Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-27
THE BLAINE NSION.

arguing that there was no reason why it should
not do for water transportation what il had
done for railroads. His object to build up
our commerce with the nations OF South and
Central America and the adjacent islands. On
financial questions he occupied strong posi-
ton. believing in bimetallism and resisting
the adoption of a single gold standard or the
depreciation of silver. Soon after he entered
the Senate he made an elaborate speech on
this question, showing remarkable grasp of
the subject and resisting all attempts to de-
teriorate silver coinage. On all political ques-
tons he took strong stand. He opposed the
electoral commission IN 1876, holding that
Congress did not have the power which it pro-
posed to confer upon the commission. He led
his party IN the hard fight over appropriations
IN 1879, which grew out Of the attempt on the
part of the democrats to prohibit the presence
of troops at the polls and resulted in an extra
session OF Congress. The democrats refused
to make appropriations unless this prohibition
was agreed to. and he disputed the right OF
lanv caucus or party to declare tina. they would
have certain legislation or they would
stop the great departments OF the government
On the Chinese question. which was a serious
problem during his term in the Senate. he took
position in favor Of the restric ion of the i'm
migration OF coolie labor.
As GAEFrELD's SECRETARY OF STATE.
His career as Secretary of State opened with
great promise, but unfortunately was suddenly
field On entering the department he iuaugu-
rated policy designed not only to maintain
the dignity and power of this country, but to
promote peace and commercial prosperity on
this entire continent. He projected peace
congress to be held at Washington in which
representatives OF all the North and South
American countries were to take part. His OBJ
ject was to promote such friendly under
standing between all the powers as would pre-
vent useless and destructive wars and at the
same time promote the growth of commerce
between all the countries of this continent
His retirement from the cabinet prevented his
carrying out this plan and his successor aban-
Goned II. The war between Chile and Peru
wassragirg when he entered the cabinet and
his good oi.ices were exercised to bring about
a jus. and smicab.e settlement between these
tw0powers
indicated policy which attracted universal at
tention on account of its bodness and wisdom.
His enemies. finding nothing to criticise in his
policy. accused him OF '.jingoism" because of
his vigorous defense Of American rights abroad.
They tried to create the impression that his
Vigorous policy was but rashness. There was
nert any foundation tor this criticism. as he
has sufficiently proven during his second term
in the State Department under President Har-
rison. No other department of the government
Department under the administration of Mr.
Elaine. He was recognized from the first AS the
main support of the admin istration and upon
him deyolved IRENE ndous responsibilities and
cares: nor were his labors confined to his own
department but as an adviser of the President.
and statesman the welfare OF whose country
was always uppernost in his mind he assisted
in the formation of the policy OF the entire adj
minist-a;ion and of the party IN which he had
30 long been a leader.
HIS RECIPROCITY POLICY.
TWAS in accordance with his original su--
eestion and due to his earnest efforts that pro-
vision was made in the Mckinley bill for reci-
procity treaties. which has been eminently sue
cessful and met with the highest popular favor
throughout the country. He would have gone
further than this provision permits When the
suggestion was first made by him the value of
il was not fully appreciated by the leaders of
the majority in Congress. but the earnestness
with which he presented his proposition for
reciprocity compelled the consideration of the
committee and at once this plan became popu-
lar through out the country. and its adoption
has redounGed to the credit OF the party in
control of the Congress which put it into the
law.
IN PRESIDENT HARRIsoS's CABINET.
A number Of very important questions affect
ing CUR diplomatic relations were pending
when Mr.. Harrison called Mr.. Blaine to assume
the portfolio OF the State Department.. These
questions had been gaining for a long time and
had sorely perDleSed his predecessors. Within
short time he had them all settled or progress
ing iavorably toward settlement In every in
stance he has shown the vigor which his past
career caused to be expected of him and con-
serva,lsm which coufounded his critics The