Peru for the control of the nitrate fields which lay just where
the territories of the three abutted, provided a convenient
opportunity. If he could restore peace on an equitable basis
here, he would do much to establish the prestige of the United
States as a wise and disinterested counselor in Spanish American
affairs. In this his first diplomatic undertaking, there
appeared, however, one of the weaknesses of execution which
constantly interfered with the success of his plans. He did not
know how to sacrifice politics to statesmanship, and he appointed
as his agents men so incompetent that they aggravated rather than
settled the difficulty. Later he saw his mistake and made a new
and admirable appointment in the case of Mr. William H. Trescot
of South Carolina. Blaine himself, however, lost office before
new results could be obtained; and Frelinghuysen recalled Trescot
and abandoned the attempt to force peace.

A second object of Blaine's policy was to prevent disputes
between Latin American and European powers from becoming
dangerous by acting as mediator between them. When he took
office, France was endeavoring to collect from Venezuela a claim
which was probably just. When Venezuela proved obdurate, France
proposed to seize her custom houses and to collect the duties
until the debt was paid. Blaine protested, urged Venezuela to
pay, and suggested that the money be sent through the American
agent at Caracas. He further proposed that, should Venezuela not
pay within three months, the United States should seize the
custom houses, collect the money, and pay it to France. Again his
short term prevented him from carrying out his policy, but it is
nevertheless of interest as anticipating the plan actually
followed by President Roosevelt in the case of Santo Domingo.