The Washington herald., 1908-05-12

Magnificent building toward the cree
tiOn of which Mr.. Andrew Carnegie con-
tributed three-quaFters OF million
henors by his presence this occasion. that his ad
may be conducted in Righteousness and
be eminently useful 10 Thy people, over whom ne
presides by encouraging due respect Tor virtue
and religion, BY a faithful execution Of the laws
in justice and mercy, and b restraining vice and
immortality.
State of these United States. by whose wisdom ahd
statesmanship closer diplomatic, commercial, ard
social relations have been brought about and fos-
tered between this country and her sister American
republics.
Thy servant who has taken such a hearty interest
in the cause Of International fellowship, and who
has 50 generously contributed toward the erection q
this temple consecrated 70 peace.
Finally we beg Of Thee 70 bless all cur sister
American republics with an eseI-lneIeasils 80, 80
perity and grant that we may always remain united
in the bonds Of undivided friendship and lasting
peace.
Root Reads Speech.
The speech OF the Hon. Elihu Root,
Secretary of State. was next He read
from manuscript. which had evidently
been carefully prepared. His speech was
received with enthusiasm. and was heart
ily applauded at many points. He spoke
earnestly and with feeling, and was
clearly heard by the vast audience. He
spoke as follows:
'Mr President and Gentlemen: We are
here TO lay the cornerstone Of the build
ing which IS to be the home OF the IN
ternational Union Of American Republics.
"The wise Iberality OF the Congress Of
the United States has provided the means
for the purchase of this tract Of land
FIVE acres in extent-near the White
House and the great executive depart
ments. bounded on every side by public
streets and facing to the east and south
upon public parks which it will always
be the care Of the national government
TO render continually more beautiful iE
execution OF its design to make the Ma
tionaI Capital an object OF national pride
and a source Of that pleasure which
comes to rich and poor alike from the
education Of taste.
The public spirit and enthusiasm for
the good Of humanity which have inspired
an American citizen. Mr. Andrew Car
negie. in his administration of a great
fortune, have led him to devote the
adequate and ample sum OF three-quar-
ters of a million dollars to the construc-
ton of the building.
Into the appropriate adornment and
fitting of the edifice viii go the contribu-
tions of every American republic, already
pledged and. in a great measure. al
ready paid into the fund of the union.
is Voluntary Association.
The international union for which the
building is erected is a voluntary asso-
citation. the members OF which are all the
American nations from Cape Horn to
the Great Lakes. II had its origin in tire
first PanzAmerican conference held at
Washington in 1889. and it has been de-
veioped and improved in efficiency under
the resolutions Of the succeeding confer
ences in Mexico and Brazil It's primary
object is to break down the barriers OF
mutual ignorance between the nations Of
America by collecting and making &C
cessible. furnishing and spreading in
formation about every country among the
people OF every other country in the
union. 10 facilitate and stimulate inter
course, trade, acquaintance. good under
standing, fellowship, and sympathy. For
this purpose il has established in Wash
ington q bureau OF Office under the di-
rection of a governing board composed
Of the official representatives in Wash
ington of all the republics. and having
director and secretary, with a force OF
assistants and translators and clerks
Library Rapidly Growing.
The bureau has established a rapidly
increasing library of history, travel, de-
scription, statistics. and literature Of the
American nations. 1t publishes a Month
~ Bulletin Of current public events and
existing conditions in all the united coun-
tries, which Is circulated in every coun-
try 1t carries on an enormous CORE
spondence with every part Of both con-
tinents answering the questions Of seek
eTs for information about the laws, Gus
toms, conditions, opportunities, and per
sOnneI Of the different countries; and it
has become a medium Of introduction and
guidance for international intercourse.
The governing board is also a peTma-
nent committee charged with the duty Of
seeing that the resolutions Of each Pan
American conference are carried out. and
that suitable preparation is made for the
next succeeding conference.
The increasing work Of the bureau has
greatly outgrown the facilities Of its
cramped quarters IN Pennsylvania ave
nue., and now at the close of its second
decade and under the influence Of the
great movement OF awakened sympathy
between the American republics, the
union stands upon the threshold OF more
ample opportunity for the prosecution Of
its benefcent activity.
SfFuQfure Stands Alone
MANY noble and beautiful public build
ings record the achievements and illus
trate the impulses Of modern civilization.
Temples of religion. Of patriotism, of
learning, Of art, OF justice, abound; but
this structure viii stand alone. the first
of its kinda temple dedicated to interna-
tional friendship. It will be devoted to
the diffusion of that international knowl-
edge which dispels national prejudice
and liberalizes national judgment, Here
viii be fostered the growth Of that SYM
pathy born OF similarity in good i'm
pulses and noble purposes, which draws
men Of different races and countries to-
gether into a community of nations.
and counteraets the tendency OF selfish
instincts to array nations against each
other as enemies. From this source
shall spring mutual heipfulness between
all the American republics, so that
the best knowledge and experience
and courage and hope Of every
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