New-York tribune., 1908-02-13
NElGHBORLY RELATIONS
Mr. Root Giues Reasons for Nam
to;;r;ng Them uith Central america.
From The Tribune Bureau.1

rFrom Tribune Bureau-1
Washington Feb 12-Secretary Root Is strongly
If the opinion that the Central American repubhcs
u-u in the future come and more under the
guiding influence of the United states. lie De-
Iieves that from this time on they VIII 'eho 10
occupy much the position that Cupa mas III
its relations with country and for tnat reason
he holds II to be to the best interests of this
country to bring about better conditions In Central
America.
He means to do his utmost to bring about THIS
betterment. and that he has well defined pohcy
for the accomplishment of this purpose IS SHOW"
by his statements before the Foreign Affairs COM
nfttee the state and consular appropriations D''
which will be reported to the House IN a ie" oaSS-
Secretary Roots statements indicated that ne was
not over-optimistic to the complete success OK
all the Central American peace conventions recent
ly adopted In Washington but 1t Is likewise eVIdeh'
that matter how peaeeably the repuniics manage
live together he will not be influenced 20 chahss
his policy of close relations.
The Secretary explained his plans for the es'ap-
lishment of closer relations between this country
and the Central American republics. ana haue
some observations on the conditions surrounding
these plans. which showed the practical results OK
his recent trip to South America
"Our trade is pushing down the south through
Mexico" he said railroads now run almost to
the southern Limit of Mexico. - that only Few
miles remain before connection with the euate-
malan roads. We have more than 4o.Go Americans
in Mexico. and more than s1ooco.co OF American
capital been invested in Mexico in the last ten
years As the advance of American enterprise
pushes to the south the skrmishers are going 10
Guatemala, Honduras Nicaragua Costa Hica ana
Salvador We have guaranteed the Independence
of Panama which is close to Costa Rlca, and when
the Panama Canal is finished all these countries
will be in front yard.
THE relations between them AMI the United
States are bound to be of the most Intimate char-
acter. They stepping into the position 'ha'
Cuba has traditonally been regarded as occupying
toward the United States. There has never been
this country any division of parties or or opi'lo'
among American public men TO tie fact 'Ea'
Cuba must be kept I'm certain relations WIN 'iie
United States. For any other country than Spain
TO acquire possession of her would be so 1ncoIn-
patible with the interests Of the United states
that it could not be permitted The Central Amer
can republics are now assuming through the pu1c-
ing of the canal, the relation toward u.s. They
are interposed right in the middle OF our coast
line which will run from the Atlantic to the IA
cifc when we get the canal built
In order to meet the situation we have
been endeavorirg in the course of the last year 10
cooperate with Mexico In trying to bring aoouc
better conditions In Central America The TWO
countries have been acting concurrently IN all
these Central American countries The 1ac- thd'
Mexico joins the United States takes away GER
tain prejudice that might exist because OF race
difference and takes away certain suspicious that
might arise because of the proximity of Mexico
THE peace conference recently held here adopteu
number of conventions which are now soiis
through process OF discussion down there as 10
whether they shall be ratified or not If they are
ratified then there will question to whether
they will be observed The situation is one or such
great Importance that should have q separate
minister In each of these countries instead or COM
bining Nicaragua and Costa Rca. Honduras ana
Salvador as now. The location of these countries
makes their importance entirely out of proportion
to their size. We want to exercise constant IN
fuence there In favor OF peace and order, discour-
aging the constant revolutions which have kept
that part of the world back and prevented It's
prosperity i think do It. but to do IL we
must have the men there do IL with