believe in the convenient absurdity that Argentina and Buenos Aires are one, or that the comparatively small part contains the immense entity. For the English-speaking community of Buenos Aires to-day is a red-letter day, and while international considerations are paramount we must not overlook our duty, as the organ of the community named, to tender to Mr. Root, in the name of our readers, a cordial welcome to Buenos Aires. We feel sure that whatever else he may find to praise, nothing is better calculated to excite his admiration than the immensity and importance of British enterprise in Argentina. He arrives on the forty-first anniversary of the inauguration of the Great Southern Railway, a system that challenges comparison with many of the great lines of the United States or any other country. That and the other lines that are as the nerves and tendons of the nation show how real and practical was British belief in the destinies of Argentina at a period when the Republic was less known and less prosperous than at present. Thoroughly believing that our distinguished visitor will note these evidences of racial energy which follow AngloSaxon blood the world over, we welcome Mr. Root as one of the race, as one of ourselves, and hope that among his numerous impressions of travel those received during his visit to Buenos Aires will rank as the most pleasing and enduring of all.

[Inclosure No. 10.]

[Cut from The Buenos Aires Herald of August 14, 1906.]

THE MISSION AND THE MAN.

The weather conditions that prevailed yesterday were not sufficient to prevent or spoil the welcome prepared for Mr. Root. The rain and its inseparable concomitants, mud and discomfort, did not prove sufficient to balk Buenos Aires in its desire to extend its traditional hospitality to a distinguished visitor. This fact, most gratifying in itself, is, however, one of distinctly secondary importance as an indication of the favorable change in public opinion that is taking place. What will particularly please Argentina's guest is the more cordial tone adopted by the leading Argentine papers of this metropolis. This change is marked and genuine, and it represents to us a triumph for that new diplomacy of which the minister is perhaps the most noted exponent. The art of the artist lies in concealing art. In the new diplomacy the merit of the diplomat consists of discarding every heartless Machiavellian maxim in favor of hearty and straightforward honesty in act and expression. Such a simple rule of diplomacy is apt to be regarded with distrust, especially where it has not before been seen in practice. Since his arrival in South America Mr. Root has confounded all the astute school of reasoners by his frank method of accounting for his presence and the purpose of his visit.

He has said that the mainspring of his action is to be found in the simple desire of his country to cultivate closer and more friendly relations with the other independent States of America. If such a thing appeared preposterous to South America, the sister States of which have never shown anything more than a recurring transient desire for closer acquaintance, Mr. Root can not be blamed for the circumstance. It was for him to introduce the plain way in his own way, and he has been persistently and consistently doing so since he first landed in Brazil. And if he wishes for any proof of success to reward him for his efforts we recommend to his notice this favorable change which shows itself in the tenor and tone of our metropolitan contemporaries. It would be affectation to pretend or to endeavor to make believe that there never was any hostile feeling evinced here toward Mr. Root's mission, or rather his supposed mission. Certain expressions of opinion cabled from Rio alarmed Argentina, whose people-reading between the lines, as is customary with them-saw the threat of Brazilian hegemony with the United States of America supporting, in secret, if not openly, that assumption of superiority. Doubtless the minister's meaning was not clearly grasped, or more likely his direct and honest assertions were construed according to the older and more subtle school of reasoners, and made to wear a Janus-like aspect, threatening and encouraging at the same time.

The sense of distance strengthened, the sense of chagrin aroused, and Mr. Root's supposed mission was rent in tatters and scornfully rejected. But gradually the personal character of the pioneer statesman became visible

through his uttered words, and now that Argentina stands face to face with her guest, she acknowledges that from him she need fear no double dealing or guile. Neither has she the slightest reason to anticipate any change of his policy of plain speaking. In a word, Argentina appreciates Mr. Root as a gentleman whose natural probity and sense of honor make him incapable of doing or saying anything calculated to mislead an honest mind. And to-morrow the Republic will recognize that Secretary Root has been chosen as the fittest instrument to the end in view, which must be, and is, of a nature that an honest and patriotic American gentleman need have no scruples in expounding or recommending. Mr. Root's mission and object are merely to sound the more remote States of America on the subject of American solidarity in defense of American interests. This implies neither a threat nor a hostile combination against any nation or power of America or Europe. Mr. Root represents that America of which we see little and hear less; the America that thinks along the lines the Pilgrim Fathers would favor. America is not all push and feverish commercial activity. In its better moments it is idealistic in a practical way, and there is always a powerful section of the mighty Republic governed by the nobler impulses. Mr. Root represents that section in a particular sense. He voices their aspirations and resolves which embrace a free America, and a rigid enforcement of that doctrine which has for its basic principle America for humanity at large.

[Inclosure No. 11. -Translation.]

[Clipping from La Prensa August 16, 1906.]

VISIT OF SECRETARY ROOT TO SOUTH AMERICA.

OUR GUEST'S OFFICIAL UTTERANCE.

Mr. Root's speech delivered at the banquet at the Government House deserves abundant praise, if we were to be just, without a shadow of reserve. It is in form and thought a production worthy of an experienced statesman and a magnetic orator. He defined his mission in a manner that leaves nothing to be desired, it seems to us, molding a harmonious whole, giving expression to the highest political ideals and to affectionate sentiments that breathe sincerity together with the diplomatic discretion peculiar to men trained in the most arduous public affairs. In order that this frank expression of our judgment may be complete, let us formulate it thus: It is the occasion on which the representative of the Government of the United States has, during his tour of South America, been more happy in his exposition of the fraternal aims and of the desires for the progress of the continent which the great country in whose name he speaks entertains.

Mr. Root, who has a perfect command of language, expounded on this solemn occasion the ripe convictions of the statesman in respect of the present condition and of the future of South America, giving free expression to the sentiments that palpitate on his soul. The Government and people of the United States can be sure that a public agent of theirs has never communicated to Latin America the thought of their country with more authority, with more eloquence, with more appeal to the public reason, fitting the destinies and apportioning the desires of the Western Hemisphere to the zeal for the common ideal of progress on the basis of the calm dominion of sovereignties protected by right and justice.

La Prensa is pleased to observe that the interpretation which it gave the mission of Mr. Root, in its salutation of welcome, agrees absolutely with the conception that he himself attributes to it with a frankness and with a vision so clear of the destinies of the New World that they suffice to recommend the purposes of his visit to the consideration and applause of South America.

His doctrine of political alliance is beautiful. He conceives them without diplomatic pacts, concerted by the community of ideals and by the gravitation those economic interests that accord with the demands of civilization and in the open field of the commercial activity of the peoples. This is also the Argentine doctrine, in the application of which the diplomacy of frankness, that conciliates the brain through the heart, radiates its innate splendor.

The parallel which he traced between the great Republic, his country, and ours, contemplating them in their stubborn struggle for liberty and the posses

sion of the soil disputed by the barbary of civilized industries, was as clear as it was exact and generous. The similarity of the two tasks was outlined in a form so lofty that the colossus plan and at the same level as her sister of the Palat, in spite of the notable difference in size. At this point the loyal friend, the statesman of intense vision, and the diplomat tact rose to his full stature. Our distinguished guest believes that his ideals and his sentiments are tempered in the very feelings of the Argentine spirit. In this sphere the reciprocity is perfect, because the coincidence of the views and aspirations to which he gave expression with those that animate the public life of this country that he feels in the sympathy which envelops him and the spontaneity of which can not escape his clear penetration, is true. We note them with pleasure for the political concept that fills them. Without any desire to recommend, overvalue them, let us recall that our peoples by nature are little given to effusion, so that its authentic hospitality proclaims its desire to strengthen the friendly bonds with the United States in accord with the noble call to fraternity in labor, in justice and right which they extend through the instrumentality of the eminent member of their Government who is with us in their name.

It is our most fervent desire to show to our guest, without reserve, all our endowment and all our economic and political thought, in connection with our public life, internal and external, for we have nothing to conceal, because, fortunately, we have no illegitimate interest to serve to the injury or detriment of the political or commercial interests of other sovereignties. We desire that Mr. Root report to his country that this is a people friendly to the United States, without a shadow in our souls that conceals our intentions, a people that seeks its own aggrandizement through the virtues of its institutions and the exploitation of its natural resources.

Thus we respond to the exalted ideas of his remarkable discourse, which we applaud, and for which we thank him in the name of the Argentine people.

Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

BUENOS AIRES.

Received 5.55 p. m. August 19, 1906.

I am leaving Buenos Aires this afternoon, after a most hospitable and friendly reception and entertainment. Owing to the terrible calamity in Chile I have advised Chilean Government that I will, with their permission, limit my visit to a simple call of condolence. I have expressed sympathy in personal call at Chilean legation here by telegraph.

ROOT.

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.

RESTRICTIONS AGAINST THE IMPORTATION OF BEEF FROM NONEUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

No. 294.]

Ambassador Storer to the Secretary of State.

AMERICAN EMBASSY, Vienna, December 19, 1905.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the firm of Abeles Brothers, of Eger, Bohemia, have informed the embassy by letter dated December 5, but just received, a copy of which is inclosed, that a sample shipment of salted beef, consigned from Chicago to Eger, which had been duly inspected and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture, has been refused admittance to the dominions of AustriaHungary by the customs officials of Eger, pursuant to orders of the Austrian ministry of the interior.

Without waiting to report the case to the department, I have ventured to ask for an explanation of this action of the customs officials, and beg to inclose a copy of my letter to the minister of foreign affairs.

I have, etc.,

BELLAMY STORER.

[Inclosure 1.-Translation.]

Abeles Brothers to the American Embassy.

Eger, Bohemia, December 5, 1905.

We had intended to import American salted beef from Chicago to Austria, and as an experiment had a cask of the said salted beef sent to us. The Austrian authorities, namely, the ministry of finance, in accord with the ministry of the interior, have prohibited us from importing this meat, although we furnished an inspection certificate from the American authorities; and also stated that we were ready to have the condition of the meat as regards health examined here in Austria.

The Austrian ministry of the interior has prevented the importation of this meat, although there is in existence no express (legal) prohibition for the same, and we beg to inclose herewith a copy of the official decision in this matter in order that you may learn the view of the Austrian ministry of the interior.

As the Government of the United States of America should have an interest in the exportation of large quantities of such meat, and in the importation into Austria especially, we bring to your knowledge the groundless prohibition of such importation on the part of the Austrian Government, and will be thankful to the embassy if it would induce the Austrian ministry of the interior to withdraw this import prohibition. ABELES BROTHERS.

Very respectfully, yours,

F. O.

No. 179.

[Inclosure 2.-Copy.]

Ambassador Storer to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

AMERICAN EMBASSY, Vienna, December 19, 1905.

YOUR EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to bring to the attention of your excellency that it is reported to this embassy that the imperial and royal customs officials of Eger have recently refused to allow to enter into the imperial and royal dominions a cask of salted beef produced and prepared in the United States, which had been officially examined by the United States authorities before leaving the United States, and which has been consigned directly to Eger from Chicago, in the United States.

As I am ignorant of the reasons for this action on the part of the imperial royal customs authorities, and as the exclusion of this shipment of salted beef would appear to be in violation of the terms of the treaty of 1829 between Austria-Hungary and the United States, I have the honor to request your excellency to cause an investigation of the circumstances to be made, and if the facts are such as have been reported, to be good enough to inform me of the reasons for such exclusion.

I take this occasion, etc.,

BELLAMY STORER, American Ambassador.

No. 196.]

The Secretary of State to Ambassador Storer.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 5, 1906.

SIR: The department has received your dispatch No. 294 of the 19th ultimo, with inclosures, relating to the complaint of the firm of Abeles Brothers, of Eger, Bohemia, respecting the refusal of admittance by the customs officials of Eger of a sample shipment of salted beef, consigned to that city from Chicago, which had been duly inspected and certified by the United States Department of Agricul

ture.

Your action in applying to the minister of foreign affairs for an explanation of the action taken by the local authorities is approved, and your further report touching the matter is awaited with interest. I am, etc.,

No. 45.]

Chargé Rives to the Secretary of State.

ELIHU ROOT.

AMERICAN EMBASSY, Vienna, August 27, 1906. SIR: I have the honor to inclose the translation of a note received from the ministry of foreign affairs in reply to a note addressed to the said ministry in December, 1905, by the former ambassador, Mr. Bellamy Storer, requesting an explanation from the Imperial and Royal Government of the reasons for the refusal of the custom authorities at Eger to permit a cask of salted beef, produced and prepared in the United States, from entering the imperial and royal dominions.

As will be seen from the foreign office's note, a decree dated July 5, 1906, has been passed restricting the importation of cattle and of