Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-15
CHILE ANXIOUS ABOUT
NEW U. 5. AMBASSADOR
Entire Issue of Future Rela-
tionship Between Two Coun-
tries Hinges on Choice
SITUATION is DELICATE
South Americans Would Prefer
Younger Active Man Able to
4 Fight German Propaganda
SANTIAGO. Chilc. Mnrch -.

Tho entire issue Of the future rcla-
tionship Of the United States and Chile
hinges upon the choice OF the successor
10 Ambassador Shea. whose resignation
IL persstcntly reported to be Under con.
sidc-ation on account of his age and
the strenuous demands of the post.
The reports of Judge Shea's retire.
ment are certainly not tho result OF any
friction with the Chilean Government.
which is most cordial with him. With
the exception of Ambassador Fletcher
lnow Ambassador to MeXico) Shea Is
probably the most popular United States
dlplomat who has ever been hero In "a
generation. lie IS popular both with the
Chilcans and with the Americans. His
tactfulncss kindlncss and modCsty
have created the most favorable inn
preston.
But IN the event ot. his resignation
rro-Allcs here are very anHiuus that Il
younger. more argrcSeiv" aud active
man be selected. capable Of carrying on
the fight against German propaganda
both day and night.
Thorn In Chiiesu Sides
The fact that the Santiago appoint
ment has been classcd aS political
Mum has been a thorn in the sides of
Chieans for many years They scnsi-
lively interpret this as indicating tina;
tbe post Is not considered of sufficient
Importance to justify the appointment
of "A diplomat chosen solely for his
ability. Fletcher almost wiped out this
IMPRESSION and Shea has helped. The
prcsent healthy state Of existing rela-
tions with Chile are credited to these
two ambassadors.
AS a matter of fact, the long exist
Ing prejudice against the United States
has been virtually eliminated aud Amer
leans here point out that the selection
now, OF the strongest available man vii!
he a compliment highly appreciated by
the ChlcanS.
The previous prejudice was due to
four particular sore spo.s which were
as follows:
First. The virtual Intervention hy the
United States in behalf of Peru against
Chile in the war of 1879.
Second. The mcddllug of the cruiser
San Francisco in the revolution Of 1891.
Third The cruiser Baltimore Incl
dent also in 1921. when tho Cnitod
States issued an ultimatum demanding
indemnity for sailors killed ia shore
brawl at Valparaiso.
Fourth. Secretary NnON'S Ult.matum
In connection with the Alsop claim
Rancor IIus Died
The rancor due to these four causes
now has about died out and the dip
lomatic wounds are practically healed.
The Chilean attitude has become that
Of the man from Missouri. Chile is in
terested in the performances of the
United States but is not interested In
promises.
With Candor. not evidenced else
where in Latin-America, Chilcans of the
highest rank bluntly declare their coun-
try Is not involved individually in the
issues Of the war. Chile recognizes II"
unusual opportunity for national growth
and progress she will follow the
course dictated by cNpedicncy.
with the Panama Canal IN operation
and the increased American shipping
there are indications sthat CX2ediency
may point toward the United States.
All these facts Increase the interest
IN the possible successor to Shea. 1t is
pointed out that unless he Is a man more
than ordinarily adrot, German msrcp-
resentation and intrigue are certain to
result in rcparablc and incalculable
damage.