The age-herald., 1901-10-23
Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations Opens Meeting
 With Fine Speech
ITS OBJECT HUMANITARIAN
Sentiment of Friendship and Sympathy Between Republics of Three Americas Cultivated to
 Great Degree.

City of Mexico, October 22.-The Pan- American conference was formally opened this afternoon by the Hon. Ignacio Maris- cal, minister of foreign relations, who made the following address:
 Messrs. Delegates:-It is more than eleven years ago since an international American conference, destined to promote friendly understanding and fraternal harmony between the nations of this hemisphere, met at the city of Washing ton for the first time in history.
 Since them a sufficient period has elapsed to reflect regarding the means leading to such glorious end, and events which have occurred in the whole world, the efforts made in Europe with the noble object of attaining similar results, whether it be among the several nations of the old continent and some republics of ours, or among the Spanish-speaking people, it may serve as guide and ex ample to push forward such 8 delicate undertaking. Undoubtedly we should not despair owing to the little which appar- ently ha been attained, if we compare the grand aspirations previous to gather ings such as the one that is today in. augurated, because, if rightly understood. what has been obtained is not of so little importance. nor is there any reason t, fear that this congress will fail to make an advance on the work of it's predeces- sor, whose labors can in no wise be con sidered as lost to the world.
 Steps in Right Path.
 Every step that humanity takes in the true path to progress, bswe9er insignifi- cant 1t may appear to be, if taken, along the true direction of its well being which no thinker disputes. and which every philanthropist yearns for, every step hay ing for It's object humanitarian interests, Is a conquest that can never be lost; a stake firmly driven to pointing out the true pathway of advancement As is well known force is never eliminated in the physical world, it is merely trans formed, and all problems refer to the manner of its utilization. The advances made by present sciences and the emo- tions produced by the contact of various peoples in special circumstances, are tam gible or remain. in that latent state, Ut have the germs of life in them and will bear fruit some day to the advantage of the nation. who intimately have been produced. It is therefore the duty of statesmen to obtain the great est prac- tical results from these advancements and impressions which are really indestruc- tible. q
 There is no doubt whatever of the sen timent of friendship and sympathy culti- vated to such high degree by our north ern neighbors among the republics of the three Americas and we are to be con- graduated upon the truly useful publica- of fha ht,ro hefa hu ence at Washington, as well as the work so conscientiously accomplished by the congress of The Hague brought about by the generous initiative of the Emperor of Russia, and lastly the interchange of feelings of affection which prevailed at the pleasing gathering of delegates from the Spanish-speaking countries. All these interesting studies whose emotions seem- ingly at first sight are only theoretical, are the outgrowth of public sentiment, and have not been vainiefforts to realize dreams Later on they will lead to prac tical results, and even now have given ripe fruit. which Is plainly apparent to careful observers. This advancement is real. the marked tendency of our age Is well defined.
 Not Due to Caprice.
 We plainly perceive 1t is not due to the fleeting caprice of this or that na- ton, the opinion of one or more philoso- phers, nor even the cries of anguish from the weak, trembling before the threaten ing forces, but from force itself tempered by noble submission to right. The move ment was directed in Europe by the Czar of all the Russians, who represents a formidable military power; and in this hemisphere it had It's birth previously In the United States of America, the most populous and most powerful nation of our country. Hence, such a movement. has a very important origin and must be im- pelled by a current of ideas as general as irresistible.
 Gentlemen, am sure that in your ap- preaching labors you will take advantage of such favorable clements; I am also certain that you will do your utmost to avoid all spirit of dssension by the spar ing from our concert questions arising from traditions or instincts incompatible with true Pan-American sentiment which does not admit geographical dis tinction nor make any difference to race or language which might place in oppo- sition to each other the inhabitants of the world discovered by Columbus Love of country and our absolute Identification with it is undoubtedly an obligatory view and one of our most sacred duties.
 Delegates See President Diaz.
 The address of Marsical was answered by Isaac Alsemora, vice president Of Peru. and delegate from that country. He spoke in purely formal terms. Genaro Raigos, chairman of the Mexican delega- ton, was then elected acting president of the congress during the discussion Of the regulations. The delegates then pro ceeded in body to the Presidential suite, where they were introduced to President Diaz.
 Minister Marsical presented the guests in alphabetical order of their countries. President Diaz bade the delegates per sonally welcome and wished success to the work of the conference.
 At night all the delegates and their families were the guests of the President and Mrs. Diaz in the Presidential suite of the national palace, where they wit messed the fireworks. Tonight the city is blaze of lights in honor of the inaugura- ton of the second congressional confer ence of American statea