The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-11
THE PhN-AMERICAN UNION.
Second International Congress Ex-
pected TO He Fruitful OF Good.

pecfed to He Fruitful Of Good.
The executive committee CT tie Interua-
tional Union of American Republics. which
mas peen In session in this city f5r several
weeks past. has finally arranged tentative
programme for the guidance OF the second
international congress. Since it is beyond
the powers OF the committee to name the
date and place Of meeting for the proposed
congress. these matters are still in abev-
ance; but to prevent any unnecessary de-
lay Secretary Hay, at the suggestion of the
committee, will telegraph to the several
nations comprising the union asking those
who decide to take part in the coming con-
gress to cable permission to their repre-
sentatives in Washington to designate the
time and place of its rext meeting.
| The first congress, which met here in
1855. accomplished little re garding the sub
! jects discussed by 1t, owing to the fact that
too much was attempted for the initial ses-
sion OF so large and comprehensive a body.
Its main object, howsver-the bringing to-
gether Of all the nations on this continent
in amicable convention-was abundautly
attained. and it established excellent prece-
dents and marked out a line for the con-
duct CT succeeding congresses of the same
character. The committee proposes that
the next convention shall continue the dis
cussion OF the questions brought forward at
the last congress, and stipulates that no
new subjects. except those especially rec
commended in its report, shall be consid-
cred.
Arbitration. question Which lay near to
10 nf
crosses. Mr.. Blaine. was only touched upon
by the last conference. but in the coming
enc it will be considered at length. and
with The Hague Conference as a model. IL !
Is not improbable that something will be |
done toward the solution of this important |
question. 1t is proposed by the committee |
to establish permanent tribunal. known |
as an international court Of claims, for the |
settlement upon sound and uniform prin-
cples of all claims arising between Amer
iceu Republics
Measures for the protection Of industries
agriculture and commerce. for the devel-
opment Of the means Of communication be-
tween countries composing the union, and
consular, port and customs regulations
will be discussed. It is believed that by
common action, proper legislation. anu
direct exchange among the various coun-
tries represented in the conference much
can be done to advance commerce and
agriculture. Development of the means of
communication will involve the congress
in a discussion of the ship subsidies that
will avoid duplication OF service and other
unnecessary expenses. while securing reg
ular and sufficient steamship communica-
tion between the ports of the American Re- |
pubiics will result.
Regarding the port and customs regula-
tons. it is aimed to secure as far as posi-
be uniform Justification of merchandise,
similar methods-ad yalorem or specific
in the imposition of customs tariffs. and a
uniformity in the customs and consular
regulations. The subject of statistics will
be considered. with view to securing ac
curate figures relative to trade transpor-
tation and other matters of vital interest
to the nations participating in the con-
gress.
1t is planned, too, to reorganize the Blu
reau OF American Republics. which, since
its foundation in the last congress. has
constantly grown in power and influence.
and has done much not only to stimulate
trade on this continent. but to cultivate
/ friendly feeling among its nations The
committee is ambitious that its usefulness
ihall be still further enhanced. and so rec
,mmends that its administration be inves-
igated and improvements begun. which
will doubtless result in an extension of
IS powers.
The Executive Committee of the Inter
rational Union of American Republics, on
whom all the business of the union he
ween the meetings of the congresses de- c
'olves. is composed of the Secretary of S
'tate, the Director of the Bureau of Amer
can Republics. and the Ministers from !.
Argentina, Colombia Costa Rica. and (
Guatemala. The members from the United I
states. however. although cordially favor
ng the projected congress. have avoided I
aking a prominent part in the delibera-
ions of the committee fearing to influ- 1
.nce their colleagues in the preparation I
If the programme, as it is the intention
II the congress that all of the nations be-
ongins to the union, from, little Costa
aica to big Brazil, shall be on the same
ooting.