Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-22
BY CHARLES NJ. PEPPER.

-HE congress of Uruguay has been
called in extraordinary session
to consider international affairs.
< This was the news the cable
brought from Montevideo soon after the
Congress of the United States declared
that state of existed between
this country and Germany. The govern
ment OF Uruguay already had indicated
that it was in sympathy with the
United States. but there may be need
of legislation in order 10 give practi-
cal expression to its sympathy.
Uruguay has many reasons for desir-
ing to strengthen it's relations with the
United States. Ii looks to us to stand
behind it. not simply in regard to Eu-
ropean affairs, but also as its possible
champion in South American affairs.
There are many ways in which Uru-
quay could manifest its friendship. one
of these would be by throwing open the
port of Montevideo to our warships.
Montevideo is an important coaling
station. When our warships have been
maneuvering in south Atlantic waters
they have found il convenient base
for their operations. Now that the
American fleet is to relieve the fleet of
the allies on patrol duty in South
American as well as North American
waters il would be very convenient 10
have the unrestricted hospitality of the
port of Montevideo instead of merely
the twenty-four-hour hospitality eN-
tended by neutrals to the warships OF
beligerents.
Uruguay also can help the United
States by continuing TO furnish certain
and material for clothing
To the allies well as to ourselves
Last fall an embargo was lad on the
expectation of wheat and wheat hour
because of the needs of local consump-
ton No attention was paid to IT at the
time, perhaps because Uruguay is not
n wheat-gTowing country and mas iittle
surplus for export Recently. tne GOV
eminent has issued decree Tor the
protection Of the stocks of wheat ana
-four hand. This indicates that thls
wears crop, all of which has been mar
vested has not resulted in any surplus.
The embargo issued in the fall was IN
tended to apply only to the current
CROP.
excess Of its own needs, the country
has beef and mutton for export, and
there are some big packing houses con-
ttuiled by European and American
packers. Part Of the beef IS exported
in the form of beef extract. Practi-
cally all of il goes TO England. 1t is
presumed that there has been no in
terruption of this traffic.
Two or three years ago the govern
iuent of Uruguay began systematic
campaign to increase the number of
cattle and sheep, but il is too early
To Judge the results of this campaign
While the cattle ranges are not eX-
ieusivc. there is almost unlimited
sheep pasturage.
The wool clip of Uruguay has been
considered of more Importance than the
mutton supply. Before the war part
Of I.a tG, Ant W .
the remainder was handled in Boston.
When the German invasion closed Ant
werp. some of this Cruguayan wool
found its market in Liverpool. but the
bulk of the shipments We're diverted to
Boston American bankers have
financed the wool clip for the last three
years. G
The trade of Uruguay with the United
states last year was approximately
sa5 1000. 900. the exports being S14.5oo.-
GOO and the imports little under sl0,-
$4,000. Hides and wool were the chief
exports while the imports consisted of
machinery and railway material. coal
and large variety OF manufactured
products Some Of this trade. on
count Of the war. has been permanent
~ diverted from Europe.
The suggestion has been made that
the South American countries which
Din. themselves up with the United
states and actually 20 to war with
Germany would expect to have their
Mt loans financed in this country.
somewhat are doing for the
allies There would seem to be
good ground for objecting to this
proposition az applied to such coun-
tries as actually get into the war.