Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-11-23
Getting First-H Hand Information

The diplomats Of Europe and newspapers Of Euro
pean capitals arc greatly perturbed over the decision
of President-elect Hoover TO make a tour OF Latin
America before assuming ths duties Of chief executive
Of the United States. Some or the European editorial
writers wax rather caustic in their comments. alleging
that Mr.. Hoover desires to start a "show" before taking
over his duties.
The president-clect has never been what in European
parlance would be termed a "showman"-onc who seeks
cstentatious display. On the contrary, Mr.. Hoover has
always bccn aversc 70 such shows" But he has q very
inquisitivc nature; a desire 10 delve into subjects ~
which he is interested; to ascertain all facts and fac
tors pertaining thereto. He demonstrated this procliv-
ity when head Of the American food administration
during the World war. lie even crossed the Atlantic 70
secure first-hand information on the European situa-
tion, and there arc millions Of people in Europe who
benefited from the accurate knowledge he CLEANED.
As secretary Of commerce this proclivity has repeatedly
been demonstrated. He has insisted upon knowing
"what makes the wheels 70 round" His training as
an engineer which taught him the value Of dealing n
facts only. has proved Of great benefit to American
commerce.
That the president-elec. will advocate a more pro
grcssivc policy in American relations with our Latin
American n~eighbors is the belief Of those in close touch
with the situation. But Mr.. Hoover has no intention
If being guided BY the conflicting reports which arc
continually emsnating from Latin America. many cf
which may he classified a. propaganda designed 20
camouflaEc the real situation. He realized that Q
handle the problems intclligcntly he should secure
first hand information, and there arc few who doubt
that he will have a vast fund OF accurate information
on Latin American conditions when he completes ais
tour.
So far as what the European writers term the
"show" is concerned. the president-elect would proba-
bly, prefer 70 dispense with il altogether; but his po-
sition is such that II connot be done. However. Mr..
Hoover's record would indicate that he will permit no
obstacle Of that nature to handicap him in his search
for accurate information. He is going to Latin Ameri-
= Il ascertain how the United States can best aid in
solving the industrial. commercial and political prob
lems Of those republics; and il is safe to predict that
before many months have elapsed he will offer a con-
structivc program for the consideration Of the Ameri-
can people.
The future expansion Of the industries and COM
MERGE Of the United States lies south Of the Rio
Grsnde. At present very little attention is being de-
vo,.d 10 establishment of better trade relations. Tho
.ve. Of our financicrs and industrialists are turned
toward the dense populations Of the Eastern hemi-
sphere. But conditions are improving rapidly through
out Latin America, and within anothe- decade the
,-sra Of commerce will be southwark 10 those repub-
IL. which are rich in natural resources and which
eventually will become the most important markets for
this country.
ANY movement inaugurated now for the purpose CT
rrov Of inestimable value in the battle for markets
which in q few years will reach an acute stage.