The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-01-26

1t will be observed that have notified
the Chilean government that unless this
note is at once withdrawn and an apol-
ogy as public as the offense made will
terminate diplomatic relations.
The request for the recall Of Mr.. Egan
upon the ground that he was not per-
soma grata was unaceompanied by any
suggestion that could properly be used
IN support of it, and infer that the re-
quest is based upon official acts of Mr.
Egan which have received the approval
of this government.
But, however that may be, i could not
consent to consider such question until
1t had first been settled whether our
corresp ondence with Chile could be
conduct ed on a basis of mutual respect.
In submitting these papers TO congress
for that grave and patriotic considera-
ton which the questions involved de-
mand, desire to say that | am Of the
opinion that the demand made of Chile
by this government should Ne adhered
to and enforced.
Uphold the Nations Dignity.
II the dignity as well as the prestige
and influence OF the United States are
not to be wholly sacrificed we must pro-
tect those who in foreign ports display
the flag or wear the colors Oh this gov
ernment against insult, brutality and
death, inflicted in resentment of the acts
of their government and not for any
act of their own.
1t has been my desire in every way to
cultivate friendly and intimate relations
with all the governments of this hem
isphere.
We do not covet their territory; we
desire their peace and prosperity. We
look for no advantage in our relations
with them except the incEeased ex-
changes of commerce upon Il basis Of
mutual benefit.
We regret every civil CONTEXT that dis
turbs their peace and paralyzes their
development, and are always ready to
give our good Offices for the restoration
OF peace.
II must, however, be understood that
this government while exercising the
utmost forbearance towards weaker
powers, will extend its strong and ade-
quate protection to its citizens, to its
officers, and to its humblest sailor, when
made the victims of wantonless and
cruelty in resentment not of their per-
sonal misconduct, but of the official acts
OF their government.
The Case of Fireman Shields.
Upon information received that Pat
rick Shields, an Ir:shman and probably
British subject, but at the time fire
man of the Amer can steamer Kewenaw,
in the harbor of Valparaiso for repairs,
had been subjected to personal injuries
IN tkat city-largely by the police-I
directed the attorney general to cause
the evidences of the officers and crew of
that vessel to he taken upon its arrival
i'll Sen Francisco. That testimony is also
herewith transmitted
The brutality and even savagery g.
the treatment OF these poor men by the
Chilean police would be incredible IL the
evidence of Shields vas not supported
by other direct testimony and by the
distr essing condition of the man him
self when he was finally able to reach
his vessel.
The captain of the vessel says: HE
came back wreck; black from his neck
to his hips, from beating; weak and
stupid, and is still in kind of paralyzed
condition, and has never been able to do
duty since"
A claim for reparation has been made
In behalf of this man, for, while he was
not citizen of the United States, the
doctrine long held by us, as expressed In
the consular regulations, is:
The principles which are maintained
by TINS government in regard tp the pro
lection as distinguished from the relief
of seamen are well settled.
1T is held that the circumstance that
the vessel is American is evidence that
the seamen on board are SUCH and in
every regularly documented mere lant
vessel the crew will find their protection
in the flag that covers them"
l have It's yet received no reply to our
note OF the 2lst inst, but IN my opinion
! ought not to delay longer to bring
these matters to the attention of con.
gress for such action us may be deemed
appropriate. BENJAMIN HARRISON.