New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-21
THE SETTLEMENT NTH CHILL

Secretary Fosters first achievement in the
State Department is the settlement of the in
demnitv claims based upon the Valparaiso out
rage When the CHILEAN Government withdrew
tho Malta circular in January and expressed
regret for the wanton assault of a street mob
upon the Baltimores men, only one question
remained to be adjusted. This was the amount
of the indemnity to be paid. Chill offered to
submit the question to arbitration, but Pres-
dent Harrison was confident that the matter
conld he adjusted by ordinary diplomatic meth
DDS His faith in the magnanimOuS action OF
the brave maritime State has been justified.
No unusual pressure has been brought TO bear
upon the Santiago Government Its own sense
of instcc has prompted the voluntary offer OF
the payment of S75, 200 as an indemnity for
tho death Of Riggin and Turnbull and for the
injuries received by sixteen sailors. This offer
has been accepted by Secretary Foster as full
and satisfactory measure of repaiatlon' Chlll
has followed the recent example of the United
States Government in paying an indemnity OF
So. 600 to the Italian Government in settle
mcnt of claims arising from the New-Orleans
lvnchngs. Its action is honorable and just.
Being intensely proud of its own reputation
navy. it has expressed in practical way its
regret for the cruel attack upon sailors wear
ing tho uniform of friendly Government
Secretary Foster has been greatly aided in
these pacific negotiations by the tact and energy
of the American Minister at Santiago, who
now seems 10 be on excellent terms with the
Minister of Foreign Affairs and in every re-
spcct persona grata 10 the authorities there.
The first offer was made directly 10 Minister
Egan. and the controversy has virtually been
brought to an end through his diplomatic
Offices This result largely juStifcS the PreSl-
dents unwayering confidence in the American
Minister. In the heat Of the excitement caused
by Ealmaccda's downfall and the triumph of
the Congressional party there was naturally
much hostility displayed toward the Minister
who had been in official relations with the
former Government Minister Egan has re-
manned quietly at his post, has conducted his
Office with frmncss and dignity, and now has
the satisfaction of knowing that his patience
and tact arc rewarded The same sense Of
Justice which has inspired the Chilians with
magnanmous desire % take away the evil re-
proach Of a murdcrOus attack upon unarmed
American sailors has enabled them 10 rccog-
nizc the courage and ability Of Minister Egan.
The settlement of this indemnity completes
tho brilliant record of the Administrations di-
plomacy Beginning with the samoan contro-
versy. it has upheld the Nations honor ana
enlarged It's influence and prestige alike in
Europe and the South. The Pan American
Congress. the Bchring Sea negotiations. the
removal Of European restrictions upon Amcu-
car meat nroducts the long series Of Reel
procity treaties, the rcSoutc stand taken against
Italian menace, the irmneSS displayed in Sc
curing respect for the flag in Chilli and the
new EXtradition treaties are evidence at once
Of the industry, patriotism and comprehensive
craftsmanship Of the Administrations foreign
work. There has never been an Adminstra-
ton more markedly American in It's diplomacy,
more courageous in defence of American rights
or more interchangeable in opening new markets
for American trade.