
from this government lately visited the
republics for the purpose of opening the
way for closer commercial relations. IL.
therefore, Mexico moves her troops
across the Central American frontier the
! government OF this country will no doubt
call halt In a way that Mexico cannot
misunderstood. If the protest should be
UNDECIDED this government would deem it
necessary, doubtless, to sustain its policy
| by force. There is a possibility therefore.
that United States troops may be seen i'm
Central America in the near future.
There is not much reason to expect that
this country will become involved in diff
culties with any one Of the South Ameri-
can republics. There is a chance. of
course, that the burning Of Aspmwall
may lead to complications. A cons'dera-
bic force has been sent to the scene Of
trouble for the purpose of keeping open
the Panama railway route. Ii the G W
eminent Of Colombia is held responsible
for the property destroyed at Aspinwan
there may be some trouble ON that ac-
count. The losers by the fire will, OF
course, demand to be compensated for
their loss, and, rs many OF the sufferers
are citizens Of the United States, this
government will undertake, doubtless, to
see that their claims are satisfied. The
Government Of Col omha may have TO be
urged rather cmphaticalIy 10 get it to
settle promptly.