The Daily Alaska empire., 1928-12-08
Rediscovering South America.
New York Times ]


 The instant and wide response from all South America to the news that MT Hoover is planning an immediate visit to the republics of that con- tinent strikingly confirms the wisdom of his de- csion IL promises to be of great benefit to the two. Americas. South Americans differ in many things among themeves but they have a common feeling about the United States. There is sporadic talk about Imperialism" manifested in Haiti Santo Domingo and Nicaragua there is occasional jealous discussion of the implications of the Mon roe Doctrine: there Is always criticism of our tarfn policy. But the sentiment which really unites people in the countries to the south of is resentmen at our condescendng ignorance of their political institutions, their culture and their national life. What has reused more feeling than anything else is our lack of understanding of neighbors and general indifference to them. No country is more friendly to the United States than Brazil, yet even there a current saying is that we in the United States are divided into two groups-those who know that Portuguese and not Spanish is the language of Brazil and those who do not. These subtle and unintended afronts to the national pride of South Americans have been a serious handicap to our diplomatic officials and business men. That they have succeeded so we'll as they have in promoting good relations and interchange of goods is much to their credit. They have pointed the way to better things in the future
 It will be within the power of MT. Hoover standing He is doubly equipped for such an undertaking. Through the fine work of the De- partment of Commerce he has acquired a compre- henslye grasp of the great possibilities of deye- oplng trade between South America and the United States Upon it's growing importance he has dwelt again and again in his annual reports But 1t is certain that he would not make his trip merely in the guise of a glorifed commercial agent He will go President-elect of the Unit ca states His very voyage and presence will be a splendid gesture of friendship Nothing SD noteworthy in it's bearing upon this particular international question has occurred since MT Root, when Secretary of State made his tour or oouth America In all it's leading capitals he received warm welcome, both official and popu- lar and his measured words of friendship made a deep impression at the time upon South American sentiment. MT. Hoover should be able to do even more to reassure and win over the governments and the public with which he comes III III cohtaet. Ills trip was happily conceived and bids fair to have the happiest results
 incidentally, it is great political stroke At nome AS rule in this country a President eject IS beset and besieged by politicians Some or them he naturally invites for consultation put thousands of them swarm upon him un- sohciled Now, for two months, Mr Hoover will De Tar from that madding crowd Sailing on Q pailesnlp these pursuers cannot go as his fellow passengers Unless one two of them suddenly enierse as stowaways, or drop down from an air. plane or pop up from a*submarne he will be qut or the whole lot until he gets back to this country This will at once give him more time .o thlhk Tor himself, and will serve notice op lop-hunters and would-be advisers that he in 's'i 'enus u make up his own mind about all the important appointments and policies of his Ad | In this sense too MT Hoovar,s piah 10 devote two months to discovering and 'ohelhatlng South America seems to be one of ever did ~ he