The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-02-07
In Two IInrbnrs.


A resolution approving the course Of Adj
miral BENHAM Mt Rio tie Janero in pro-
trcting American commerce, is pending in
Congress. IL docs not take the form OF a
vots Of thanks, because that would carry
distinguished honors and emoluments. in
Guiding not only admission to the floor OF
Congress hut the extension Of his service
on the active list ten years beyond the pre-
scribcd period for retirement on account Of
age. But it commends what this officer has
done To- break up Admiral DA GAMAs sham
blockade, and TO free American trade from
impudcnt and piratical restrictions.
Admiral BESHAM did exactly right. and
his course deserves the approval OF Con-
gress. But that proposed approval makes
only tho more hagrantly outrageous the
Official denunciations OF another true and
faithful representative Of American inter-
ests. Minister STEVENS, and also OF another
noble and patriotic sailor. Capt. GILBERT
{. WILTsE. We venture to say that no.
where more keenly than in tho navy can
the injustice DO appreciated. which in one
breath should commend BENHAM at Rio
and condemn WILTsE at Honolulu.
There Is another suggestion in the con-
trast between Brazil and Hawaii. Presi-
dent HARRISON duly recognized in each Of
these countries the overthrow Of monarchy
and tho foundation of popular government.
The former recognition came in the first
half Of his four years term of Office. the
other in the second half. and each was COM
rlcte and irrevocable. Let 1t be imagined
that Mr.. CLEVELAND. In searching among
the acts Of his predecessor, who had beaten
lot h, in, TO-
thing TO censure and undo. had fastened
upon this recognition Of the republic in
Brazil Let us imagine that he announced
tn Congress that Mr.. HARRISON had been
"misled." and then instructed Minister
THOMPSON to call upon PEIXoTo To abdi-
cate his authority and to endeavor TO re-
store the throne. Would not that be an
outrageous misuse Of his Office OF President
Yet. Mr., HARRIsoS's recognition OF the
new Government In Brazil is no more bind
irg OH Mr.. CLEVELAND than his recognition
OF the new Government in Hawaii. The
difference In tho time elapslng since the
recognition, is not an element in the ques-
ton ut all. Mr.. CLEVELAND had the right
t. Withdraw an unratitied treaty with either
country; but he had no more right to call on
President DOLE to lay down his authority
than he has to-day to make that demand on
President PEIxoTo.
Tho Government OF Brazil has. from the
first. been in trouble. Dictator FoSsEoA being
overthrown and his successor harassed
By u revolt of the navy and great insur-
rectiOn In the southern States; whereas the
Hawaiian Government has governed in
peace and prosperity for more than year.
As to tho restoration of the monarchy. what
comparison can be made between the en-
nghtened and humane Dom PEDRO. or his
present heir. the Princess ISABELLA. who as
regent signed the act OF emancipation for
the slaves. and the dusky Hawaiian claim
sat who wanted TO signaIize her recovery
Of the throne by choppipg on the heads OF
har opponents!
Every incident In the port OF Rio de Jane
fro which gives Congress a flush Of patriotic
pride, only throws into stronger contrast the
incidents which in Honolulu harbor. since
the visit OF BLoUNT. have brought upon our
country humiliation and shame 1t is al
most pathetic to see the relief and Joy with
which Congress discovers something to
commend in the upholding OF our rights
and interests in Brazil; but UNNECESSARILY
more important than such commentator
10 IL to put on record condemnation Of Mr.
CLKyELASD's usurpation OF authority In
our own country and in Hawaii. lest "A prec-
edent shall be established fraught with UNI
told disaster for coming generations.