The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-01-26
DOES Chilli MEAN WAR
Delay in Replying to the
Presidents Ultimatum.
the MESSAGE DISCUSSED.
A Majority in Congress Favors Up,
holding the President.

ne Next step In the Controversy Depends
.. the Nature OF Chiii's Answer-A Few
w.woeratic Cosgressoen Propose TO Place
PARTY Politics Above Patriotism and
N.uooa, uouor-soMs Republicans Also
Favor . Policy OF laastion or Delay
rh.s. Men Have Few Words OF Co1.es-
dalton fOr the Msssase-Chili Aakiss Ia
.,..s.d Preparations Tor war-Aetivity
., the Navy anA War Departments Ia
w.sSisston-Cost or Transporting Nea
and Material to the seeae OF HostilIties.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 25.-The message OF Prosi-
s.,t Harrison on the CHILEAN situation is the
chief topic Of discussion in Washington to-
niebt, and II has aroused moro interest than
ANY MI olic document that has been sent to
Congress since the close Of the civil war. Opin-
inns vary as to the ability and wisdom dis
rlsyed by the President in this important State
raner but those who think It both we'll timed
and patriotic are in q large majority. What
thu next step In the famous diplomatic con-
troyersy will DO 1t is impossible to say
With certainty tonight. Secretary Blaine has
received a cablegram from Minister Egan
stating that the CHILEAN Government desires
few days time in which to frame q reply to the
demand OF this Government for apology and
renaration, and there the matter stands for
the present. 1t Is not probable that the Presi-
dent and Secretary Blaine will decline the re-
quest OF the Gillian Government for delay. al
though they both. no doubt. feel that the re-
quest is trivial and only adds insult to in
Jury. Whom tho reply OF President Montt
10 received it will be promptly SUBJ
mitted to Congress as a supplemental
message to that sent in to-day. II the reply
isa favorable one President Harrison will not
send n recommendation with it. but II other
wise. 1t is thought he will forward it to the
Senate and House. with the suggestion that In
his opinion aggressive action is required. The
message submitted to-day will. however. be
considered by the Foreign Affairs Committee
Of each house. and until at least the prelimi-
nary meeting is held nothing will be arranged
as to the policy to be pursued.
Chairman Blount OF the House Committee
on Foreign Affairs has added an interesting
feature to the discussion OF the probable fate
fths message by suggesting that it should
be considered in secret Joint session OF the
Senate and House. as was done previous to
the declaration Of war against Mexico. There
has already been much talk about the pro-
priety Of such policy. Chairman Biount says.
but as yet it has not taken shape. Very few Of
the leaders OF either House appear to be in
favor Of such q course. and Judge Holman
probably expressed the sehtinsat- of the ma
jority when he said:
II think 1t doubtful whether this Gillian
question will be discussed in secret session.
When in former years war issue was consid-
cred In secret BY the House. the message it.
self was transmitted to and read In secret
session. In this case we have begun with
4 hnIt cto1
continue to the end
While II is true that majority OF the Sena-
tors and Representatives are in favor Of sus-
tanning the President in such further recon-
mendations as he may see fit to make. it is
none the less true that there is
formidable minority opposed to upholding
him in any way. These men profess
to believe that the President has been alto
gether too hnsty. and that he has been actu-
ated mainly by desire to play politics" In
the interest OF his denomination. One pointed
criticism that these men make to the language
OF the message is. that almost at its very be-
ginning before the statement Is given Of the
grievances OF the United States, a para graph
tsdeyoted to a warm endorsement OF Minister
Egan. who, whatever may be said for him now
by the President. has been severely criti-
esed even by many Republicans. Among the
large number OF Congressmen asked to-day for
their opinion OF the message. at least a score
admitted that they do not like 1t. and that they
think the whole trouble with Chill could be
quickly and amicably adjusted II it were not for
the desire NJ the President to popularize him
seif Tor political purposes. The men who are
of'hs way OF thinking have talked over the
advlsabilty Of concentrating their forces and
attacking whatever proposition is brought
forward by the friends Of the Administration.
One Of tho leading Southern Democrats in the
House Is authority for the statement tonight
tn.t this proposed movement has already
taken shape. and that he. as one OF Its oppo-
n"nts. is prepared to take the floor and pub.
h'ly denounce his colleagues for their lack Of
Patriotism and craftsmanship.
The feeling that the message Is buncombe
one !s NOT 80 strong IN the Senate as in the
House. but even in the Senate there are mum
TO! o: Democrats who are inclined to think II
Tic part Of wisdom to antagonize the Presi
dent In his recommendation that the demand
upon Chilli for an apology should be enforced.
The Blaine men in Congress have very few
words OF commentator for the message. II
hno secretamong Republicans In both houses
.hat the friends and supporters OF Blaine fee
mat his popularity and prominence In the
party have received telling blow by the en-
.husasn 81 the people all over the country
that will surround the President for the firm
ehd patriotic stand no has taken. Harrison
residential stock has taken . decided
anu sudden rise. and the Blaine mer
are Tar from happy. There IL the high
ss' possible authority for the statement
mat Tho disagreement between thG Presiden,
ana his Secretary Of State over the Chiliar
s1ua'ion Inns approached dangerously neal
apersonal quarrel. 1t IL asserted with grea
posit'vensss that on more than one occasion
nullhr the discussion OF the question. in Cab
'he' meeting and elsewhere. there has been
ia'her sharp war OF words between the Presi
aeht and the Secretary OF State. A gentleman
VINO knows great deal OF the inner workingi
the White House. says that the sub
,ec' has Produced much personal feeling
between Mr.. Blaine and some OF thu
o'her members Of the Cabinet. also. whs
favored more decided action thnn the Secre
c Mry 81 State was willing to agree to. The dis
uussion which took place over the message. q.
Twas was Presented In the rough to the Cabinet
ms times highly interesting. and Mr.. Blaine
~ishe himself at least temporarily. unpopular
wariik secretary .,nsI Kusk who was in favor q
in the ssaad ~ r td Gk1 70, sDsr1sd M
v w.,, two succeeded in holding out Cor :
S %r"S against tho wishes vi the Presi
reNt AM tho conviction III Massrs
m,asn; Miiiri. aud Rusk. The evident
smJit ,h was to allow the public mind to cool
sSist ts desire S; Ter strife as settlement q
Those who observed the tempsIsme mt OF s Con
$resS last week say that haH tha m ~ al ~. gcn.