New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-05
Tell McAdOO Better Water
and Rail TranspOrta-
ton Is Needed.
MOST IMPORTANT
FOR CLOSER UNION
Secretary Returns with Report
That Southern Republics
Now Trust u. S.

Washington, May 4.-Secretary Nc
Adoo, back tonight from the Buenos
Ayres meeting OF the international
High Commission, declared that leading
South American statesmen agreed with
him that quick development OF mer-
chant marine under an American flag
and completion of n Pan-American
railway are the most important factors
to be considered in plans for closer
unity among American nations.
Everywhere" said Mr.. McAdoo, u
found an earnest desire to strengthen
commercial, financial and political re-
lations with the United States. and
everywhere we went there was genu-
inely friendly attitude and a complete
absence Of that suspicion and distrust
OF the United States which has until
recently existed TO more or less de-
gree in some, at least, of the Central
and South American countries. This Is
a very fortunate development. II Is
duo primarily TO the policies and utter
ances of President Wilson and to the
suggestions made by the United States
for mutual guarantees Of the territorial
integrity and political independence of
all Of the American republics.
Merchant Marine a Necessity.
Every leading statesman in South
America with whom ! talked empha-
sized the paramount Importance of a
merchant marine unde. the nag OF the
United States, or under the flags of the
different American nations, II American
financial and commercial relations are
TO be enlarged upon an enduring
foundation.
MANY prominent men told me that
there had been an abundance of inter
American conferences and friendly ex-
pressions for many years, but that con-
crete results had been relatively small;
that If the United States wanted TO take
advantage Of the greatest opportunity
in its history 10 strengthen its CONNER
cial, financial and political relations
with the Latin-American states, it
would be necessary TO do more than
merely exchange friendly messages and
sentiments; that the surest foundation
of better relations was the establish
ment of ample means of communica-
tion, so that the products of the diff
ferent countries could be quickly
moved In mutually profitable trade with
each other. Sufficient credits would
then follow, because wherever there is
profitable trade between the people OF
different countries il is not difficult TO
find the means of financing it,
Must Have Railroad.
Another question of great impor-
lance is the completion of the intercon-
tinental railway connecting North and
South America through the isthmus OF
Panama. Outside OF ocean transporta-
ton. no other undertaking IS more es-
sential TO the future development Of
North and South America than the
construction Of this great railroad. IL
is not a visionary idea; It is very
practical idea. and one that can be
realized al much less cost than the
Panama Canal.
"The total distance between New
York and Buenos Ayres by rail is TO-
300 miles, OF which approximately
7.400 miles have been built and are
now in operation, leaving approximate
ly 1900 miles TO be constructed. The
estimated cost Of construction is,
roughly speaking. $4,000, 900"