Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-05
Minister Merou Denies Rumors of
South American Alliance.
REPUBLICS ALL FRIENDLY TO Us
Numerous Instances Cited to Show
Their GOOD Feeling.
TRIBUTE TO GENERAL ROCA

NAHANT. Mass. August 5.-Martin Gar
cia Merou. minister Of the Argentine Repub-
lie TO the United States. was interviewed
today by a representative of the Associated
Press concerning recent news dispatches
bearing upon the journey just undertaken
by Gen. Roca, president OF the Argentine
Republic. to the capital of the United States
OF Brazil, which has given occasion for
rumors of an alleged alliance between the
nations Of the southern extremity Of the
continent against the United States
Senor Mercu said:
THE invention Is so absurd that find IL
hard to trouble you with the request that
you publish a complete dental. The visit Of
Gen. Roca is a friendly and cordial compli-
ment paid to nation with which we have
most pleasant political and commercial re-
lations. For many years we have had a
boundary controversy with Brazil inherited
from the colonial times OF the respective
countries. which submitted to the arbi-
uation Of President Cleveland.
with this cause of possible misunder-
standing among our peoples removed. and
Hhdihg at the head of tie Brazilian gov
ernment statesman of the high attain
ments of President Campo Sanes, Gen
Roca undoubtedly has thought il wise and
convenient to close the links which unite
the two largest and most important re-
pubiics of South America. by this visit
Cordial Relations with U.s.
IN reference to the United States, I can
assure you that our relations with this
great republic have never been more cor
dial than at present. The fact that your
minister in Buenos Ayres. Mr. Buchanan,
who very soon will return to your shores
and will no doubt ratify my statement was
selected as an umpire in an important
question pending with Chile is an eloquent
proof of our sentiments in regard to this
country.
I'm his recent annual message to the
chambers Gen. Roca paid a great compli-
ment to the United States government and
Its worthy representatives, and our con-
sress just at present has under considera-
ton bill apPropriating the necessary
funds to pay the travelling expenses and
maintenance of fifty Argentine young men
who will come to the United States to fol-
low the courses OF some of your agricul-
tCral and mechanical colleges.
Gen. Roca, whose character and states
manlike ability make him one of the most
distinguished public men in our continent
and whom I know with Intimacy having
been for time his private secretary. is a
great admlrer of the United States, and he
foIlows tI with deepest sympathy the wonder
ful development of the American people in
all their paths of human activity
Considers the Bumor Absurd.
"of course. have not the right TO speak
on behalf of Chile and Brazil: but I know
both countries. and especially the second.
having represented my country there be-
fore being appointed minister to the United
States; and, besides, 1 have the honor to
ENJOY the personal friendship of President
Campo Sales who partakes with Gen. Roca
the most cordial feelings toward the United
States.
In fact" Senor Merou proceeded. "aIl
this talk about alliances in South America
asd,Hst this country Is false and completely
misleading. 1t is true that. happily, there is
growing sentiment of solidarity between
me republics of Chile. Brazil and Argentina.
put this Ieei!ns mas nothing to do with our
mutual excellent relations with the T-ntfaS
states. and tends only to promote a better
understanding among our different peopIe.
ana II possible, closer commercial reia-
tions."
In conclusion, the minister said: 81 hep
you to deny In the most Categorical manner
all this idle talk "eA