The Washington herald., 1907-04-12
SEES MENACE TO CITY
Barrett Decries Efforts to
Make It Social Center.
UpHoLDs NATIONAL IDEA
Director of Bureau of American Re-
pubIics Addresses Oregon society,
and Declares Washington sugers
by Influx of Wealthy, Who Come
Here and Drop state Ties.

Washington is in no greater danger
to-day than from the influence OF an in
creasing number of people who come here
with large wealth to make Washington
their home and social center This Is
grave peril that eonfronts the eity's well
fare and progress"
These were the words Of John Barrett,
the director of the Bureau Of American
Republics. in an address last night on
the relationship Of Washington to other
sections Of the country. delivered before
the Society Of the Oregon Country at its
hall, 1l2 G street northwest.
If this happens. he says, Washington
Will not represent every section Of the
country, as it should. but win get out of
touch and cannot expect the support and
interest which it receives.
IF Washington wants the interest Of
Congress In its evolution into a beautiful
and better city along physical educa-
tional, artistic, and social lines. and large
appropriations to accomplish this, It must
keep 10 the fl )nt the national idea and
the fact that It Is the capital Of the Pa
cific Coast and the Central West as much
as it is OF the Eastern States. But the
responsibility is nos alone with Washing
ton; it is just as much with the remote
sections OF the country at large. They
must take pride in the growth, progress,
and Identification OF the National Capital
and they must make their influence felt
at all times through State and sectional
organizations and societies ike this one
Where Danger lies.
1t is Of the greatest Importance" said
Mr. Barrett, mot only for the city OF
Washington. but for other portions Of the
United states, especially those that are re-
mote from the Capital. that the national
idea should be kept prominent in the
social, scientific, and general life, as well
as in the political life of this city. There
Is danger in the influence OF those who
make Washington their home and who
have entirely cut loose from the distant
States or cities where they originally
lived The idea OF wealth and social life
threatens to dominate the Capital. This is
not TO the discredit OF Washington. but
simply demonstrates the necessity Of or
ganization and effort 10 keep to the front
other influences"
~ tl+f AEliiF0Ns AilF SPEAKER lEfDEi-
mended that the States build up great and
powerful organizations that would make
themselves felt in this city. taking as
their pattern the great State societies in
New York, which have annual banquets
and other gatherings and WELD great in
nuence. He also divulged a plan which,
he said, ne has been considering ever
since his arrival in Washington. OF giving
a big banquet next January by the united
Pacific Coast societies, having prominent
men present. even the President. which
was not an impOssibility.
should Keep Up state Spirit.
With all this talk Of Capitalization, said
Dir. Barrett we must keep the national
idea in prominence in Washington, and
on the other hand keep strong the State
organizations and State representation.
There is no reason ia the world why ma
tionalism, or Capitalization. and States
rights should not go along hand in hand
in perfect harmony.
Mr. Barrett then gave a sketch of the
Bureau OF American Republics and its
great future and unique position. This
led 10 the topic Of South and Central
America and Mr.. Barrett proclaimed in
a burst of eloquence that EIihu Root was
the greatest living American statesman.
that with all respect TO the President
there Is no man who stands as high over
all the world as Elihu Root, and, he
added, this is the general opinion.
John Hay, he said, was a great and
lovable man and master Of affairs. but
ne was not Roots equal in supreme diplo-
macy. The present Secretary Of State.
he said, did more for the United States
in South and Central America by his per
sOnaiity In a tbree-month visit than all
the diplomacy and correspondence that
could be brought TO bear IN the past
100 years. He completely changed the
attitude Of every one OF these twenty
one countries. that now they have per
feet confidence in the United States. when
before they were always suspicious and
looked more To Europe.
Made Member of Society.
Mr.. Barrett then surprised his auditors
with facts concerning South America and
its enormous possibilities. Mr.. Barrett IS
an OregoniaD, and was unanimously
elected TO both honorary and active mem
bership Of the society.