The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1915-06-02

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many years of investigation as to the
cotton-growing of the
world, he was satisfied that there wa
no other country on earth, except
POSSIBLY Argentina, which, for half a
century at least, would be able to dis
pate the monopoly of the South's cot
ton production. Argentina he re-
garded as a possible ri Ial whenever
it's population had increased to such
a point as to provide the needed la
DOR for cotton growing.
The remarkable growth of Buenos
aires, with its magnificent buildings,
its premiership over any other city in
the world in many important things
and its amazing growth r gener-
ally known that the total commerce
Of Argentina is about three times as
r,uch per capita as that of the United
States. With 100, OOo,o 600 people we
have a foreign commerce of some
thing over $4,000, 100000 a year, or
about $40 per capita. Argentina,
with approximately about 5000, 900
population, has a foreign commerce
Of 5000, 1000, 900, or more, per year,
Of an average of about 500 per
capita.
1t is we'll that the people of this
country should fully understand not
cnly the magnitude of the area of
South American countries, their a
velous agricultural and mineral and
timber resources, their vast rivers
and their limitless water powers and
cher material things which give the
foundation for mighty expansion in
industry and commerce, but it is still
more important that we should pro-
perly understand the spirit of the
Leading South American countries,
which in their development of civil
zation have taken a foremost place
in the world in the settlement of dis
rutes by arbitration ard in the de-
velopment of the spirit of making
America stand for the best interests
of humanity.
The conference now IN session in
Washington is, therefore, fraught
with world Importance. 1t is not
merely a conference which will
doubtless lead to a better acquain-
tanceship between the people of
North and South America, strength
ening the ties of friendship and vast
ly increasing business interests, but
it will doubtless have a far-reaching
effect in furthering the work of
North and South America in the de-
velopment of that spirit of peace ty-
plfed in Argentina's suggestion
.wenty-four years ago of america
for Humanity" and in the heroic
statue "The Christ of the Andes" as
the Prince of Peace. This confer
cnce, doubtless called primarily by
Secretary McAdoo with a view to de-
velopment of financial and CONNER
cIal interests between the United
States and South America, may not
accomplish this much desired end,
out may have a more far-reaching
effect in uniting these countries into
closer bonds for the encouragement
Ct world peace.
The delegates for the United Sta
ties to the Washington conference,
we take it, are cognizant of all the
rich material Of South Am
erica as far as known. We take it
they are cognizant of the extent of
the industrial and commercial devel-
opment already made by these
tries. These are important facts to
he known and appreciated. 1t is
equally as important that the dele
gates appointed on behalf of this
country should measure up in broad
business craftsmanship and in an ap-
probation of what South American
countries have largely achieved in
setting the world an example of the
possibilities of arbitration in the set
Element of international disputes,
and in lifting high for the study and
the thought Of the world the spirit
illustrated in the motives which
prompted the erection of the monu-
lnent, "The Christ of the Andes,"