Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-26
Ceremonies at New Home of
Bureau of Republics.
TAFT AMONG SPEAKERS
President Alludes to Diplomatic I'm
portance Of Event.
PLANT PEACE TREE IN PATIO
Secretary Knox, Senator Root and
Andrew Carnegie Make Addresses.
Exercises Are Impressive.

The beautiful new home Of the Inter
national Bureau of American Republics
was formally dedicated this afternoon in
Inc presence Of distinguished company
Just two years ago President Roosevelt
laid the corner stone OF this building
which has been described by Andrew Car
neg1e as temple of peace, commerce
ana friendship and which Secretary
Root has called capitol in the capital
or the United States of all the American
nations The ceremonies on that occa-
SION were most impressive and elaborate,
and those of today were fully in keeping
with them
Tne international and local appreciation
or the significance of the dedication of
THIS diplomatic palace was abundantly
proved by the presence at the exercises.
as participants. of the President of the
ohited States. the Secretary of State the
~ tGneAlcan ambassador, Cardinal Gibbons
senator Elfhu Root Andrew Carnesie
bIshop Harding and Director John Bar
Tett Tnere also were present members
or the diplomatic corps, of the Sunreme
Court, the cabinet. senators and repre-
seLtaflveS, high army and naval officers
ana many distinguished men and women.
The President referred to the celebra-
non as the most important International
event that Washington had witnessed IN
many years.
Invocation by Cardinal.
The ceremonies were opened with an
invocation by Cardinal Gibbons. Secre-
tary Knox then delivered the formal
opening address. in his capacity of chair
man Of the governing board Of the in
ternational bureau OF the American Re-
publics- Director John Barrett made
statement descriptive of the building and
the work Of the bureau. while Albert
Kelsey of the Philadelphia firm of kei-
sey & Cret, who designed the beautiful
structure. told Of its architectural fea-
lures.
state when Mr.. Carnegie conceived the
project of erecting this building, delivered
an address, which was responded to by
eSner Don Francisco Leon de la Barra,
Latin-American diplomatic corps. MIR.
Carnegie delivered a characteristic ad-
dress. There were readings of cable meg
sagt;s from the presidents Of the Latin
Carnegie and the bureau of American re-
publics upon the completion of the great
work. and then President Taft added his
tribute in a speech of about half an hour
i'll length.
Peace Tree Planted.
Just preceding the benediction by
Bishop Harding. which concluded the aft
ernoon exercises, occurred one of the
most unique and interesting features of
the program-when President Taft and
Mr.. Carnegie jointly planted peace
tree In the patio, or courtyard.
Secretary Knox, in his address, said. in
part:
II feel that 1 am especially privileged
in taking part in the auspicious cere-
mony OF the dedication of the building to
be devoted to the cause of peace and
good will between the republics of Latin
America. 1t is more than privilege.
IL is a duty incumbent on me to voice
the sympathy of the United States in the
great work which 1t is the mission of
the international bureau Of the American
republics to accomplish and to give re-
newed assurance, if such be needed, OF
the earnest and unselfish purpose of the
government and people of the United
States to do all that lies within their
power toward the fulfllment Of the high
task set before you"
Total Cost, 81, 600, 900.
of Mr.. Carnegie. who contributed $3.50, coo
for this buildings erection and so made
such an elaborate but practical structure
u,
would state that the United States gov
ernment appropriated $4,000 with which
this beautiful and commanding site, COW
ering Ave acres. at the junction OF the
White Lot and Potomac Park. was pur-
chased. The other twenty American re-
publics contributed little over $4,000
which has been used In general expenses.
The entire property therefore represents
an Investment Of N.0OO.OOO In the cause
of pan-American peace. friendship and
commerce.
with the responsibility resting directly
upon me as the executive officer Of the
bureau to push forward the construction
of the building, l wish to emphasize that
my own efforts would have failed If
had not always been aided by the wise
advice. warm support and sincere Coop
Grafton of Mr.. Root. This building is in
a sense his child and L have acted as
nurse"
Senator Root in opening, paid fitting
compliment to the architects and builders
of the new home of the International bu-
reau Of American republics. and referred
to Andrew Carnegfe's handsome gift as
far-sighted. The architects. he declared,
had made the building a true expression
Of pan-Amerfcanism-
Senator Root said In part:
This building is to be in its most mani
strument for association and growth of
mutual knowledge among the people of
the different republics
THE building Is more important how
ever as the symbol OF the ever-present
reminder. the perpetual assertion, OF
unity, OF common interest and purpose
and hope among all the republics. This
building Is a confession of faith a cove
nant of fraternal duty, a declaration OF
allegiance to an ideal
Beginning Of New Era.
Expressing the hope that the dedication
Of the new building might be the starting
point OF a new era of greater mutual es-
TEEN among the nations of this hemi-
sphere, merging their differences in q
common ideal OF peace. justice and prog
ress Senior Francisco L. de la Barra, am.
bassador from Mexico to the United
States. said:
This II a great day for our America
when the might of right gathering It's
scattered forces. gives a tangible form to
a noble IDEAL strengthens a useful insti-
tuition and tenders q new token Of hope
and encouragement to those who struggle
for the mastery OF peace. Justice and love
"Owing to the political and ecOnomi-
oal scope generally attributed to pam
Continued on Second PsSel