Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-12-16
sIallntotl Sueftoter.
WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 10Th, 1891.
M Occasion tor War.

No UcCdSIUu lUf ware
President Harrison's rather aggressive, |
not to say menacing, tone in dealing with
the Gillian question in his message to Con-
gress has called from the Chilian Minister
of Foreign Affairs a..circular letter to the
legations of that country in Europe.
The New York Herald of the 18th inst,
publishes this document, and says of it
that, ain less bellicose spirit than that OF
the Presidents message it claims that the
Chilian side of the matter has been mis-
represented, not only by sensational de-
spatches to the lingo press, and especially
London papers, but also by official state
ments sent to Washington.
There is no telling what may result from
this unfortunate controversy if either side
acts rashly or obstinately. But there is no
necessity or occasion for breach of the
friendly relations between the two coun-
tries, and there will be none if common
sense, moderation and patriotism prevail on
both sides.
Controversies of this kind are common
We have had several with China. We
have had them with Great Britain and
Spain. We now have one on hand with
Italy. All have been amicably settled ex
cept the last, and that is on the highway
to settlement. There is no reason why the
present Gillian dispute should prove an
exception.
Chill can we'll afford to make an apology
to the United States and offer to pay an in
demnitv, and its government will act IN
wisely if it fails to do SO. Under the cir
cumstances it can take this course grace
fully and without any sacrifice of national
honor or dignity. 1t can justly and with
credit disavow the Valparaiso affair, be-
cause, in the language of Senior Matta's
circular to the Gillian legation abroad, it
''took place in bad quarter of the city,
the 'maintop of Valparaiso and among
people who are by no means models OF dis
cretien and temperance" and because at
that time the nation was without a per-
maneEt government, the people were ex-
cited and a condition Of affairs bordering
on anarchy prevailed.
In taking this wise course Chill would
but be following the example set by the
United States. When China called US to
account for the Chin ese outrages in the
West our government deprecated their &C.
currence and volunteered an indemnity
So also Italy was informed that the gov
kn M
break, and was given to understand that
Congress would provide for an indemnity
if Justice demanded it.
While it would be mistake for Chill not
to take this course, it would be equally IN
wise for the administration at Washington
to enter upon a rash policy which might in.
volve the country in war. 1t is to be re-
membered that Chill has been racked by
internal war, her government overthrown,
her people harassed. It is also to be re-
membered that in her struggle she had
much ground for real or fancied grievance
against the United States. Our Minister
was an unconcealed partisan Of the hated
Balmacedan regime, against which the
people rose in arms. Our Legation was
turned into an asylum for supporters of the
overthrow dictator. Our naval force
there, as the Chilians complained, did not
maintain that strict neutrslity demanded
BY international law and courtesy. Finally,
the overzealous seizure of the Itata was
declared illegal and unwarranted by our
own judiciary.
OF course all this does not justify or ex-
cuse the attack on the men of the Balti-
more in the streets of Valparaiso. But it
does afford good reason why the present
controversy should be conducted with
moderation, patience and magnanimity,
and if that wise course be pursued it can.
not fail to lead to settlement satisfactory
and creditable to both nations.
However Mr.. Harrison or Secretary
Blaine or the republican party may feel,
we do not believe that the American PEG
pie, now enjoying the blessings of peace,
prosperity and contentment, are eager to
make an unnecessary war upon small
sister Republic at the imminent risk Of
getting into serious trouble with one or
more European Powers. President Harri
son will do himself more credit and the
country a greater service by successfully
dealing with the. issue automatically than
by bringing the matter before Congress in
bellicose special message"