Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-03-20
The Senate Central American Reso-
IufiOns

The resolutions adopted by the Senate
relative to the complications in Central
America are rather more aggressive in
tone than was the communication on the
same subject addressed to the Senate by
the Secretary Of State. The Senate says
that any attempt by BarriOs to carry out
his scheme 10 consolidate the Central
American States under one government
BY force ought to be regarded by this
country as an act Of hostility to 1t and as
an interference with its rights. The rights
referred to are those which will be acquir-
ed if the Nicaragua treaty shall be rsti-
fed. AS the treaty has not been ratified,
and is not likely to be very soon, there is
no prospect that we shall have any rights
very soon in any Of the Central American
States which BarriOs can interfere with
in his efforts to make himself Dictator OF
Central America.
The Secretary Of state in his cOmmuni-
cation to the Senate stated pretty plainly
that there was no obligation Of any kind
resting on this country to interfere in the
affairs OF the Central American States,
and he. therefOrs, saw no occasion for
eminent than TO provide for the protec-
ton Of American citizens and their prop
erty in Central America.
Under the resolutions of the Senate in
the event of hostilities between Guate-
maIa ard Nicaragua, it is difficult to see
how this country could remain disin-
terested spectator, II, as the Senate
resolution recites, the invasion Of Nicar-
aqua would be an act Of hostility to this
country, and an attack upon its rights,
active measures would have to be taken
to repel such an invasion. This country
would at once become embrOiled in all
the revolutions which are constantly
breaking out in Central America. The
EXPENSE would be considerable and there
would be no cOmpensating benefits.
The policy Of the administration, as an
nounced in the Presidents inaugural ad-
dress and as outlined again in the note of
the Secretary Of state to the Senate in
connection with the information relating
to Barrios' scheme, is to keep clear of all
| entanglements with foreign States.
Several Of the papers which were con-
spicuous as Blaine organs during the late
campaign charge that the Secretary of
State is timid and Over-cautiOus because
he did not. like Mexico, promptly and
emphaticallv inform BarriOs that he would
not be permitted to carry out his scheme.
These papers are not so anxious, perhaps,
for the adoption of the kind of foreign
policy which they advocate as they are
to create the impression that the defeat of
their candidate was a great calamity to
the country.
They seem to forget that Blaine's short
stay in the office Of the Secretary was not
characterized by wisdom nor brilliancy.
He came near precipitating war with
Chill. and laid the foundation for very
interesting scandal.
The country doesn't want any more of
the Blaine sort Of foreign policy. 1t pre-
| fers the conservatism and wisdom Of
Bayard. The policy of allowing other
nations to settle their own domestic trOu-
bIes has proven thus far to be very salts
factory. and there is no good reason why
IL should be abandoned.
II this country should interfere to de-
fend Nicaragua and ether Central Ameri-
can States against BarriOs precedent
would he established that might keep the
country in trouble with the Central acd
South American republics all the time.
Mr.. Bayard's policy will be safe and wise.
He would rather keep the country out OF
trouble il he can do 50 without any sacri-
fee of dignity and self-respect than to
make areputatiOn for brilliancy.