New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-03
OPENING OF THE CONGRESS.

The International American Congress is a
unique event in diplomatic annals. In Eu-
rope the great Congresses of the century, like
those of Vienna, Paris and Berlin, have as
sembled after protracted campaigns to nego-
tate bases of peace and to sanction dynastiC
changes and territorial cessions. The sword
there is mightier than the pen which recasts
what is known as European public law, for il
dictates in advance 10 diplomatists the altera-
tions in maps and treaties which they are COM
PEELED TO make On the American Continent
peace Ieigns everywhere, and the diplomatistS
meeting in Washington are not acting under
coercion from victorious armies nor from am
bilious and unrelenting sovereigns. Seventeen
independent Governments, swaying the des-
TIMES of the American Continent from Behring
Sea to Cape Horn. are comforting tremendously
without regard to battles in the past or to arma-
ments in the present, but solely with reference
to mutual helpfulness, common commercial in
terests and the orderly development Of pacific
industries. No similar body ever assembled
in Europe, where commercial leagues are in
variaby restricted to the joint action of two
Governments and where diplomatic alliances
are essentially military and defensive. Tai
leyrand used TO ring the changes upon the
functions of good Europeans inspired with
benevolent regard for the welfare of the Con-
tinent Those good Europeans had the smell
Of powder in their uniforms, and were utterly
unlike the good Americans who are now pro-
noting the ends of peace at Washington.
The asSemblage of the delegates in the re-
ception-room of the State Department was so
hof IF hn iph 10 CT
quality came almost spontaneously. Secretary
Blaine's address of welcome was as compre-
hensive in its scope and as elevated in thought
as it was hearty and sympathetic in tone. Dis
corning the dignity and historical importance
of the conference, he rose to the level Of the
occasion and eloquently welcomed the dele
gates as fellow Americans meeting in good
faith to promote the highest ends of continental
progress and American civilization. The work
of the Congress was definitely outlined in his
address, and the spirit of liberation and COM
mon confidence in which its deliberations should
be conducted was alphabetically embodied.
His earnest words of welcome called forth a
hearty response from the delegates, and the
Congress was opened under the most favorable
conditions for harmonious discussion of all
questions IeldulnS 10 AHleIICdn lnVSreSls
This International Congress when it adjourns
will leave behind it no formal treaty or COM
mercial convention as the GROWING result Of
its labors. The delegates will debate many
large questions of continental importance, but
they will have no power to commit their Gov
ernments to any legislative measures or to any
systematic policy. 1t is diplomatic body that
will open many subjects for discussion without
acting decisively upon any matter. In this
sense it is not likely to lead to immediate con-
sequences; but its influence can hardly fail to
be far-reaching, and the ultimate results of the
sessions may prove of momentous importance.