Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1889-08-22


The representatives Of all the inde.
pendent nations of the Western con-
6nent will meet in Washington in Oc-
tober next. In 1892 the discovery OF
America will be celebrated with due
pcmp and ceremony in this republic.
There ought to be some sort of connec-
ton between these two events. If this
latter celebration and worlds fair are to
b an honor to us as nation and people
the work cannot be commenced too
soon. And very important step to-
wards that end could well be taken at
this conference in October.
After the lapse of four hundred years
q y high time some bond of sympathy
and interest be established between the
independent nations Of America. As
was>uatural for several hundred years
after the discovery of the New World
the dominant influences here at work
were European influences and were
excited more for the advancement of
European interests than for the perma-
nent welfare Qf any OF the American
states. Politically this influence is not
now 20 strong. In commerce and trade
however our independence has been but
name. 1t has been only in recent
years that anything like direct com
mercial Intercourse with the Central
and South American states has been
ehected. Our trade with these coun-
tries has for more than three hundred
years been carried ON through the me-
dunn of the European marts. And
even our news Of to-day comes to us
principally by way of London. II is
true the Central and South American
states have been somewhat backward i'm
material progress aud enlightenment.
The shadow of effete monarchical gov
ernnents and medieval darkness has
been long upon them and modern ideas
nave there made little progress. For
long time banded about as chattels of
european states they have known little
Of the advantages and benefits of indie
pendence. Their agricultural and min
erai wealth have been farmed without
scruple or conscience. In consequence
tneir internal resources have in many
instances come TO premature decay.
The countries stretching from the Gulf
OF Mexico to Terra del Fuego ought TO
welcome this proposed conference as
step towards their renfranchisement from
the shackles of European bondage and
tneir own ignorance. Ii is the duty of
the United States, in her power and en-
Iigntenment, to stretch out helping
nand to her less civilized sisters. There
ought TO be established here in this new
continent union of interest and sym-
pathy. Our nation has long declared
lts independence Of the political in
Lrigues and clashing interests of Europe.
Is 1t not time now to positively share
u Whatever concerns the welfare of all
lhe nations of this Western world? l.
y not high time that we as a nation
md people at least have a portion of
me trade and commerce of Central and
south America. That commerce has
90 long been monopolized by the trad.
re, capitalists and manufacturers of the
'id World. The continent of America
nrst and foremost for Americans and
'ur lost possession cannot better ar |
|uicker be regained than by a closer
nion OF all the American states This
!nion need not necessarily mean a med
!iesome interference with the affairs of |
ne central and South American states.
yearly all national administrations
ave wisely avoided this evil tendency.
III the coming conference there will |
e no room for any of the iingoism Of
! MI. Blaine or the high tariff mea-
ures OF Mr.. Window. The attitude or
ne present administration towards
iexleo, our nearest neighbor speaking
hrough Its secretary of the treasury Is
ot very favorable TO cultivating com.
aon interest and kindred spirit, II is
be hoped the gentlemen who will
epresent the United States at the com.
lg conference will not practice the di-
'iomacy and demagogueism common 10
european conferences. Let them OK.
lolt that broad statesmanship which
VII inure not only TO our own com.
nercial advancement, but will os
'eil further the interests of the unfortu-
ate states Of Central and South Amor
q, that have 50 long remained in
,editeval darkness. The moral respon.
lbility of the United States is vast in
his matter. May she stand the test and
rove faithful TO the trust.
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