Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-01-21
and country should disappear at this


ever, and their field of usefulness is In
no way circumscribcd. Organize the
fair properly; put II in charge of men
who will work actively for the good of
the institution itself. men who will give
ii purpose and who will put some life
and energy into it, give it n suitable To-
cation and q sufficient equipment: make
both the exhibition and amusement feat
ureS what they ought TO be, and by Civ
ing studous attention to the needs of cX
hibitors and visitors, the fair will suc-
coed.
DIR. SOTELDO.
DR. A. NJ Soteldo of Venezuela. was
next introduced to the Congress He con-
graduated ,he congress upon the fact
that its meeting came at time of a gem
-ral revival of agricultural industries,
when Il change for the better was in
sight.
The domestic production was not only
equal to All domestic wants but there
was an abundant surplus and a European
demand for hreadStufiS. cotton. &c.
which promised to exhaust ii. This con-
dition gave some idea of the wonderful
resources OF this country and the magnti-
cent extent of its cultivated area.
There were cigbty-one million acres
planted to corn. thirty million to wheat.
The corn production was 2.3eo o00, 900 BUSH
els and that of wheat in excess of 100
900, 600 bushels Ten million bales of cot
ton WAS pcke,.: all these figures illustrate
United States. and indicating that il
would always control the supplies Of
these products.
DR. Soteldo referred to the possibilities
OF agriculture possessed by Nenezucla
It's climate and seasons offered wonderful
opportunities for diversified agriculture.
II has immense forests of valuable woods.
1t is rich in minerals. American genius
and American wealth could find no bet
ter place for investment, especially in
low fIf h.A Al Nln
toward this country for its action in the
boundary dispute with Great Britain.
The republics of America all appreciate
the advantages OF closer relations with
the United States. especially in the direc
ton of reciprocal trade.
The Pan-American congress and the es-
Establishment of the bureau of American
republics, maintained at Washington,
We're referred to at some length Ven
ezucla has appointed DR.. Soteldo as its
representative in the bureau and he mas
been acting in such capacity for some
months.
'"rhe present administration has in
fused new life and vigor into the work of
the bureau" said DR.. Soteldo under the
energetic management of Mr.. J. 2. Smith
| had SO long iabored for and advocated
the establishment of this bureau that !
almost feel that 1t is the offspring of my
own conception. and am especially glad
to speak of the work of Mr.. Smith. whose
energy and husnesslike methods are at
tracing wide and favorable attention,
and will result in great good to our trade.
The wonder is that one man can accom-
plSh so much in so short time. He has
the hearty cooperation of the general ad
ministration. DR. Soteldo concluded by a
reference to the idea which he advanced
at the indianapolis congress of an Amer
lean farm colony in Venezuela. This
country was one Of the first to be imbued
with the spirit of free institutions and
was rapidly gaining ground by expert
ence. 1t took time to get rid of diSadvan-
tageS growing out of peculiar systems
and customs, and much might be gained
by association with Americans, while the
latter could find vast field for their en-
ergieS and one that would amply remu-
nerate them for their pains
Since ii was proposed, his ideas had re-
ceived the approval of his own govern
ment in most ccmmendatory terms. The
establishment of such a colony would OPP
crate for the common advantage of the
farmers. the merchants and the manu-
facturers by the development of new
lines of industry and the opening of new
markets. 1t was in line with the sent-
ment. America for Americans" Or.
Soteldo told something of the desirable
locations for such a colony and expressed
his appreciation of the privilege Of at
tending the congress.
SENIOR ROMERO OF MENICO.
President Clayton then introduced
Senior n. Romero, the Mexican minister
to the United States. Senior Romero
spoke briefly. but in terms that aroused
the enthusiasm of the congress. He said
that Mexico was honored by the invita-
ton to be represented at the congress.
and expressed his personal qualification
at being present. The congress was
revelation to him and he had been enter
tanned and instructed by the foFcible adj
dresses. He commented particularly
upon the parliamentary ability with
which the deliberations were directed.
Speaking Of himself, he said that he had
first come to the United States forty
years ago, during the Buchanan admins
trtttion. and had lived more in the United
States than i'll his own country. Remain
ing during the war and for about twenty
Gears. he had returned home only To
aome back to the United States as the
representative of his government
Upon his return he had endcavored to
establish the ideas and the institutions
of this country. which he 50 much add
mired the hope of an free peoples. His
diplomatic position precluded his discus
sion of some topics of mutual interest.
He did refer briefly, however. TO the pos
sible impetus given agriculture in Mexico
by the fan in the pric" of silver This
would operate to close some of the mines
and turn attention 10 farming,
Minister Romero commented upon the
fact. which struck him rs peculiar. that
the agricultural population of the United
50 little its power to control the govern
mcnt. 1t astonished Il foreigner To OBJ
serve how little influence in government
tai affairs was exercised by 50 large and
cnlight ened an element of the population.
The government rested upon the agrcul-
tural class its foundation. ana the
farmers might control it if they would.
MIR. J. J. HILL.
The important speech of the session
was that of Mr.. j. J. Hin, president of
the great Northern Railroad.
Mr.. Hill said | am glad to attend all
occasions of this kind and observe the in
tcreSt taken in the one occupation that
furnishes the bone and SincW of the land.
One-half the people and nearly one-half
the capital of the nation are engaged in
agricultural pursuits. We are all inter
eSted in seeing prosperity come to those
who cultivate the land.
10 show YOU the development that has
taken place in the Northwest, let me
cite you some figures. For eighteen years
l have been at the head of system of
railway running through the Northwest.
In 1879 when l first took charge of that
system. we hauled to market PISS. 900
bushels of wheat. During the years 1885,
sc the figures were 6S.000000 bushels. This
compa rison represents the development
of the northwestern country In these tif-
teen years. But this growth has not been
limited to the Northwest.
There has been great development along
agricultural lines everywhere. The
world has advanced more In this respect
in the la CT one hundred veara tbo,, In bo