The Washington herald., 1911-02-13

Owing to the moral protectorate that
the United States has virtually estab-
lished over several Central American re-
publcs. and the rapid progress that is
being made toward the completion of the
Panama Canal, exceptional interest is
being manifested in the annual con-
ference of the Pan-American Union
which opens in this city this afternoon
at 3:15 O'Clock.
This organization is made up of the
republics of North and South America,
and until a year ago was known as the
Bureau of American Republics.
The purpose Of the conference, as an
nounced by the director general, John
Barrett is to develop active and
widespread interest in the opportunities
for the extension of trade among the
American republics, or between the
United States and its twenty sister coun-
tries situated south of it. The confer
ence will also consider thoroughly the
iIlpoTtnat question of preparation for the
advantageous use Of the Panama Canal
P matter that has been neglected by the
great majority of the commercial organ
izations and business houses carrying on
an export and import trade
IndOrsed by President.
The conference has the vigorous, sup
port of the Taft administration. The
President believes that it will be better
for the whole continent when more cor
dial trade relations are established, and
he has in mind the establishment of a
reciprocal trade agreement between the
United States and her sister American
republics, similar to the Canadian agree
ment now before Congress. He is anx-
ious to have all these agreements COM
pIeted by the time the Panama Canal
IS opened.
Both the President and Secretary Knox
will deliver addresses at the opening ses-
sion this afternoon, and in view of their
expressed views on this subject great
interest is manifested in what they will
say. Among the other speakers viii be
Minister Calvo, of Costa Rica; Minister
CaEderon, of Bolivia; former Ambassador
CasaSus, of Mexico; Senator Root, Rep
reseutative Champ Clark, and President
J. A. Farrell, of the United States Steel
Corporation
Following the opening of the confer
ence this afternoon by the President, the
Secretary of State, and foreign repre-
sentativeS, there will begin tomorrow
morning the practical work of the con-
vention, and the sessions will continue
morning afternoon, and night until Sat
urday. There will be discussions of a
large variety Of subjects affecting trade
conditions. conducted by the best official
and private experts in the country.
Diplomatic Officers Detailed.
The State Department of the United
States is cooperating by detailing sew
eraI of its diplomatic and consular Off
GERS who have posts in Latin-America
TO attend and participate, while, on the
other hand the diplomatic and consular
GERS who have posts in Latin America
countries in the United States have been
invited TO be present and take part in
the discussions.
The Bureau of Manufactures Of the
Department of Commerce and Labor is
likewise cooperating and instructing
several OF its experts to deliver talks on
those points which both exporters and
importers desire to have elaborated. a
number of the delegates of the United
States to the International Conference of
American Republics which was held last
summer in Buenos Ayres, Argentina, will
make addresses
In speaking of the conference, Director
General John Barrett said yesterday:
The timelineSs of this conference is
emphasized by knowledge of the fact
its sister countries of the Western hemi-
sphere is developing in greater percent
age than that of any other section of
the world. In marked contrast is its
commerce with China and the far East
While the latter has practically stood
still or decreased during the last few
years, the trade with Latin America has
grown in a measure that is most impress
sive, and yet it is only in the infancy
of its possibilities.
Last year the United States sold ex-
ports and bought imports in commercial
exchange with Latin America valued at
the splendid total of $3.50, ,OOo, 600. which
represents an increase of approximately
S30O, 600 during the last ten years.
When the Panama Canal is opened there
is no reason why the exporters and i'm
porters of the United States should not
build up their trade until it passes the
annual mark Of S1,000, 100000.
Important to Nation.
':It is. however, of the highest fmpor-
tance that they should now be studying
the conditions OF commerce with all these