New-York tribune., 1901-10-26
OBSTRUCTION BY CHILL.
HOSTILITY TO ARBITRATION SHOWN IN
THE PAN-AMERICAN CONGRESS.
INFLUENCE OF THE UNITED STATES TO BE
EXERTED FOR A SETTLEMENT OF THE
DISPUTE BETWEEN CHILLI AND PERU.
IBr TELEGRAPH 70 THE TRrBuNE.l

IBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE-l
Washington Oct 25.-Regret is expressed in
Washington official circles over the aggressiveiy
hostile attitude toward the subject of arbitra-
ton thus early assumed by Chilli at the Pam
American Congress now in session at the City
of Mexico Reports received here indicate that
the Chilian delegation. by opposing the adop-
tion OF the resolution designed purely to nave
a queting effect the belligerent spirits OF
Venezuela and Colombia, has embrased the
first opportunity presented to serve notice on
the congress Of Chili's purpose stoutly and per-
sistently to fight every proposition for the Ior-
nation Of a Pan-American Court of Arbitra-
tion, one of the avowed and highest purposes
of the congress. 1t is well understood of course,
that the inspiring motive in Chilrs assumption
of this obstructive position is TO prevent any
discussion either by the congress as n whole
by any of its subsidiary organizations, of the
long standing dispute between hat country ana
Peru of the old Tacna-Arica question. Chilli
refused to send delegates to the first Pan
American Congress. which was held in this city
twelve years ago. because the pledge would not
be made in advance that the congress would
not concern itself in any way with that ques-
ton. In the tentative programme agreed on for
this congress by the properly instituted author
ity one of the questions distinctly defined
within the scope of the congress that of
arbitration. After accepting the invitation TO
take part in the congress, Chill threatened to
withdraw unless the arbitration subject was
limited to future questions only. But the COM
mittee which arranged the tentative programme
refused to modify that instrument demanded
by Chilli.
Despite this however. Chill has sent duly
accredited representatives to the City of Mexico,
just have all the other States of the New
saffb
Will have to abide by the results of the congress
withdraw and be considered somewhat in the
light Of outlaw among the nations Of the two
continents. 1t is regarded peculiarly unfort-
unate that the congress should be held up In
this way before its work is fairly under way.
and It is keenly regretted that at the very begin
ming of a movement for compact among New
World nations a sort OF Asace- Lorraine ques-
tion should arise constantly TO vex and impede
the progress Of a better understanding among
American States.
UNITED STATES A PEACEMAKER.
The whole influence of this government win
be employed TO keep down at the City OF Mexico
any charp disputes OF this nature. 20 the end
that the congress may proceed with the great
work in hand unhampered either by restrictions
s the scope of the congress or by jarring
quarrels between any two States The United
States delegates were carefully instructed on
this point before they left Washington. and as
with them at the city Of Mexico there IL no
doubt that they will receive fresh instructions
whenever new questions may arise or old ones
be revived in acute form. While this govern
ment has not taken sides in the imbroglio be-
tween Chill and Peru, IL is known that rather
than see the success Of the congress seriously
threatened the United States would take up the
cause of -one or the other disputant and thus
put a stop to the quarrel before IT spreads. II
IS believed that this could be done effectively
without causing either Chill Peru to with
draw from the congress. or without hurting the
pride or coInpI omsing the interests Of either.
In view Of this belief II is intimated that the
United States delegates will be instructed from
Washington in the next day two 10 inquire
closely and cautiously into the dispute between
Peru and Chill and determine, IL possible. II
there is any way by which the differences OF
the nations may be composed sufficiently 10 per
nit the congress TO go with its work without
further unnecessary delay. II the representa-
tiVes OF this country at the Mexican capital re-
port that the conditions are favorable II is
thought that this government will take the
initiative in giving definiteness and aggressive
ness 10 the deliberations Of the congress. In
anticipation of this Secretary Gage already is
preparing to send commission To the congress
from the Marine Hospital Service of the Treas
ury Department to aid in formulating Pan
American quarantine and general sanitary board
Nearly every nation in the Western Hemisphere
has different quarantine regulations. and il is
contended that the congress ought to be able
to agree on some common and effective basis Of
quarantine and sanitation that would relieve
Pan-American commerce and general intercourse
Of mn friction nd