Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-27
T H B l. AINE NSION.

in trying TO enlarge our commercial relations.
In 1878 he very earnestly advocated the estab-
lishment OF line of mail steamers to Brazil
by means Of a subsidy. He repeatedly urged
this matter pointing to the successful applica-
ton of the policy by foreign countries. and
arguing that there was no reason why it should
not do for water transportation what il had
done for railroads. His object was to build up
our commerce with the nations of South and
Central America and the adjacent islands. On
financial questions he occupied a strong posi-
tion, believing in bimetallism and resisting
the adoption of n single gold standard or the
depreciation of silver. Soon after he entered
the Senate he made An elaborate speech on
the subject and resisting all attempts to de-
teriorate silver coinage. On all political ques-
tions be 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 be disputed the right OF
any caucus or party to declare that 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
migration of cooiie labor.
AS GARFIELDs SECRETARY OF STATE
His career as Secretary of State opened with
great promise, but unfortunately was suddenly
closed by the assassination Of President Gar
field On entering the department. he inauyu-
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
doned it. The war between Chile and Peru
was raging when he entered the cabinet and
his good Offices were exercised to bring about
just and amicable settlements between these
two powers.
During his short term in the department he
indicated policy which attracted universal at
teution on account of its boldness and wisdom.
His enemies. finding nothing to criticiss 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
never any foundation for 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
attracted public attention N has the State
Department under the administration Of Mr..
Blaine. He was recognized from the frst a. the
main support OF the administration and upon
him devolved tremendous responsibilities and
cares; nor were his Iabors confined to his own
department.. but - an adviser Of the President
and statesman the welfare Of whose country
was always uppermost in his mind. he assisted
ministrssios aed of the party In which he had
70 long been leader