Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-20
Henry Clay and Pan .AMericanism

NJ EWS dispatches printed vest erday reveal
l Ing the notable unanimty OF representa-
tives OF the American republics. including the
United States, on the question OF recognizing
q government in Mexico disclose also the
easily inferred fact that. in all essentials the
interests OF the American republics run side
by side In short they clearly indicate that
pan-Americanism is not mere phrase, but
an economical and commercial condition
The meeting OF minds expressed at the
momentous conference held Saturday by dip
lomatic agents OF the governments on this
side OF the Atlantic serves TO bring into high
light the great mind of n man, long dead.
who saw years a go what these men now real
ize. The brain OF Henry Clay conceived the
thought long ago as 1870. when he was
a member of Congress, and both at that time
and later when he was Secretary of State. he
gave eloquent utterance TO it. Vibrant with
human sympathCs and aspirations" he gave
notice from his seat in Congress that he would
move the recognition OF Buenos Aires and
probably Chile Within a few weeks he made
the most remarkable speech of his career on
the motion.
From that time on Mr.. Clay never wavered
in his belief that the interests of the South
American states and the United States would
call for commercial conferences and the es-
Enlistment OF closer relations. His views al
the time however. did not coincide with the
provide for a diplomatic mission 10 one OF
the South American countries was lost and
remained Quiescent for two years. when the
great protag onist OF South American indie
pendence returned TO his charge. and in May.
1920, he submitted TO the House resolution
declaring il TO be e1pedient 10 provide for
the sending OF ministers TO any OF the govern
ments that had established and were main
tanning their independence OF Spain.
The resolution was carried, but. while II
only expressed an opinion in favor OF diplo-
matte representation, it did not provide for
il. y year later a motion for a suitable ap-
preparation was lost. But Clay, with his
characteristic restlessness and determination,
kept up the agitation By presenting a resolu-
ton that afforded the House an opportunity
first, 10 declare its interest in the success OF
the South American provinces in their
struggle for liberty, and, secondly, TO pledge
Its constitutional support 10 the President"
whenever he should deem it expedient 10
recognize the sovereignty and independence"
OF any OF them
AS Secretary Of State. he maintained the
same attitude. and lived 10 see steps taken in
the direction he had indicated.
II is interesting. however, TO know that
the delegates sent to South America al Mr.
Clays suggestion even then foresaw the pos
slbilitics OF the canal TO connect the Atlantic
and the Pacific" The instructions 10 the
delegates on this subject were, in part, as fol-
lows: What is TO rebound 10 the advantage
OF all America should be effected by common
means and united exertions. and should not
be left TO the separate efforts OF any one
power. /: the work should ever be
executed so as TO admit OF the passage OF sea
vessels from ocean TO ocean, the benefits OF
il ought not TO be exclusively appropriated 10
any one nation, but should be extended 10 all
parts OF the globe upon The payment OF
JUS, compensation or reasonable tolls"
II the Kaiser had been in this part Of the
country IN the last few weeks he would have
had all OF the sun he ever craved Tor and