Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-10-12
COMPLICATIONS IN BRAZIL
Some Delicate Diplomatic Questions May
Grow Out of the Trouble.
The Monroe Doctrine and the south
ence of European Governments.

Serious diplomatic complications are likely
| to result from the progress Of events at
Rio de Janeiro II even a part Of the stories
sent from there are true. According to the
most authentic reports that have reached
here there is decided split among the for
elgn representatives at the Brazilian CAPT.
tai on the broad international question of
interference between the combatants All
the European ministers, with the single ex-
ceptton OF the German minister, are said to
favor interference against further hostili-
ties at Rio and the diplomatic representa-
tives Of Argentina and Chile are said to
have entered a vigorous protest against
such course. The German minister Is
observing strict neutrality. The exact po-
sition taken by Minister Thompson, the rep-
resentative Of the United States. is not
known, but 1t is assumed that he has STU
diously refrained from taking sides in the
dispute. His recent dispatch to the Secre-
tary of State said that it was at the suy-
gestion OF the foreign naval commanders
that Admiral Mello consented to suspend
bom5ardment. Whether Capt. Picking, COM
manding the United States steamship
Charleston, Joined in making this sugges-
ton Is not stated.
Not RespOnsibie for Capt. Picking,
1t Is made prominent, however that the
diplomatic representatives of the United
states took no part in the proceedings and
that the United States government is in
no wise compromised therein, regardless of
Wnat personal steps may have been taken
oy Capt. Picking. This is regarded as an
important point. inasmuch as it would
eventually anect the question Of the re-
sponsibiiity of the United States. The
actions OF the minister would bind the
United States but the actions of the naval
commander would be binding on this gov
M Iyy tv, 90.
accordance with its policy as declared to
Him by the minister. The latter has re-
ceived his instructions from President Cleve-
lsho, out their nature is an official secret
Wmicn Will only be divulged by his actions
The South American diplomats who ha We
protested against European Interference
nave raised the cry. America for Ameri-
cans! and assert that this is Just the time
takably asserted.
They declare that other American eov-
ernments are well able to do all the inter
ferfng that Is necessary between the Rra
lillian contestants and they are LOOKING 70
the leader OF American nations to come to
the front and assert herself
Opposed to European Interference.
Athough doubt is expressed as to
the course Of Minister Thompson. there
Is prevalent patriotic impression
that he will act In concert with
the South American diplomats in
opposition to any radical Intervention Of
the European powers. His supreme duty ia
to look out for the interests of the United
states IN the matter and to see that the
hVes ana property of its citizens are fully
respected by the belligerents. The infer
ence Is strong that he has also been specif-
lcally Instructed to prevent any tnterfer-
ence on the part of European powers. There
Is no indication Of any purpose on the part
OF the administration to deviate from the
broad principles of the Monroe doctrine as
enunciated and emphasized on many for
mer occasions.
The principles Of international law in a
case like that of Brazil impose upon all for
eign powers the obligations Of strict neu-
trality and clearly prohibit any serious in
terferenee for or against either party to the
quarrel. 1t is generally conceded that such
intervention, II attempted, would be in be-
half of the insurgents, who, in spite of the
protestations Of their leader, Mello, are be-
lieved to be striving for the restoration of
the monarchy.
The Situation iu Brasil.
Brazil is in a state Of insurrection and the
future government Of the country hinges on
the result. The government is exercising
its right to put down the rebellion and the
insurgents are exercising a revolutionary
right in trying to overthrow the govern
ment. Like our civil war. it is a matter
solely for settlement by the people And It
Is contended that foreign powers have no
authority to interfere in behalf of either
party to the strife. They can protect. the
lives and property Of their subjects but are
prohibited by the law of nations from TAX
Ing sides In the conflict. According to a
diplomatic expert these principles apply to
the United States as we'll as to other for
eign powers. all of which equally, however
reserve the sacred right Of protecting their
interests under any and all circumstances
1t Is contended that these principles govern
in the present conflict in Brazil, and es-
pectally prohibit any interference In behalf
of the insurgents as against the only recog-
nized government
In view OF the Monroe doctrine It is there
fore only reasonable to presume that this
government would not overlook any precon-
certed movement on the part Of the Euro
pean powers for the restoration of a mon
archical form Of government for Brazil by
means OF the overthrow of the present gov
ernment. 1t Is a delicate situation and one
that calls for the exercise of the most skill
full diplomatic treatment.
Debts of the Railroads,