The Washington times., 1901-12-19
BLOCKED BY
ARBITRATION.
Dangers to Pan-AmeriCan
Conference Arise.
TRYING TO FORCE A DECLARATION
Combination, Headed by Argen-
tina, Leading the Fight for Def
mite Action-Present Plan Sub
mitted by Mexico Not Satisfac-
tory-Encouragement for Chile.

CITY OF MEXICO. Dec. 1S.-There is
beginning TO be considerable talk here re-
| garding the danger of break over the
question of arbitration, which may result
in prematurely ending the Pan American
Congress. Alleged dispatches from South
America, published in some local Spanish
papers. accentuate this idea. All. how
ever. are without serious foundation.
Unquestionably there is considerable
friction among the delegations. There
seems to be considerable misapprehension
in the United States concerning the exact
situation here. and the attitude of our
delegation. 1t is evident that there is a
combination between the South American
| States of Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay.
| Uruguay, and Argentina to endenvor TO
force the conference TO take an advanced
stand in its arbitration declarations.
To Block other Business.
Argentina has been leading the fight in
| the conference. Peru keeping consistently
in the background. There have been many
indications that this combination is ready
to filibuster until arbitration is taken up.
This attitude simply strengthens Chile's
determination to resist anything that is
likely to affect her interests.
The Mexican proposition, which is the
only one submitted so far. is unacceptable
TO both sides OF the South American con-
troversy. The members of the combina-
tlon protested vehemently to Washington
against its support by our delegation. 1t
may be said here that it is just as OBJ
jectionable to our delegates.
An Opportunity TO Lead.
Recently efforts have been made to get
the United States and Mexican delegations
together. 1t becomes more evident daily
that whatever they agree to support
would have 4 better chance OF success in
the conference than any other propo-
sitions
The plain fact is that these two coun-
tries have n better opportunity to lead
the conference than any others, but two
things prevent. The United States dele
gates are instructed to agree with the
others, rather than TO attempt to force
their own propositions. 1t is believed
however, that Washington is now willing
to give our delegates a little more lee
way.
The other bindering circumstance is the |
Mexican unwillingness to seem TO retreat
from the position taken in their plans.
Too Favorable to Chile.
Some South Americans are beginning
to complain that the result OF all this is |
likely to Increase the arrogance Of Chile. |
Certainly her position IS the only one |
which seems likely 10 be sustained.
In the meantime IL is generally under |
stood here that Chile has concluded trea- |
ties with Colombia and Ecuador. although |
none of their representatives will discuss |
that matter Some members OF she Ar |
sentine and Chilean delegations have tele- |
graphed to their Governments Offering |
their services in the event of war.
Peru Feeling Aggricved.
Pern undoubtedly feels a little ag- |
grieref over the United States attitude.
whose result certainly assists Chile. II is
difficult to say, however. how far the
Sough American combination viii go in |
an endeavor to force a strong declaration |
on arbitration. 1t is very doubtful II they |
viii go so far as threatening withdrawal
That would leave them in too anamolous
a position.