Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-12


architectural scheme we may say that 9
great decorated enclosure filled with warm
hued buildings suggestive of the south
while the buildings in their turn are to be
filled in great measure with the products
OF northern ingenuity, is an admirably novel
conception. Here is, in fact, such wealth
of new ideas that, with good management
making the most of each, the results two
years hence may surprise even those who
are now plotting a surprise for the rest OF
the world one or two Of these features alone
would furnish raison d'etre for Buffalo's
enterprise. Nevertheless, after studying all
the plans and talking with officials, local
enthusiasts and local critics for there are
enemies at this stage OF the proceedings)
one reaches the conclusion that the purpose
of developing social and commercial rea-
tions between our country and the countries
of Latin America Is as much the superior
OF any other purpose or features as genius
is the superior of talent; it is, indeed, more
worthy of our attention than all the other
objects combined, even as single genius
commands more attention than group o,
persons of talent. For all the other pleas
ing, instructive and beautiful features, we
may predict GLORIOUS summer in 1901,
and as such things come and go, oblivion
more or less complete in 1902; the plan
of drawing near to Latin America, however,
strikes in just ahead of great movements
that seems destined to fill the early years
of the twentieth century with peculiar
Zest. In those years We should see at least
the completion of an isthmian canal, through
which our ships, sailing almost due south
from New York, may reach the waters OF
the Pacific ocean, thus bringing Ecuador,
Peru, Bolivia and Chill into direct COM
munication with the ports OF the United
States; we should see at least the com
pletion of the trans -Andean railway, con-
Meeting Valparaiso with Buenos Ayres and
Montevideo; in brief, We should see the
awakening of an intelligent interest in the
affairs of Latin America, and the beginning
of friendly effort to remove the barriers
which now keep the people OF the two con-
tinents apart.
Director General.
In this connection the choice of w. l.
Buchanan to fill the office of director gen
eral of the Panamerican exposition is re-
garded as particularly fortunate. At the
Chicago Worlds fair Mr.. Buchanan was the
first to receive appointment as chief of de-
partment, and the departments of agricul-
ture. forestry and live stock wera all con-
fded to him. 1t is the testimony of such
men as Daniel II. Burnham, Chicago's direc-
tor of works. President Higinbotham and
w. e. Curtis that no other person connected
with the administration showed more effect
i've ability. Before that time, at his home,
Sioux City, Ia, Mr.. Buchanan had made
success OF the Corn Palace enterprise. In
President Cevelands administration he was
appointed to the post of United States minis
ter to the Argentine Republic. where his rec
ord was admirable. After the election OF
President Mckinley, Mr.. Buchanan sent in
his resignation and returned TO Washington,
but when he called at the White House to
pay his respects to the president Mr.. Nc
Kinley inquired when he thought to return to
his post, adding that the question of retain
ing the Office or surrendering 1t was in this
case to be decided by the incumbent himself.
Mr.. Buchanan then withdrew his resignation
and entered upon his service once more. His
achievement in settling a boundary dispute
which had been long pending between Chile
and the Argentine Republic gave him a
standing in South America such as probably
no other citizen OF the United States enjoys.
Quite recently he resigned his commission
to accept the position offered to him by the
Panamerican Exposition company, the date
set for entering upon his new duties being
November l.
Endorsed by Mckinley.
While Mr.. Buchanan was considering tho
proposition made by the Panamerican com
pany, he consulted his friends in various
parts OF the country, and they advised him
by all means to accept the offer, on the
ground that he would again be identified
with a successful undertaking. In Wash
ington he found that the chiefs OF depart
ments were all strongly in favor OF the Pan
american, and the opinion was expressed
that the national government would make
better exhibit than ever before, not except
ing that at the Worlds fair, II is significant
OF the administrations attitude toward this
enterprise that quite recently when a com
mittee OF the Panamerican waited upon Mr..
Mckinley at Chicago, inviting him to visit
Buffalo, the president replied that he was
unwilling TO go to Buffalo in such an in
cidental fashion; that he wanted to start