The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-10-23
THE NATIONS GUESTS.
rendered a Magnificent Ban
quet in Chicago.
"oUR COUNTRY A FAIRY LAND" "



end the Dunham stock farm AT 5 O'Clock
tnis afternoon the doors OF the Grand Pa
ctfic bangaesing hail were thrown open
inat the people might come in and view the
appointments made BY citizens for the ban
eust given this evening in honor OF the ex-
cursIonisis. The room was decorated in
the most beautiful manner with tropical
vegetation. etc. under which glowed tinY
ineandescent electric lights. At one end of
the sangueting table was fioral ship ten
feet long, with the word Chicago" on her
bow. At the other end of the table was a
train OF flowers and on each side the name
North and South American Railroad. T"
On one wall was a map of the Western
hemisphere. the ocean in white immor-
teiies and various national territorisies in
eoiorea immortelles. Opposing this huge
piece, and reaching from floor TO ceiling,
was great American shield OF flowers
sgaInst background of flags OF the ma
lions represented. Each of the decorations
was studded with incandescent lamps that
produced brilliant effect. Beds OF roses
were everywhere, and the lighting was
brilliant.
The table dressing was dazzling and the
arrangements for seating perfect. Fer two
hours admiring citizens passed through
the hall and then the doors were shut. The
orchestra began its work and st Z 30 the
guests were seated. Senator Charles b.
FarweIl presided
After the banquet had been disposed of
Senator Farwell spoke briefly in calling the
assemblage to order. Touching upon the
matter of the trade relations OF the Ameri-
cas-, he said:
We must offer TO you our exports as
cheaply as others do theirs. ! shall favor
such legislation as will bring about the re-
suit. even TO the extent of uninterrupted
trade between all countries of this hemi-
sphere"
Governor Fifer, OF Illinois, In a brief
speech then welcomed the delegates on be-
half of the people of the state. Minister
Romero, of Mexico, responded, speaking
at some length OF the progress Of this
country, and particularly the state of
Illinois and the city OF Chicago. He and
the delegates had been greatly astonished
at all they had seen, and as regards Chi
cago, If they had not seen it they would
have been Inclined to regard its history as
fairy tale and even doubt the possibility
of what had been accomplished.
Judge Lambert, minister TO Russia. spoke
on the subject of ''Closer Friendly and
Commercial Relations"
Senior j. Alfonxo, delegate from Chill,
responded to the same toast, and in the
course of his remark said: Il must with
entire sincerity aud frankness confess that
everything we have seen demonstrated that
the reports contained in books Of the re-
sources of the United States convey but
faint ideas OF the reality. The Almighty
has treated this country like q mother
would treat her child, and this should not
be lost sight of by other nations that seek
inspiration from the example OF the United
States. for when circumstances are dissimi-
lar. limitations run the risk OF being iilu-
sionary and ineffective. If not absolutely
dangerous. The honesty and good will of
the people of the United States toward
mankind is owing in great degree to its
prosperity. which seems more astonishing
as we contemplate it more closely"
Senor Alfonzo concluded by proposing
the following toast: For the nation that.
like this, cements its prosperity and grand
eur by proceeding always in q righteous
and honest manner"
Speaking of the importance of the confer
ence to the merchants OF the United
States. Charles Il. Flint. one of the Ameri-
can delegates, said that the master
minds of this continent have always recog-
nized the mutual alliance which should
exist between independent governments of
this hemisphere. Dealings between the
people OF the Americas should be direct,
without foreign intervention. For want of
proper mechanism of exchange, our pur-
chases from South America are paid for by
drafts on London bankers. We should es-
tablsh our own standard, and if this
congress formulates a system of inter
American exchange, and provides for the
coinage of a dollar which shall be the stand
ard for dealings between the countries
whose representatives are here, it will
accomplish ~Apractical result and place in
the possession of the people a coin, symbol
izing the national fraternity of the Amer
icas.
trade between nelghboring states, Mr..
Flint said: I've have been met by the
statement that the members of the inter-
national congress are wasting time en-
deavoring to extend trade until this coun-
try admits South American products free
of duty. In reply call your attention to
the fact that the United States has already
reduced its tariff so that over 80 per cent
OF the products coming from South Ameri-
can countries represented in this congress
are admitted free Of duty, which leaves less
than 10 per cent with which 10 trade for
reciprocity. We purchased last year from
the countries south of the United States
produce 10 the value of $isi 600 600
and what is deplorable is that
to pay for that produce we had
TO remit SIZE, coo 900 in cash TO Europe.
where our southern neighbors purchased
over $ per cent. OF the manufactured goods
which they required from abroad. Instead
Of sending their ordsrs to Europe we ask
them 10 purchase OF us in exchange for
what we purchase of them--the manu-
factured products and supplies which We
are showing them and in moving to ex-
tend Cur commercial relations let us
proceed by simultaneously developing our
facilities in many directions, by pe.fecfin Z
an international system of exchange by
showing that We can produce honest goods
az fair prices, by creating system OF
banking, bv reciprocity treaties. by tmproy-
ing communication by mail and cable, hy
recognizing the true value Of the facilities
for transportation by sea and by rail
George r. Blanchard, chairman OF the
Central Trsttsc association, IN his speech
sketched the development of the iEanspor-
,ation in this country. HE advocated the
union OF our railways with those Of soussa
America by the subvention az the requisite
international lines He spoke OF the derel-
onrnent OF our commerce with Mexico since
the completion of rail connection with that
country, ard said we should push onward
~ gTester results.
less than loo miles will reach The