Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-16
TEXT OF COOLIDCE,S MESSAGE
AT PAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Continued from First Page.)

Continued from First Page)
they were compelled to fight for 1t.
They have always been brave, reso-
lutte and determined people, willing to
make any sacrifices to defend what
they believed to be their rights. But
when once their rights have been Sc
cured. they have been almost equally
solicitous to respect the rights of others.
Their chief efforts have been devoted
to the arts of peace. They have never
come under the delusion of military
grandeur. Nowhere among these re-
publics have great military establish
ments ever been maintained for the
purpose of overawing or subjugating
other nations. We have all nourished
a commcndable sentiment of moderate
preparation for national defense. be-
lieving that for nation to be I'M
reasonably neglectful Of the military
art. even If 1t did not invite and cause
such aggression as to result either IN
war or in abject humiliation. 1t must
finally lead to disastrous dlsintegra-
ton of the very moral fiber OF the ma
ton. But 1t is one thing to be pre-
pared to defend our rights as a last eN-
tremity and quite another to rely on on
force where reason ought to prevail.
The form of our governments guaran-
tees us against the Old. World dynastic
wars. It Is scarcely too much TO say
that the conflicts which have peen
waged by our republics for $50 years
have been almost entirely for the pur-
nose of securing independence ana ex-
tending the domain Of human 1reedom'
When these have been accomplished,
We have not failed to heed the admo-
milton to beat our swords into ploW-
shares.
Democracies Peace-Loving.
We have kept the peace so largely
among our republics because democta-
cies are peace-loving. They are 1ouno-
ed on the desire to promote the gen
eral welfare of the people. which is sell
dom accomplished by warfare, In ad.
dition to this we have adopted spirit
of accommodation, good Will. commence
and mutual helpfulnesS. We nave peen
slow to anger and plenteous IN mercy.
When this attitude prevails. IL Is noV
difficult to find practical means OF ao-
iustinp differences. The craftsmanship
of the southern American republics has
shown a peculiar skill and aptitude In
this field. It began with mutual con-
sultation. The first Pan-American Con-
press assembled at Panama City about
100 years ago. The purpose OF that
gathering has never been forgotten and
il may be said TO have marked the be-
ginning of a permanent institution. The
REPUBLICS south of the Rio Grande have
produced a most impressive record OF
resort TO mediation. arbitration and
other peaceful methods OF the ADJUST
ment and adjudication of their inter-
national differences. A study OF their
treaties will disclose some of the finest
examples of mutual covenants for the
limitation of ornaments and the avoid
ance of hostile conflict. In the dis
covery of the true principles OF inter-
national relations and in the practical
ability OF putting them into effect they
have demonstrated a moral power
and strength of character for which
the whole world should be profoundly
grateful
The Pan American Conferences meet
for the purpose of maintaining and ex-
tending these important principles. It
Is impossible to conceive of more in
spring motive which men could en-
terrain in dealing with the affairs Of
the world. You have convened 70 take
counsel together for increasing the do
mestic welfare of the free people OF our
independent republics and promoting
international peace. No other part of
the world could provide constituencies
In which all have such a unity of pur-
pose. The whole atmosphere OF the
conference Is animated with the spirit
OF democracy and good will. This is
the fundamental concept OF your Or
ganization. All nations here repre-
aAA -
equality. The smallest and the weak
est speaks here with the same authority
as the largest and the most powerful.
You come together under the present
ndiiion and the future expectation OF
profound peace. You are continuing to
strike a new note in international
gatherings by maintaining a forum in
which not the selfish interests OF a
few, but the general welfare of all. will
be considered.
Must Know Weaknesses.
II you are TO approximate your past
successes, 1t will be because you do not
hesitate TO meet facts squarely. We
must consider not only our strength
but our weaknesses We must give
thought not only to our excellences but
TO our defects. The attitude of the
open mind must prevail Most OF all,
you must be guided by patience. tolcr-
ance and charity. judging your sister
nations not only by their accomplish
ments. but also by their aspirations A
Divine Providence has made us a
neighborhood OF republics. II Is i'm
possible TO suppose that it was for the
purpose OF making us hostile TO each
other. but from time TO time TO reveal
70 us the methods by which we might
secure the advantages and blessings Of
enduring friendships.
Like the subjects which have occu-
pied the attention of your predecessors
the topics contained In the aeenda of
the present conference call for CO.
operative international action. They
belong 70 the class OF inquiries that
produce closer international relations,
promoting the good OF all In the DO
liticai. social and cultural spheres.
Your predecessors have shown great
wisdom In directing their attention
10 the matters that unite and strength
en- us in friendly coilaboration--sub-
jects that develop an inter-American
unity OF sentiment which alone can
make Our common endeavors fruitful
The existence OF this conference
held for the consideration OF measures
OF purely American concern, involves
no antagonism toward any other Sec
ton OF the world or any other organiza-
ton. 1t means that the independent
republics Of the western hemisphere
animated by the same ideals, ENJOYING
the common blessings of freedom and
peace. realize that there are MANY mat