The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-01-26
THE WEATHER.
rHK PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS.

a l. LAC tSAAS $500 GG .I
.ace to congress- on the Chilian matter
leaves no doubt as to the meaning. AT
fairs have reached the point where con
cress must take immediate action and
Chilli must be- made to apologize or take
punishment. The message reviews the
difficulties which have led to serious
controversy and summarizes the situa-
ton in a few pointed sentences which
should command the patriotic attention
Of every American citizen. 1t is strongly
written, temperate, but decisive in tone,
1t reflects the popular opinion OF Chllrs
position in the case. While the presi-
dent does not outline a policy for con-
gress to follow he suggests prompt and
aggressive measures when he expresses
the belief that the demands made of
Chill by this government should be ad-
hered to and enforced.
The correspondence submitted with
the message shows that the CHILEAN gov
eminent has treated the demands OF
the United States with inexcusable in
science. Soon after the assault on
American sailors at Valparaiso a cour-
teously worded inquiry was sent to the
government at Santiago and an investl-
cation Of aus was made. 1t was
found. to the satisfaction of the state
department at Washington, that the as
eault was wholly unprovoked, that it
was oven moro brutal in character than
was at first believed and was rendered
even worse by proof that CHILEAN officers
and soldiers had participated in the af-
fair. The president sent a communica-
ton to the Chilian government, briefly
stating the conclusions Of this govern
ment and demanding an apology. This
has not been replied to. The president
says that no notice can be taken Of
Chili's formal demand for Minister
Egan's RECALL until correspondence with
Chill can be conducted upon a basis Of
mutual respect. He, however, Justifies
Egan's course in a way which leads us
to believe that he endorses the policy Of
that representative and will support
him. That portion of the message
which will command hearty approval is
stated in vigorous language in the fol-
lowing paragraphs. He says:
"If the dignity a 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
tke flag and wear the colors Of this gov
eminent against insult, brutality and
death, inflicted in resentment OF acts OF
of their own. Tt must, however, be
understood that this government, while
exercising the utmost forbearance to,
ward weaker powers, will extend its
strong and adequate protection to its
citizens, it's officers, and its humblest
sailors when made the victims of wan.
tonness and cruelty in resentment, not
for their personal conduct, but Of oficia
acts Of their government"
The case of the government is now il
the hands OF congress- and it is probable
that it will be brought to conclusion
without delay. While nc patriotic either
desires war for wal alone there is but one
E7-.F
sentiment in the country as to tn
proper policy. The United States mus
have reparation for the insult to her fla,
and the murderous assaults on her citi
zens. No matter how large or small
the offender may be the offense has beel
committed and must be atoned for.
1t is difficult to believe that tn
Gillian government after the late dis
astrous civil war will enter on an under
taking SO hazardous as a wal with tn
United States. There would be bu
one end to such q conflict and it woul
not be far distant after formal declara
tions were made. Tt is more probabl
that the Gillian government is follow
ing a policy of insolence which vii
quickly terminate when it finds tina
the United States means business.