The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1906-09-13
Influence of United States is
Greatly Strengthened.
Our Representative TactfuIly Says
Right Thing at All Times on
His Trip.
ONE OF THE STRONG MEN

states than that which Secretary
Root is taking on the Charleston, nor
ever more signal proof of the wis
dom of selecting a big man for a big
Job. Our relations with South Amer
lea had been in a very critical condi-
ton. There had grown up among
our southern neighbors a feeling of
distrust. fear and dislike, assidiously
cultivated BY our European rivals.
This feeling had been inflamed by in
discreet utterances in high places at
home. and by a habit we had con-
tracted of thinking cheap ana some
times disreputable politicians good
enough to represent us In Latin re-
public. We had too often failed to
realize that a United States OF South
America. If such a union were posi-
BILE, would rank among the very
greatest powers of the world. And
the South Americans. who feel sights
more deeply than actual Injuries, re-
sented our attitude and we're inclined
to believe our eager competitors who
told them that their real friends were
in Europe.
The mere despatch of a statesman
of Secretary Roots calibre was a COM
piiment in itself---a recognition OF
South Americas important position
In the family of nations. and the
South Americans fully appreciated
the fact. Hence the fervor OF their
greeting. But Mr.. Root was not sat
isfied to let matters rest there. He
took occasion to deliver to the Pam
American congress, on July 81. an
exposition of our policy that will
rank with the memorable message of
James Monroe in shaping the inter-
national relations of this hemisphere.
lie first described the hard and labor
ious task OF democracy. to which all
the. nations Of the New World are
pledged lie told how the people OF
sef-governiug countries must "ac-
quire the knowledge that comes from
universal education. the wisdom
which follows practical experience.
that personal independence and self.
respect befittlng men who acknowl-
edge no superior, self-control to re-
place that external control which de-
mocraey rejects, respect for the law,
obedience to the lawful expires ions OF
the pubic Will. consideration OF the
opinions and interests of others
equally entitled to voice in the
state. a loyalty TO the abstract con-
ception Of ones country as Inspiring
as that LOYALTY to personal sovereigns
which has so illumined the pages OF
history, the subordinatlon of personal
Interests 10 the public good, and love
OF justice, mercy. liberty and order. -
Describing the steady progress OF the
world toward sslf-government. he
told of the advance of Latin America,
and Of its strong and stable govern
ments" that had arisen tout OF the
wreck OF Indian fighting, race con
flicts and civil wars" He reminded
the congress that no nation could live
to itself alone, but that in promoting
a mutual interchange and assistance
all the American republics were "en-
gagged in the same great task inspired
by the same purpose. and progressing
on the same principles" Without
referring directly to the notion that
the United States was assuming In
the affairs OF the hemisphere the role
OF a missionary. policeman. or a be-
nevolent dictator, he dispelled It by
treating al the republics as engaged
In the same work on equal terms. 81
understand 1t to be the function of
this conference" he said. that not
one but all of our countries shall
benefit the others; that there is not
one that will not gain by the pros
perity, peace and happiness of all"
For our own part. the delegates
were assured. 1--WE wish no victories
but those Of peace. no territory ex-
cept our own. and no sovereignty ex-
cept sovereignty over ourselves,
which We deem independence. We
neither claim nor desire rights, prlvi-
leges or powers we do.not freely con
cede to every American republic"
Mr.. Root Congratulated the congress
upon the near approach of the time
when 'the recognized possessors of
every foot of soil on the American
continent" could be represented
acknowledged rights as equal sover-
eign states at the great worlds con
gress at The Hague" and this, he
added. win be the formal and fnal
acceptance of the declaration that no
part of the American continent is to
be deemed subject to colonization"
Mr. Roots words echoed through
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