Evening star., 1909-04-16
Pan-American Unity.

Nearly twenty years ago James u.
Blaine brought together in this city for
conference representatives OF all the
American republics, and thereby laid the
foundation of an institution of great
benefit to all the independent govern
ments of the western hemisphere. The
International bureau Of American repub-
Hes. which grew out OF the first PAN
American conference, has proved most
efficient means of establishing right re-
lations between the states OF the new
world and has fostered their interests In
4 manner to prove the far-seeing wis
dom OF Mr.. Blaine. Last night ban
ouet given by Director Barrett OF the
bureau in honor the governing board. OF
which Secretary Knox is ex-ofhcio chair
man, afforded q striking demonstration OF
the fact that the pan-American spirit is a
vital force in the western continents, ana
that the republics, great and small, ,that
have grown into being in this part of the
world are working forward along COM
mon lines of effort to attain the closest
possible approximation of the political
ideal. .--.
In its appointments and management
the banquet was notable. Mr. Barrett
won high credit for the manner in which
he evoked the local patriotism OF each
nationality represented by the use OF
flags. music and pictures. But far more
significant were tho addresses. which
breathed the pan-American spirit and
gave renewed evidence of strong sense
of the brotherhood Of the western hemis-
phere No language differences can OBJ
scure the fact that here on these two
continents are twenty-one governments
BAKED upon the same principle Of de-
mot racy: that the example set by the
rolohists in 1T76 in establishing them
selves upon the doctrine of self-rtlle has
spread until from the northern boundary
of the United States to the southernmost
tip of the continent there Is but one
formula of organization, save in the mi
foscopic remnants of European colonial
rule on the northern shores of South
America.
Animated by the same concept Of col
Iective responsibility, the 160. 1000. 900 peo-
pie represented last night at the ban
quet in this city. through their delegated
officials, should at all times remain In
harmonious relations. 1t. is the function
of the bureau OF American republics to
foxter this spirit of unity, to direct the
thought OF the workers In the various
states into the most effective channels
for the progress and prosperity of the
people. Political problems, Of course. will
always remain to vex the statesmen of
the hemisphere, even to menace rela-
tions now and then. But such Occasions
al last nights assemblage in the atmos-
phere Of understanding and personal ac-
quaintance tend TO render less likely the
misconceptions and the frictions which
have In the past at times produced dam
gerous strains. PaneAmericanism Is
practical thought, making for the devel-
opment OF resources, the establishment mt
OF commercial relations, the disappear
ance OF doubt as to motives. the substi-
tuition Of good faith and confidence for
suspicion and the maintenance of high
standard of citizenship. Secretary Knox
expressed the spirit Of the occasion as
follows in the course OF his able speech:
The growth OF a strong pan-American
public opinion rejecting our common
ideals and aspirations. frowning upon
those who for selfish ends work against
those ideals and aspirations. disdaining
the suspicion Of Interior motives and
speaking in a clear voice words Of sin
certify. benevoience and mutual conIi-
dence. and with that assurance which is
based upon clear conscience. will be the
greatest factor in bringing about the gen.
eral good of all America