Evening star., 1895-08-20
Objects Of an Organization Now
Being Formed in Washington.
TO Be HELPFUL TO THIS HEMISPHERE
Closer Commercial AffiIiation Be.
tween Republics Aimed At.
SOME PLAIN STATEMENTS


when the proposition to celebrate IN some
significant and memorable manner the four
hundredth anniversary Of the discovery of
America began to take tangible shape,
bill was introduced in Congress providing
for the establishment of a permanent ex-
position Of the three Americas in this city,
in commemoration of the great event.
Among other things the measure, which
Mr.. Belmont reported favorably from
unanimous committee on foreign affairs
to the House, contained a provision for
space for a permanent building to contain
a permanent exhibit of the history, an
tiquities. resources. arts and industries of
the Spanish American republics, Brazil
Qhen an empire), Canada and the various
colonies of North, South and Central Amer
lea. Immediately vast amount of interest
was aroused throughout the Americas, and
men of foresight and perception saw in
such an exposition the future means Of
bringing the western nations into closer
affinity with each other and of forming
binding commercial ties that would result
in the mutual benefit of all the people
concerned. the diplomatic representatives
here Of the various countries to the south
of US welcomed the proposition with gen.
eral enthusiasm. and the tocsin of Amer
lea for Americans" was sounded in louder
and more vibrant tones than ever.
Congress, however, failed for a variety
of reasons, which need not be specified
mere, 10 approve the Scneme OF such
exposition. and the celebration of the event
full visit of Columbus to these shores took
the shape Of the wonderful display at Chi
cago
More Intimate Relations Desired.
The desire for closer commercial and
friendly relations between the countries of
the western hemisphere, however, which
had long been present in patriotic bosoms,
and which was heightened by the agitation
in favor of the three Americas exposition,
was not allayed by the failure to establish
1t. Influential Americans. both in the
United States and elsewhere, continued to
discuss the propriety of a more intimate
intercourse between the people of the var.-
GUS republics, and for a long time past the
idea of establishing a club in this city
for the purpose of accomplishing this re-
suit has been seriously under considera-
ton by well-known men. Consequently, a
tangible movement is now in progress
which looks to the formation in Washing
ton of an organization to be known as the
Western Hemisphere Club. The objects of
the promoters may. be readily appreciat-
ed by a circular which they have prepared
and which is now being sent to persons
whose views are known to be in sympat thy
with the matter 1t contains.
Danger From Foreign Powers.
1.-The western hemisphere is menaced by
the insolent rapacity of allied European
governments" says the circular. 'Their
power is intrenched in every eligible mil
itary and naval site bordering on the ex-
tended coasts of this part of the world.
The flags Of SQuadrons hostile to western
civilization are everywhere seen. Contro-
versies without merit are fomented by
European powers against weak western re-
pubics as pretext for forcible acquisition
of their territory. Weak men in great
places of power obsequiously submit to
this intolerable policy. Under 1T the inde-
pendence of long-established states is jeop-
I1,,- TIT, l,oI..
ment arrested and the spirit of their peo-
pie broken. The controlling principle of
European politics in their foreign relations
Is conquest and the acquisition Of money.
The seat of this principle Is brute force.
The hope of the hemisphere is in the United
States. Among its sacred traditions is the
doctrine that European governments shall
not intermeddle in the affairs of the hem
isphere. This tradition is permitted to wane:
the craft and intrigue of eastern diplo-
macy evades IL: an imhecile and truculent
ambassy abroad. ashamed of the people
they represent, hasten to concede its ,mpo-
tency. Liberty is not self-sustaining. Eter-
nal vigilance is its price. If eastern Gu
pidity may dismantle weaker states of this
hemisphere and build on their ruins insti-
tutions Incompatible with ours the fate of
this country Is certain"
Principles of the Proposed Club.
Continuing, the document says: 1.-The
principle of self-reliance out of which our
institutions arose can alone save them.
The people of this hemisphere, constituting
the worlds great family of: republics can
save themselves by giving joint notice that
spoliation of them must cease; that hence
forth no European hand shall violently
touch a single government of the hemis-
phere.
IF controversies arise they will be over
looked by the United States and force will
not be tolerated to settle them. A prefer
ence should be cultivated in every school
Of the hemisphere for the removal of all
foreign flags and form of power therefrom.
1t should be given out as the deliberate
purpose of the hemisphere that the people
thereof are entitled to govern themselves
pledge their united resources. Inhabitants
thereof so believing, irrespective Of politics
or creed, are requested to Join the West
ern Hemisphere Club, situated at Washing
ton, D. c., where it is to be hoped the sug-
gestions herein contained, properly modi-
fed, may be made the basis of union to
secure the execution of these principles"
Mr.. Chandler's Views.
Mr.. Jefferson Chandler, the weil-known
lawyer. is greatly interested in the move
ment, and in conversation with a Star re-
porter today he stated that he believed
such a club as that proposed would be of
much value in influencing public sentiment
to a proper conception of the dangers that
now confront the western hemisphere, as
well as bringing the representative men of
all Of the western countries together on
common plane, where Instructive discussion
of international questions on this side of
the globe might be enjoyed with much
profit. AS yet, he said, no plans have been
made for the detailed organization of the
club, but he believed that when its objects
became generally known there would be no
doubt about its formation quickly following.
THE COURTS.