New-York tribune., 1909-07-31
THE SOryB AMERICAN TROrRLES

THE SOUTH AMERICAN TROJ BLES.
In permitting its minister at Ruenos Ayres
TO receive and to hold the archives Of the
Bolivian Legation there during the suspension
Of direct diplomatic relations between BOLIVIA
and Argentina the Upited States has followed
an ordinary and commonplace course of pro-
cedure and one which. in the present case, -
peculiarly fitting. It Is the all but invHrable
practice for one nation 10 request another 10
gender it such services in such an emergency.
and the thing is done; without prejudice and
without partiality. II would have been dis
tasteful for Bolivia to ask such service Of
European power Her neighborS in South Amer
lea are themselves too nearly interested in the
dispute in which Bolivia is involved 10 act i'm
partially In such circumstances resort is most
naturally made TO the United States. and in
undertaking the service this country. while
il acts as the trusted friend OF Bolivia does
not in the least degree compromise its friendly
and confidential relations with Argentina and
Peru.
Each Of these countries, indeed, and also each
of the neighboring countries which are TO
degree interested in the controversy and are
conceivaby potential participants in il has
strong claims upon the friendship and sympathy
of the United States The geographical and
physical features of Bolivia are Of almost
unique interest the descendants Of the Incas
possess amiable characteristics and the repub-
lie as a whole has Jared hardly if not unjusty,
at the hands of stronger neighbors. Peru has
long been conspicuous for her friendship with
the United States and the character Of her
people and the high standard Of her civilization
and government greatly commend her TO our
esteem. The industrial and commercial great
ness of Argentina makes her an object OF adj
miration, while her stability and progress COM
mand the confidence Of the world. The agEres-
siveness and enterprise of the Chilians long
ago Won for them the name of the Yankees
of South America" while Brazil has long
ranked among the great nations Cf the world.
1t would he most unwecon1a and painful 10 the
United States to see these powers, or any OF
them emhroed in strife
There is this other reason-sentimental but not
inconsiderable-for hoping that Bolivia's con
troversy with her neighbOrs will be amicably
and speedily settled. That is that the centen-
NAL anniversaries of South American indepen-
dence at hand. and it would be a great
misfortune to have them marred with inter-
necine strife among the republics. Next year
will see the centenary of independence in Ar
gentina and Chill and in the three states which
were formed from the original republic OF
Colombia, and Bolivia and Peru must feel much
historic interest in its celebration. though their
own centenaries will not occur until number
Of years later Certainly it would be deplorahle
10 have the anniversaries interfered with by
war or By the results of war, or even by I'M
friendliness among three states so intimately
associated as are Argentina, Bolivia and Peru
For we must remember that Bolivia was once
part Of the Argentine viceroyaIty and was
known as Upper Peru, and also that Bolivia
and Peru were partners in the securing OF in
dependence 1t will be grateful TO learn that
peaceful negotiations are proceeding and 10
see complete concord restored among the states
on bases of reason and equity.