New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-26
THE MESSAGE.

President HarriSon's Message is destined to
rank with the declaration of policy which made
Nlonroe's name famous. 1t viii he read win
deep foeling and patriotic approval throughout
the country Among all the republican nations
Of this continent it will be interpreted as inc
earnest of more vigorous and NsOlute dlplo-
macy than has been known at Washington dur
ing recent wears 1t defines the policy of
great and generous Nation, which is conscious
of its strength while profoundly pacific in all
its tendencies and humane in its civilization.
That policy is to cultivate friendly and intimate
relations with all the Governments of this hcmi-
sphere. but never to sacrifice National dignity,
prestige and influence by withholding protection
abroad from the humblest citizens. or by tolerat-
ing insolent structures from foreign Governments
upon the conduct of its Executive admlnlStIa-
ton While it disclaims territorial aggrandlze-
ment and political intervention In the aha OF
other nations and aims at no other advantage
on the American Continent than the increased
exchanges of commerce upon a basis of mutual
benefit. it assumes the obligation OF defending
American rights under all circums tanceS and up
holding the National honor.
This is the American policy which is pro-
claimed without trace OF passion or resent
ment but with inflexbe fnnneSS and moral
dignity The relations of Chill with the United
States have reached a Stage where forbearancc
and patience have ceased TO be virtues The
Baltimore's men in October last were assaulted,
stabbed and killed. not for any offence com
mtted by them but on account of the uniform
which they wore The Gillian Government has
refrained from expressing regret and making
l. n
ciol,s attack After two months It's Minister of
Foreign Affairs addressed to his diplomatic agents
a circular grossly insulting to our naval officers
and to the Executive Department, As 1t directly
imputed untrolth and insncerity to the reports
Of tine naval officers and 10 the official cOmmuni-
cations made by the Executive Department to
Congress" Six weeks passed, and then came
the brlsque intimatiOn that the American MIN
lister was not persona grata. There had been
no signs Of regret for the wanton and cruel as
sault upon the Baltimores men. The CHILEAN
Government was apparently INDUCING in inSo-
lent and rescntful criticism of the American
Naval and Diplomatic services and of the TX
ecutive administration for the recreation OF Its
own citizens ntamed by the evil passions OF
civil war. The time had come for decisive
action on the part Of the United States, whose
magnaIiimity and forbearance had been abused
The President wisely refused 10 consider the
expediency of recalling the American Minister,
whose official conduct had received his APP
prevail from the outbreak of the recent civil
war. He determined to decide first of all the
question of continuing diplomatic relations with
Chill by presenting a distinct and irrevOcablc
demand for an apology for the Baltimore out
rage for NparatiOn for the loss of life and for
the injuries sustained in the assault, and finally
for the withdrawal Of Minister Matta's highly
offensive circular dcIOgatory to the dignity Of
the United States Government. The PrcSl-
dents sole recommendation to Congress Is that
these demands shall be adhered to and enforced
Unless all signs fail both houses OF Congress
without reference to party divisions, and swayed
only by conscientious regard for the dignity OF
the Nation and the honor Of the flag, will heartily
sanction this policy. Congress and the Admin
istratiOn will act together and with equal patriot
ism in adopting such measures as may be re-
quired for placing the two fighting services in
the best possible condition.
The questions at issue with Chill are few and
simple. An af1ront has been offered to the
American people by a murderous attack made
upon sailors in resentment for acts sanctioned by
the United States Government. Chill must ac-
cept responsibility for that wanton attack and
make amends for it. Minister Malta sent an
unwarrantable and insulting circular to his dplO-
matte agents. That must be repudiated There is
nothing that can be submitted to arbitration ex-
cept the amount of the indemnity.