Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-23

rector general OF the Pan-American
Union. and Manual L. Quezon. resident
commissioner from the Philippine Islands
The honorary members of the organiza-
ton are the Princess Teresa of Bavaria
Sir Clements Markham, X. {. b., r. *. =.
and Senator Rafael NJ de Labra. presi-
dent of the Iberic- American Union, at
Madrid. Spain.
To bring about such an organization as
this was not accomplished without much
la Dor 1t represents the work of years
in fact, as DR.. CurTier has cherished the
dream of such an organization and mas
been working toward that end for some
time His interest was first aroused after
his trip to Spain in 1892 1t grew as his
knowledge of the literature and history OF
the Spanish American countries grew.
But his ideas had taken no definite shape
until a friend Mrs Rita l.. de Ruiz well
known in Spanish circles here. suggested
that he form a society for the promotion
of Spanish American literature and his
tory. That was the real seed. DIR. Cur
rier claims of the idea which today stands
VisualiZed i'm the Atheneum. AS time went
on DR. Currier crysta llized this idea which
Mrs. Ruiz had given him. r1er idea, how
ever. was for but a small society. and TO
that end she gave DIR. Currier list OF
names of those interested. But Dr. Cur
rier'S idea grew until it reached beyond
small circles and took in the entire Span
ish-spea king world
In the spring of 1912 DR.. Currier called a
meeting All those whom he invited glad
ly responded with the result that a COM
mittee on organization was appointed.
That committee consisted of DIR. Francisco
J. Yanes chairman: DIR. Charles W. Cur
rier, Harry W Van Dyke, Emilio NJ.
Amores and Julian Moreno-Lacalle.
Shortly after that meeting DR.. Cur
rier went to London to attend the In
ternational Congress OF Americanists, of
which he was a delegate. While there
he interested several people in the pro-
ject. The Princess Teresa was to have
attended this congress. but was unable
to do So and instead OF seeking her in
terest through a personal plea DR.. Cur
rier was forced to write her "A letter
asking her to become the first honorary
member of the proposed organization.
The princess answered by telegram ana
sgnified her willingness
On his return to this country Dr
Currier found that the committee on Or
ganization had not been idle. consti-
tuition had been drafted together with
the bylaws which after careful consid-
Grafton had been accepted. The work
had progressed so far, in fact, that in
vitations for the initial meeting. Deem
Der L. had been sent out. With that
meeting came the first real step toward
the naturalization of the plans which
had been going forward.
Among the most recent things which
have added interest to the organization
are the prizes which have been offered
Direct General Barrett of the Pan
Anne; Union has offered two cash
prizes or the best essays written by
fellows of the Atheneum on the Best
Means of Promoting Pan American
Friendship and Commerce. Juan Riano
Spanish minister to the United states,
has also inaugurated an annual prize for
the best essay on Spanish literature and
history.
In connection with the Spanish Amerl-
can literature it is interesting to note a
point brought out by Nine. Baralt, made