The record-union., 1899-09-17

is such an imperialistic and graspfn5
disposition developing among US, that
it has stirred portion of our own peo-
grasping spirit will next be turned in
South American direction.
We who know the truth must not
| comfort ourselves with the deception
that it is equally well known in our sis
ter republics. We ought to realize
that there is natural jealousy of US
throughout South America; that we are
nowhere there cordially liked, and that
foreign intrigue finds in the Latin
| States receptive soil for all seed that
may be sown in antagonism to the
growth of our trade and influence. Even
| in Mexico it is with difficulty and only
by constant struggle against foreign
| interposed obstacles that we are able
to even slowly enlarge our commerce
in that republic. Knowing all these
things, clearly perceiving that it is the
interest of Europe to cultivate un-
friendliness in South American States
against us. We ought to know how
to apply remedies to counteract such
influences.
Since the foregoing was prepared dis
patches are at hand stating that the
adyices referred to above from Mexi-
co have occasioned a good deal of un-
easiness at Washington. But it is
clear that this irritation is due to the
injustice Of the charges made concern
ing the designs of the United States.
1t is emphatically denied that the
visit of Chief Clerk Michael, of the
Bureau of American Republics to the
South American Continent, has any po-
litical significance whatever and it is
added that his trip has no official au-
thority or direction Probably it is
taken solely with a view to furthering
the work of the Pan-American Bureau
of Information. of which he is clerk.
It is added that it is known that the
late trip of the United States ship
Wilmington up the Amazon and the
Orinoco may have been misunderstood.
That excursion was wholly scientific
| and innocent, and had only scientific
and commercial interests to conserve.
True the Captain of the Wilmington
made some rough surveys for charts
Of the rivers, but only for commercial
uses His actions, however, were mis-
construed, though it is added, he re-
| assured the Government Of Brazil as to
the rectitude of his purpose.
But it is also stated that the deci-
sion of President Cleveland as arbitrat-
or in the Colombia Cerruti case, served
to irritate the people of Colombia,
the decision being a very unpopular one
with them. It is admitted in Wash
ington also that the attempted combi-
nation of the Latin States of South
America made some time ago to resist
unjust foreign demands, had beneath
it animosity against the United States.
It is positively denied that there have
/ OSSu dIiy uGSOlldlIOuS Whatever COLI
cerning acquisition Of lands in South
America. by the United States.
| This is all undoubtedly true But
we must understand that WHAT'S clear
and innocent enough to US, with the
prompting of European prejudices and
| self-interest, may be easily magnified
/ in the sister continent into a matter of
the most sinister character 1t is very
easy TO understand that the Washing
ton Government is disturbed over these
| things and that it views our relations
with South American States as posi-
bly, liable to ripen into unpleasantness
But this must be prevented If it
comes to the worst the United States
can better afford to send a commission
Of amity TO the South American States
to assure them and their people that
North Americans have no designs upon
them, and entertain for them only the
most amicable feeling.