The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-01
A LOST OPPORTUNITY.

Attitude of the President as to Central
America and the Silver Question.
Washington Special in Philadelphia Press.
There are many Democrats in Washington
who believe that the President in the first three
weeks Of his administration has lost greater
opportunity than he will have again to make it
popular with the people. Up to the beginning
OF the rebellion the Democratic party had dis
tingaished itself by strong foreign policy. 1t
had seldom involved the country in war; but had
never avoided distinct declaration of the
wishes Of the people whenever Mexico or the
Central American states attempted any move
contrary to the interests OF the United States.
When Barrios declared his purpose of forcibly
consolidating the Central American states, the
administration had the chance to rally to its
support the national sentiment of the people, re-
gardless of party. A treaty between the United
States and Nicaragua was then awaiting ratifca-
ton IN the Senate. The President, wishing to
spodify this treaty had determined to recall it,
hut Its subject matter was none the less in
negotiation between the two governments In
stead of Informing Barros, the instant his plans
were announced, that the United States could
not consent to his consolidation scheme, pending
negotiations for treaty with Nicaragua, the
administration allowed Mexico the initiative,
md the opportunity to assert the influence of
she United States in matters affecting the well
fare of the American continent was lost.
1t would, of course, have been impossible for
the President to declare war against Guatemala,
but the simple expression of the wishes of this
yovernment probably would have commanded
Gave strengthened the prestige of the United
States in Europe as well as in Central and
South America.
The position taken by Mr. Cleveland regard
To- 10 ~ Cs1x
advance of his inaugural address, gave great
distress to the Southern contingent of the party.
Right as Mr. Cleveland undoubtedly is in ask
ing for tho suspension of the coinage of stand
ard dollars, the immediate danger that he pre-
dotted to our financial system has not yet oc-
Cured. The balance of trade in favor of the
United States during the past five months has
been in the neghborhood of $40. 100000. This
balance seems likely to continue in the same
proportion for some time to come If there
should be a war between Russia and England
1t would be much greater. The simple threat of
war has already brought large orders for sup
plies of various descriptions to American manu-
facturers. 1t is noticeable, however, that with
this balance of trade in favor, there have
been but email shipments of gold to this country
The reason is. according to reliable advices
rom New York, that dealers in commercial
paper have been heavy buyers of exchange,
which Is held in expectation of gold commanding
premium. Instead of forwarding the exchange
70 London to draw gold. the exchange is locked
up in New York, its owners hoping to be able to
realize profit if gold goes above par If the
balance of trade was against the United States,
DR. the number of silver coins in existence was,
Jay, hundred millions more than it is at pres
ent, or the coinage of standard dollars was not
limited to two millions per month, the prospects
Of the spectators in exchange would be brighter
than they are now. There is every indication,
however, that many months, possibly year or
two, will pass before the continued silver coinage
puts gold at a premium. Meantime, the silver
men in the Democratic party can twit the Pres
ident with having been altogether too previous
In giving expression to Mr.. Tilden's financial
views