The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-18
The Ideas Which Have Controlled His
Course as Secretary.

OouIbo he secretary.
BALTIMORE, Md, Feb. IA Washing
ton special 10 the Baltimore Siu, based on
conversations held with Mr. Bayarl. gives
an outline Of the policy which has coz.
trolled the actions Of the Department Of
State during the past four years:
II has been frequently asserted that Mr..
Bayard has had no policy, whereas he has
all along had q very definite and peculiar
American policy. lie believes that the
American people have a higher and a
nobler destiny than that OF staggering
about among the nations OF the earth
daring somebody. 10 use homely
expression. 10 knock chip of their
shoulder" lie thinks il is their
mission 10 take the lead among
nations In substituting pacific methods
for force in settling international disputes.
Mr.. Blyard's theory Of statcsmanship IL
that nothing should be done 90 disturb
or imperil our peaceful conditions, but
that, ON the contrary, the highest duty of
tho patriot IL 60 contribute rs far rs he can
TO their pcrpetuation and development
His idea IL that the military spirit Is 20 be
discouraged in a Republic, except In 80
FAR ~ II Is necessary for purposes
OF defense. Encourage the military
spirit IN this country, saws Mr..
Bayard, and you would soon have a war.
/ A war necessarily means an army and II
once the military spirit got thorough pos
| session Of the people this army would
| become permanent establishment
Mr.. Rayard, commenting on the clamor
/ In certain quarters over the Samoan
episode, said "What Is IL they want me
| . do2 To provoke war; do not be-.
/ licvc the people want 10 20 10 war about
| samoa. There b. no occasion for IL. II
they do want war; they must get another
| Secretary Of State"
Another iayoritc scheme Of Mr.. Bayard's
/ b. the naturalization Of certain localities
which Is useful 10 all the powers and inca
/ pablc of defense without disproportionate
cost by one OF them. lie instances the
naturalization Of tho Suck Canal by
the common consent OF the Europeans
~ an example Of tho important benefits
/ 10 bc secured by the application OF this
| principle. Some similar arrangement
would have 81 be entered into 10 protect
the interests Of this country II ship ca.
! nal acruss the lsthmus Of Panama Is built
| IL would not be- sufficient protection Tor
| the United States 10 have control of such
a canal. The only adequate protection is
10 bc secured by naturalization OF the
canal by consent of all the powers.
! Mr.. Blyard sought to apply this priuci.
/ pie If naturalization by international agree.
| mcnt TO the samoan Islands. The promo
| sitiun that the United States should guar.
antco the neutrality Of these Islands seemed
90 him 90 ho unWisc, Tor the reason 10
guarantee the neutrality OF an independent
sovereignty especially one rs weak as
Samoa, would bc 10 expose the country 10
the constant risk oi embodiment in tic M.
laiiuns Of Samoa with other powen.
We would bc responsible for whatever
Samoa might choose Co do without the
power 10 regulate her conduct Il would
be- cheaper 10 annex the Islands vi oncr.
Tor then, IN assuming the responsibility OF
defending them against all comrrs We
would acquire the right 20 provide them
with a safe and stable government TO
do this u would bo neoosslry 10 build
great Publications at lago. Page. to fur.
nish them with a powerful rarrison.
10 maintain strong fleet In
the South Pacific. Tho cost would
be enormous, aud after all ehs
expenditure, American interests In Samoa
would not hc as safe az under n guarantee
by the powers Interested Of the neutrality
Of the islands. Mr.. llnyard looks upon
the rejection OF the Chinese. fisheries and
! cNiudiuon treaties ~ unfortunate Tor the
country. tie docs not regard the action
OF the senate rs justly involving any 70.
hcclion upon the actual merits OF the
treaties themselves.