The Washington times., 1915-12-27

to them on my behalf most cordial
'ft seems TO me 10 be OF the hap
piest omen that the attendance upon
thls congress should be 80 large and
great. I hope that the greatest sue
cess will attend every activity OF the
congress and that the intimate inter-
course Of thought which II produces
will bind Americans still closer to-
Rether throughout both continents,
alike In sympathy and in purpose"
The telegram was read to the Con-
gress by Director General John Bar
rett, OF the Pan-American Union, to
whom II was addressed. Mr.. Barrett
sat we'll 10 the front of the platform,
or lowered about the rear Of the stage
giving directions for the proper plac-
ing of all newcomers who arrived.
When he had concluded the reading
Of the message from the President,
the congress broke forth in warm ap-
plause.
Resumes Participation.
Not least conspicuous among those
applauding was Eliseo Arrendondo.
ambassador-elect from Mexico, whose
couptry. after a lapse Of more than
two years given over to revolution
and discord, resumed today for the
frst time its active participation in
the affairs of the Pan-American
Union.
Another conspicuous figure on the
platform was Solon Menos, the dark
skinned, French-speaking minister
from Haiti, whose island country is
Just now emerging, with the aid Of
the United states, from a condition
OF anarchy and chaos.
Half of them singing in Spanish. the
other half in English, delegates to the
congress, at the opening OF todRy's
session Joined in the official Pan-Ameri-
can hymn, adopted at the first PAN
american Congress, and dedicated to
the bonds of science, peace, and union.
The verses were sung in English by q
chorus of 125 voices from the Home
Club, but all Joined in the choruses.
Eduardo Suarez Muiica, ambassador
sides over the deliberations of the con-
gTess as its president. Tall and beard
ed, he presents striking contrast to
his colleagues in the Latin-American
with difficulty, his presence, neverthe-
less. commanded close attention. His
tntroductions of the various speakers
were pleasing, and at the close of each
address he grasped the speaker by both
hands and poured forth expressions of
appreciation.
Speaks Slowly.
Beside the Chilean ambassador, who
Is generally addressed by his middle
name, Mr.. Lansing appeared the per-
sOnihcation of cool deliberatlon. The
Secretary's words, which he read from
manuscript, were slowly spoken and
In an even tone. Dressed as always
in quiet, but perfect taste, his snow
white hair and mustache and rudy
complexion were set off to a strik-
ing degree by the black haired
swarthy diplomats who surrounded
him. His only gesture when speak
ing was q slow wave of the hand, in
marked contrast to the shrugs ami
gestlculations of the Latin-American
speakers.
Vice President Marshall, trim and
sparse Of figure, spoke extemporaneous-
~. with many gestures. His first ap-
plause was earned when he adopted a
slogan of preparedness and dismissed as
impractical the visionary dreams of the
extreme pacihsts. Close attention was
paid by the representa- tives of the
smaller republics to his expressed hope
that with the continued assertions of
their rights, the republics of this hemi-
sphere would be equally mindful of
their duties to each other.