Evening journal., 1891-12-28
.CHILI'S CLEVER SCHEME
-
To Avoid an Apology by Ask
ing for Arbitration.
SECRETARY BLAIEEs POSITION.

lie Ts said to Favor Pacific Measures for
the Roason That right with Our sister
Republic would Give his Reciprocity
Schemes a Black Eye.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-Arr. blaine has
given no greater assurance Of how impor-
tant he regards his programme Of reciproc-
ity than his acceptance Of the hospitalities Of
the Chilian minister It Is a story full Of in
terest, exceedingly well vouched Tor, and Il
presents the Maine statesman in the new
light Of exercising a pacific and oonserya-
tive influence when his colleagues in Office,
with the president at their head have been
talking war.
The relations with Chill became strained
just before Mr.. Blaine's return here ia the
latter part Of October
Matters Had a squaiiy Look.
Matters were looking very warlike when
Mr.. Blaine returned to Washington. It was
apparent that something like a crisis was ap-
preaching in the affair with Chill He was
quick to sec the dangerous drift Of matters
as regarded his project Of reciprocity, and
he was no sooner again ID charge OF the
state department than he set ahout getting
control Of the situation. There WINS at
once a change, not only Of policy, but OF adj
visers Ia the premises Mr. Blaine knows
that the very poorest way to hunt increased
trade is with shottad guns and warships,
and that he win not invoke those agencies
against Chilli Il can be avoided with honor.
The change ia Mr. BlaineB temperament
is accepted a. another proof Of the fact that
the secretary Is stalking not only an present
political advantages, bat all permanent
political power, on the commercial project.
Blaine Dimes with nlontt.
Secretary Blaine and Minister Montt
have been very friendly, and a significant
indication OF the secretary's pacific inten-
tiona was his acceptance Of an invitation to
dino with the Chilian minister Saturday
night
/ The president and others Of his advisers,
however, are not So hopeful Of peaceful
/ outcome. There Is no question that the
administration fully expects refusal Of
Chilli to comply with its demand for an
/ apology and indemnity, and IS ready 70 ask
congress Tor power to declare war for
which preparations have been and are still
being actively made, Chill, feeling that she
Is in the right is determined not to apollo
gize. even at the cannona mouth
II Il Chili's turn to move, and she win do
mand arbitration. This demand, instead Of
an offer of apology and repAation, may
place the war section Of the cabinet in a
ridiculous light after the pains they have
spent IN putting on war paint.
ChiIi's Clever scheme.
Chill hns not yet asked for arbitration, but
il is known 30 the cabinet and TO your cor.
respondent here that she Is likely TO do 50.
II arbitration Of the differences between
the two countries is asked for the Chilian
advisers argue very shrewdly that the
United States congress win never allow wal
to be declared because Chill has refused tc
comply with the demand Of President Har
rison for an apology and indemnity for the
Baltimore affair The Chilians who live in
this country have been advising President
Montt and prominent residents Of Chilli K
block President HaIIison's game by respect
fully requesting the United States to joiI
with them ia laying the whole matter be
fore some commercially and politically disin
terested foreign country.
Popular in America.
These American Chiliaus have insisted
! that congress, while il would unquestion
ably declare war on the demand Of the presi
dent who would appeal 70 It's patriotism
+ would very glady refuse to do so IL Chill
asked that the facts in the case be first pass
cd upon by an arbitrator. II has beei
represented in Chill that arbitration IS yer,
popular with Americans. The only hope 0
! the war section Of the cabinet is that TIL
war section Of the Chilian administration
I which is very strong fail 70 see tn
4 necessity for making any reply to the Unite,
b States, except that the Baltimore affair wa
+ a common street brawl for which Chill
{ not at an responsible.
The Army and Navy Ready.
Minister Montt has become alarmed, an'
has cabled 10 President Montt that this
I, government meant fight and that the nav,
y was rapidly being placed on q war footing
Y Not only has the navy been made ayailabl
{ in event Of hostilities, but great activit
I has taken place in the army, and both Do
7 partments are now ready TO act in concer
!, at moments notice. Admiral Gherard
instead OF Admiral Walker, viii be place
in command Of the naval forces. II has als
been pretty definitely settled that Geners
= Miles viii have command Of the land forces
4 All hope that Chill win comply with the d.
mand for reparation and apology seems
have been abandoned.
"a