New-York tribune., 1890-04-20
THE payAuEBICAN CONFERENCE.

II "
The pan-American Conference has closed
it's sessions after accomplishing most lmpor-
tant albeit indirect, results. AS purely de-
Lucrative assembly it was not empowered either
10 negotiate treaties or to commit the various
Governments to any measures OF International
policy. The delegates have discussed the dlpo-
matte. commercial and monetary relations of
tbe American republics, and have united in
making recommendations on almost every sub
iect affecting the common interests OF the W est
ern uemisphere but their work has been from
tho necessities of the case tentative. The great
international congresses of history have as
sembled after devastating wars to recast the
man of Europe and to readjust the relations
of dynasties and Governments and the results
of their deliberations have been embodied In
comprehensive diplomatic compromises ike
the treaties of Vienna, Paris and
Berlin. The Pan-American Congress met
during period of profound peace
neace to consider practical measures for avert
ing war and bringing the American republics
into closer and more harmonious relations thah
have previously existed. 1t has been friend
ly. and, to large extent, an informal, consulta-
ton among the members OF the American lahl-
ily of republican nationalities. The results are
not formulated in an international compact or
series of treaties. yet are likely TO prove mo-
mentions and TO promote the highest ends OF
civilization.
There have been differences of opinion on
various subjects, and an agreement on a scheme
Of international arbitration has been reached
with extreme difficulty and only after series
of COMPROMISES With eighteen nations repre-
sented in the Conference divergencics OF view
on so WIDE range of international questions
we're inevitable; and compulsory arbitration
as a precautionary system for preventing war
was so far in advance of prevailing ideas OF
national independence of action that Immediate
and spontaneous agreement upon the prac'cal
operation of so progressive scheme could not
have been reasonably expected. Indeed, when
the wide ground traversed by the delegates In
their deliberations is taken into consideration
it is simply amazing that so many reports from
committees have been unanimously adopted
and that the proceedings have been conducted
so harmoniousIy. There has been substantial
agreement among the delegates on all the COM
MEX questions which have been discussed. This
result, it must be generally conceded Is to be
largely attributed to Secretary Blaines concill-
atory attitude and conSummatc tact. In the
closing session, when harmonious action on the
arbitration resolutions seemed utterly imprac-
ticable, he readily succeeded in removing every
obstacle and effectng a satisfactory compro-
mise.
The Congress has ended, but the work Of
American unification has barely begun. The
ground has been leveled the way has been
opened for securing united action on the part
of eighteen commonwealths which will pro-
mote the enlightened sef-intercst OF each and
the common welfare of all and it now remains
for the United States to take the initiative and
TO complete a great work of high civilization.
BY conciatory diplomacy, by the opportune
negotiation Of treaties. by energetic and in
teigent action. and by perseverance, patience
and tact. the State Department can accomplish
great and memorable results for American civil
zation. In this work it must have the I'M
divided support of prAlic opinion in America.
From this day the Monroe Doctrine passes by
processes of diplomatic evolution into stage
of higher Development There is an American
continental policy to be worked out and con
summated