Evening star., 1914-04-19

per cent of her imports came from the
United Kingdom and II per cent from
Germany.
All told Argentina bought goods
abroad to the value of S406.605, 200 last
year. and sold abroad S466,581, 1888. Re-
duce this to per capita basis and you
will find that each Argentine bought
nearly s41 worth Of foreign goods dur
ing the year, of which S41, S11 were
invested in products of the United
States.
But all these figures on immigration,
population and trade are mere indices
to the development of Argentina. Her
growth in civilization and her political
advance are even more notable. re-
view of Argentine publications demon
strates that DR.. Naon Is peculiarly
qualified to talk on these subjects.
Since early manhood he has been
commanding figure and leader in the
nations political and social progress.
His popularity at home, as here, Is re-
markable.
Both Bryce and Bryan, in their writ
ings on Argentina, and also Premier
Clemenceau of France. have commented
on the flaming patriotism and national
pride of the Argentine. For years Dr.
Naon has promoted this spirit He has
been leading figure in the moral and
political uplift of the country.
Il is the doctrine of DIR. Naon, set
forth in his messages to congress. in
his official reports. in his speeches and
in his writings when he was in the ma
. tlOndl cSDlnet anu before anu SLICE,
that the duty of safeguarding repub-
lican institutions lies with the Ameri-
can republics. He. long the dominating
figure in public educational advance
ment and the development Of the Ar
gentine school system. labored inces-
sanity to make Argentina responsive
to the duty. and, travellers have
set forth, with success
Although he once served as cap
tain in the national guard of Argen-
tina he is a believer in the compulsory
military system of the country and an
advocate of nations preparedness for
war. DIR. Naon has labored diligently
for the promotion of international
peace. He has been delegate to The
Hague and to other peace conferences,
and has been instrumental in securing
arbitration treaties.
His services in the cause of interna-
tional amity have been recognized by
various countries France has con
ferred on him the grand cross of the
Legion of Honor Italy has given him
her highest decorations. and so have
Holland and Venzuela. Argentine
cities and states in number have con,
ferred on him medals and rendered
him notable addresses in recognition of
his activities in promoting education.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1855. DR..
Naon received MS e0uCdtloH III MS
native city, in the national college and
in the University of Buenos Aires.
which latter, by the way. Is said to be
the largest institution OF higher learn
ing on the hemisphere. He was Sradu-
ated with the highest honors of his
class in 1896, when he received the de-
gree of doctor of Jurisprudence.
The practice Of law claimed him In tine
earlier years., but not for long. Pres
emily began his career in the public
service. which has been notable one.
In 1900 he was made secretary Of. the
government of the province of Buenos
Aires. and two years later he was elected
a representative Of that province in the
national congress. Representative terms
in that country are for four years.
q In that. first term DIR. Naon identified
himself with the forward and progressive
movement in national politics. At the
end Of the term came what is famous