The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-10-23
The South American Visitors Roy
ally Entertained by the
Lake City People.
A Grand Banquet at Which the
Decorations Surpass All
Previous Efforts.
Speeches by Guests and Entertainers Adj
vocatinI Closer Commercial Relations
Between Americans.

| CHICAGO, Oct 22-The international ex-
cursionists occupied to-day in tour Of in
spection of the board of trade, several large
commercial houses, the auditorium and
Durham stock farm. Az o'clock this
afternoon the doors of the Grand Pacific
banqueting hall were thrown open that the
citizens might come in and view
the appointments made by the citizens
for the banquet 30 be given this evening in
honor Of the excursionists. The room was
decorated in the most beautiful manner
with tropical vegetation etc, under tiny
incandescent electric lights. At one end Of
the banqueting table was a floral ship ten
feet long with the word Chicago" ON her
bow At the other end of the table wns
train of flowers, and ON each side
the name North and South Ameri-
can railroads." On one wall was
map of the western hemisphere, the
oceans in inlmOrtelles and various national
territories in united immortelles. Opposing
this huge piece, and reaching from the floor
to the ceiling wis great American shield
of flowers against n background Of flags Of
the nations represented. Each of the deco
lraiions was studded with incandescent
lamps that produced brillinnt effect. Beds
of roses were everywhere, and the lighting
was brilliant. The table dressing was daz
zling and the arrangements for seating per-
feet.
For two hours admiring citizens pissed
through the hail. then the doors were shut.
The orchestra began its work and NJ
7:}0 the guests were seated, Senator
Charles i. Farwell presiding. After the
banquet had been disposed Of. Senator
Farwel spoke briefly in calling the assom-
bly, to order Touching upon the matter of
the trade relations of the Americas, he
said: 1--WE must offer 10 you our exports
as cheaply as Others do and TO that end
shall favor such legislation as we bring
about this result even 10 the extent Of un-
interrupted trade between all countries ON
this hemisphere
Gov Fifer, of Illinois, in brief speech
then welcomed the delegates ON behalf Of
the people of the state. Minister Romero,
of Mexico, responded. speaking at some
length of the PROCESS of this country, par
tticnlarly the state of Illinois and the city
| Of Chicago. He and the delegates had been
greatly astounded at allt they had seen. and
as regards Chicago. if they had not seen il,
they would have been inclined 10
regard its history as fairy tale,
and even 10 doubt the possibility
p of what had been accomplished. Judge
Lambert Tree, ex-minister to RussiH, spoke
ON closer friendly and CO. 'lercial rea-
tions. Senior J. Alfonso , icgate from
Chill, responded 10 the same toast and in
, the course of his remarks said; 81 must,
with entire sincerity and frankness. confess
that everything we have seen demonstrates
that the reports contained in the books of
resources Of the United States convey but
a faint idea of the reality. An Almighty
hand has treated this country ny loving
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 dissimilar, limitations run the risk
of being illusionary and Ineffective, If
not absolutely dangerous. To the honesty
and good will of the people of the United
= States toward mankind IL owing, in great
degree, their prosperity. which seems
more astonishing AZ We contemplate il more
, closely" Senor Alfonso concluded 10y pro.
posing the following toast: "for the mn
tion that. like this cetncnts its prosperity
, and ia grandeur 10y proceeding always in a
righteous and honest manner
Speaking of the Importance Of the con
ference 30 the merchants of the United
States. Charles r. Flint, one of the Ameri-
can delegates. said that the mnster minds
of this continent have always recognized
the natural alliance which should exist be-
tween the independent governments of this
! hemisphere. Dealings between people Of
the Americas should be direct. without
foreign Intervention. For want of proper
, mechanism of exchange our purchases
from South America are paid for by drafts
ON London bankers. We shall establish our
own standard, and IL this congress furmu-
! lnteH u system Of inter-Americun exchange
and provides for the coinage Of dollar,
which shall be standard for dealings be-
tween the countries whose representatives
are here. IL will accomplish practical re-
suit and place IN the possession Of the peo-
pie coin symbolizing the national frater-
( nifty Of the Americas. Referring tO the
efforts TO extend trade between neighboring
states. Mr.. Flint said: We have
been met by the statement
that members of the international
congress are wasting their time endeavorinQ
10 extend the trade until this country adj
mits South American products free Of duty.
In reply call your attention 10 the fact that
the United States has arendy reduced its
tariff 50 that over NJ per cent. of the pro-
duce coming from countries represented in
this congress is admitted free Of duty, which
leaves less thnn ~ per cent. with which 90
trade for reciprocity. There WIS received
last year from countries south of the United
States produce 10 the value of $1s1 10000.
What is deplorable il that 10 pny for that
produce we had To remit Tll2WODOin cash
to Europe. where our southern neighbors
purchased over S5 per cent of the mnnufnc-
tured goods which they required from
abrond Instead of sending their orders 90
Europe, we ask them 70 purchase from us
IN exchange for what we propose 10 pur-
cliase from them, the manufactured pro-
ducts and supplies which We are showing
them, and in moving 10 extend our com
mercial relations, let us proceed by stimuli
taneOusly developing our facilities in many
directions; by pertectlng an international
system Of exchange; by showing that we
can produce honest goods at fair prices; by
creating "A system of banking; by rcciproci-
" treatiesi 10y improving communication by
mail and cable, recognizing tine facilities
for transportation by sen and by rail
Geo. X. Blanchard, chairman Of the Cen.
trail Traffic association, in his speech re-
viewed the rapid development OF transpor-
tatiOn in this country. lie advocated n
union Of our railways with that of South
America by subyention of the requis-
ite international lines. He spoke Of
the development Of our commerce with
Mexico since the completion of rail con-
nection with that country and said 1--WE