The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-01-05
LECTURES ON LATIN AMERICA
Hon. John Barrett Tells Of Southern
Continents Resources.
Am bassadOF CreeI, Minister GOdoy,
and Other Public Men at Univer-
sity Club Meeting.

In an address delivered on American
Opportunities and Responsibilities in
South America" at the University Club,
Sixteenth and X streets northwest, last
night, Hon. John Barrett, president of the
Bureau of American Republics, said that
the development of the Latin American
nations is not appreciated by the people
of the United States
The speaker described each and every
country of South America, and showed
that many advantages exist there, not
to be found in any other country in the
world. MI Barrett. in describing the
great wealth Of the Latin American
countries. said: In the countries of South
and Central America there are 10000. 600
Of people, vast areas OF fertile soil, and
immense waterways that can and will be
made use Of by the people of this coun-
try. We in the United States are at the
parting Of the ways as far as our re-
sources are concerned. We have drawn
our resources almost to the limit, and in
the future we will have to go TO the Latin
Americans for help"
Mr.. Barrett, besides showing that the
South American countries were rich in
the supplies Of nature. also described the
municipal governments that are in force
in the cities of that land. He incidental
ly said that the municipalities of South
America were expanding more money in
improving their commerce and foreign
trade than any city of the United States
Referring to the recent trip of Secretary
Root to South America, the speaker said: :
MIR Root has established the finest
diplomatic relations in the history of our
country with the Latin American repub-
lies. The diplomatic significance of his
visit WAS not understood by the Amer
lean people. To-day Europe and japan
are making greater efforts to cultivate
the friendship of these races than We are
In the countries visited by the Secre-
tary great interest was manifested be-
cause the people were alive to the meaning
of his visit The press of these countries
and OF Europe gave more space to the
SecTetary's action than did the American
press
Concluding, Mr. Barrett said: 1.-THE
duty of improving the conditions of the
Latin-American races devolves upon the
United states, and We should appreciate
the Importance that will be attached TO
these nations as soon as the Panama
Canal is opened. l prophecy that with
in fifteen years that portion of the Latin
American countries that is now a Jungle
VIII be occupied by fiourishing cities"
Following the principal address, Am
bassadoT Creel OF Mexico was introduced
and gave brief talk on the resources
and material growth of Mexico during
the past twenty-five years After de-
scribing the wealth of his country In
mining. agriculture. commerce, and other
lines. Mr.. CTeeI said:
Mexico has one great advantage over
all nations of the world. and that is in
being the neighbor of the United States. 50
Ambassador CreeI, Minister Godoy. and
Third Assistant Secretary of State Will
son were the guests of honor.
a buffet luncheon was served in the re-
ception rooms Of the club after the ad-
dresses.