The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-02-13
Representatives Of Various
Republics Meet at Wash
ington and Will Discuss
Trade Affairs.
PANAMA CANAL WILL
BE LEADING TOPIC
Preparation for Its Advan-
tageous Use Will BE Un-
dertakcn- Conference a
Most Important One.
(Amorloan News Scrvicc)

(Amcrioan News Scrvicc)
Washington. Feb. 13.-Owing to the
moral protectorate that the United
States has virtually established over
several Central American Republics
and the rapid progress that is being
made toward the completion Of the
Panama canal exceptional interest is
being manifested In the annual confer
cnce Of the Pan-American Union, which
opened In this city today.
This organization Is made up Of the
republics of North and South Ameri-
ca, and up until a year ago known as
the Bureau of American Republics.
The purpose Of the conference as an
nounccd by the Director General, John
j. Barrett ~ to develop active and
widespread interest in the opportuni-
ties for the extension of trade among
the American republics. or between the
United States and its twenty countries
situated south of IL. The conference
will also consider. thoroughly the i'm
portant question of preparation for the
advantageous use of the Panama canal
- matter that has been neglected
by the great majority of the CONNER
cial organizations and business hous
cs carrying on an export and import
trade.
Supported by Taft.
The conference has the vigorous sup
port oi the Taft administration. The
President believes that IL will be bet
ter for the whole continent when
more cordial relations are establish
.a kx, has In, ,,,tc ha tal lob
ment OF reciprocal trade agreement
between the United States and her
sister American republics, similar to
the Canadian agreement now before
Congress. He Is anxious to have all
these agreements completed by the
time the Panama canai Is opcncd.
Both the President and Secretary
Knox will deliver addresses ut the
session this afternoon and In view of
their expressed views on this subject,
great interest Is manifested in what
they will say. Addresses will also be
made by several of the Latin.Ameri-
can ambassadors aud ministers and
other distinguished officials.
Following the opening of the confer
cnce Monday afternoon, by the Presi-
dent, the Secretary of State. and for
cign representatives. there will be.
gin on Tuesday morning the 14th, the
practical work of the convention. and
the sessions will continue morning. af-
ternoon and night until Saturday, the
10th. There vii, be discussions of a
large variety OF subjects affecting
trade conditions. conducted by the best
official and private experts in the
country. The State Department of the
United States Is cooperating by de.
failing several of its diplomatic and
consular officers who have posts in
l.atan-America to attend and partici
pate while. on the other hand, the dip.
lomatic and consular representatives
of the Latin-American countries in the
United States have been invited to be
present and take part In the discus
sions. The Bureau of Manufacturers
of the Department of Commerce and
Labor Is likewise cooperating and in
structing several of its experts to de-
liver talks on those points which both
exporters and importers desire to have
elaborated. A number Of the dele
gates of the United States to the In
publics. which was held last summer in
Bucnos Aires, Argentina. will make
addresses.
u Is Educational.
Several features of the conference
will differ radically from other meet
ings OF business men. IL will he edu
cational and informative. rather than
controversial. No political or parti
san issues will be debated and no reso
iutions adopted which have any bear
ing upon unsettled issues before con
grcss or the people. In this way the
difficulties will be avoided which often
mar the success of gatherings intend
cd to promote foreign commerce In
stead. moreover, OF having a long pro
gram containing list OF addresses
and speakers. which makes the meet
ings seem never-ending and tiresome
TO the delegates in attendance. the ad
dresses and talks will be informal. per
mitting of interruption at any poin,
and the asking of questions by other.
present. Certain designated person.
will be called upon TO open the dis
cussions. and they will be followed b,
others who may wish to enlarge upon
what Is said or to make inquiries. In
this way the delegates in attendanc,
will have an opportunity TO participat,
actively in It's proceedings.
In speaking Of the conference Direc
tor General John j. Barrett said 10
day:
''rhc timeliness of this conference 1.
emphasized by knowledge of the fac