The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-07
BY FELIX NIET0 DEL RIO,
OF the stag Of the "Diarto Ilustrado, =
Santiago Chile.

OF the Sfa1 Of the "Diarto Ilustrado,"
Santiago, Chile.
Specially Written for THE Sun.
i have read with much interest an
article by Mr.. Mels In Golfers Of Feb
ruary 20 regarding Latin America as a
commercial client of the United States
which is made up OF facts and estima-
tons which are very exact and tend TO
show that the author is well acquainted
with Central and South American af-
fairs.
The reading Of said article suggests
certain ideas TO me which In part mod
ify and in part complete those OF Mr..
Mels relative to the investment of North
American capital In the countries of
South America as well as trade In gem
eral between these countries and the
United States Of the North.
First of all wish to rectify the first
statement of Mr.. Mels with regard to
Chile: ITO the south of US in
Latin America, once distrustful, now
most favorably inclined"
Chile has never feared what has been
called North American imperialism. be-
cause the policy OF the United States
In the continent has not been one of
conquest, and In so far as her interven-
ton Is concerned all cases have been
temporary. explained by tho circum-
stances in the countries where the inter-
vention took place. Chile, like other
Latin American countries that have a
stable and democratic Government, free
institutions. oSd and wise laws. has never
had end never will have any motive to
distrust the North American Govern
ment The amicable Intervention OF the
United States In the war of the Pacific.
rendered to Chile the respect due her
sovereignty and recognized all her legit-
innate rights as the victor. When war
was feared In 1914 and 1915 with Mex
leo the United States did not wish to
clear up the situation by itself, and FIRST
accepted the mediation OF Chile. Argen-
tina and Brazil and later. on q second
occasion, solicited the good offices Of
these same nations as well as other i'm
portant Latin American republics to set
tie the difficulties with Mexico.
These and other circumstances indi-
cate that the United States wishes to
overcome the effects OF ~ having been
called imperialist and II disposed to
treat the peoples of the South upon a
basis OF ethnologic and political equal
ity. a fact that is well understood In
Chile through the great publicity given
to all political acts of the United States
and the sympathy which our statesmen
have for this country.
But, resaroins inc inoiviauai ana
commercial relations l oeheVe 1t op"
perfume 10 repeat mere "hat Inc TOT
mer American AMBASSADOR IN buenos
Ayres' Mr.. Sherrill. says IN ms DOCK.
Modernlzng the monroe Doclrine
It - 70 DC Teyetted tndt our county
has such false and rudimentory concep-
lions OF rhdt So'th America IS ~ re-
atty"
The statement quoted Is deserving Of
attention. Another phrase worthy OF
mention to be found in the same oooK
is that his compatriots are lacking IN
fine manners and that always In their
intercourse with foreigners should re-
member the motto: courtesy makes
the man."
/ As Is seen, these charges refer
ITO some Individual relations and In no
way affect the United States as nation
atty. Mr.. Mels, In writing or the poor
North American Consuls, seems TO nave
made the same observations as Mr.. Sher-
rill. But 1t must be admitted that me