Evening star., 1915-06-15
In Close Relation.


in closer relation with US than the coun-
tries Of Latin America. Linked to us
by propinquity, a common origin and
political destiny, pan-Americanism is not
visionary dream, but Is purposed with
immediate and practicable results,
:raught with untold advantages to the
entire world through the increase in
culture and commerce among the par
ticipating countries Of this new world
group Of nations.
During the present year two great
pan PAL American gatherings convene in
Washington under the auspices Of the
government Of the United States. The
first Of these, the pan-American finan-. :.
cfal conference. occurred the week of
May "a. In this conference delegates
from the Latin American countries con-
business men from our nation at the
Pan American Union. on invitation of
the Secretary of the Treasury. on finan-
cfal questions of pertinent interest that
must have far-rea ching beneficial results
to pan-American banking and commerce.
"Of greater interest to the educa-
tional world, however, is the scientific
congress that will convene in Wash
ington beginning December 81, 1915,
and concluding it's sessions January s.
tion of the Latin American countries
the second Pan American Scientific
Congress, likewise held under the aus
pices Of the United States government.
through the Department Of State, bids
fair to be not only thus far the great
est pan American congress. but the
most important international scientific
congress ever held in the United States.
Prtvious Session in Chile.
The first congress of this name was
held in Santiago. Chile, in 1908. 1t had
it's origin in earlier Latin American
scientific congresses and at the time
Of the Santiago congress was enlarged
through the generous initiative of the
Latin American countries to include
the United States. This congress was
well attended by visiting delegates
from the United States. On its ad-
journment. entirely unsolicited on the
part of the latter, Washington was
designated as the place of meeting of
the second congress.
This honor has singular appeal
to our nation at this time. The pres
ent European war has brought the
western hemisphere suddenly face to
face with grave economic problems that
invite the serious attention of scien-
lists and experts in the various fields
of applied science.
The scientific congress will con-
cern itself with the constructive dis
cussion of these as well as with the
contributions in the domain of pure
science wherein great advance has been
made since the last congress- in Santi-
ago. Chile. Science is comprehensively
defined by the congress. and includes,
Under nine heads. such main subjects
as anthropology: astronomy, meteorol-
ogy and seismology; conservation of
natural resources. agriculture, irriga-
ton and forestry: education; engineer
ing: international law. public law and
Jurisprudence: mining and metallurgy,
economic geology and applied chem
science; transportation. commerce,
finance and taxation
THE Significance of the congress,
through the Importance of the above
subjects is greatly enhanced through
the international reputation Of the ner-
sons chosen to arrange for the pro-
gram Of the different sections of the
congress, most Of whom have an In
innate first-hand acquaintance as well
with tho local resources. development
and scientific interest in the various
Latin American. countries
Unusual Advantages Here.
Washington offers unusual advan-
tages for congress of this nature.
1t enjoys an enviable distinction
among the world capitals for the keen
scientific interest and investigation in
its various federal bureaus, the varied
and extensive nature of its libraries
and museums. the beauty of its build
ings and the growing Importance of
detached but semi-official institutions
and bureaus engaged in work of in
ternational scope. Among these none
occupy a position fgreater impor-
tance than the American Union,
the governing board OF which, COM
posed of the diplomatic representa-
tives of the participating Latin Amer
lean countries. with the Secretary of
State of the United States as ex-
officio chairman. has signally honored
the Second Pan American Scientific
Congress by authorizing the use of
its beautiful building for the office
and sessions of the congress
The board also in response to the
request of the President and Secre-
tary of State of the United States
authorized to act as secretary general
of the scientific congress the director
general of the Pan American Union
the Hon John Barrett. who has doubt
less done more than any one Ameri-
can in the establishment Of commerce.
and comfy among the. republics of
the western world-whose Kood for
rune II has also been to see, through
the seeming accident of war, the M
tential promise of his great work be-
coming realized so soon"