Minister Hicks to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Santiago,
Chile, September 12,
1906.
No. 82.]Sir: As the department is an impersonal entity
that exists and does business notwithstanding the absence of its head, I
have the honor to make a brief report of the visit of Mr. Elihu Root and
family to Chile and also to transmit copies of telegrams sent and
received on the subject of his visit.
As I have already notified department Mr. Root was invited to visit Chile
and he accepted the invitation. It was at first the intention of the
Chilean officials to send a war ship to Punta Arenas where the minister
of foreign affairs and myself were to meet the Charleston and welcome him to Chilean territory. On account of
the earthquake, however, the programme was changed to this extent, that
a Chilean war ship, the Zenteno, met him at Punta
Arenas and escorted him to
[Page 149]
Lota, where he was met by the minister of foreign affairs and myself,
with a committee of Chilean gentlemen.
The date fixed for his arrival at Lota was August 29 and we were there on
the morning of the 28th. The two ships did not arrive on the 29th or
30th, and it was not until the afternoon of the 31st that they appeared
in sight. Naturally, the delay gave rise to some apprehension, and the
Chilean Government was on the point of sending the cruiser Admiral Sampson in search of the two ships when
they made their appearance.
Mr. Root, with his wife, daughter, son, and other members of his party,
left the Charleston at Lota, and taking a special
train came directly to Santiago, a distance of about 200 miles, arriving
here at 2 o’clock on the afternoon of Saturday, September 1. The
Government had arranged to have him occupy the residence of Mrs.
Edwards, a Chilean lady of great wealth, and the Root party were soon
domiciled in the beautiful palace, the finest residence in Santiago.
At 5 o’clock the President received Mr. Root in the Moneda or government
building, where brief addresses were exchanged, the President welcoming
the Secretary of State in generous and hospitable words. Mr. Root’s
reply was equally felicitous and made an excellent impression. At 6
o’clock the party went to the residence of Mr. Huneeus, the minister of
foreign affairs, where a reception was given and more than a thousand
ladies and gentlemen of Santiago society greeted the visitors.
The next day was Sunday, and Mrs. Root received a formal visit from
President Riesco and his wife. The Secretary and Miss Root assisted at a
review of the “Bomberos” or fire department of Santiago, in honor of the
foreign contributors to the relief of the earthquake sufferers, and
afterwards they had a drive around the city.
In the evening the Root party were guests of honor at a banquet given by
President Riesco and wife. Upward of 40 guests were present and the
affair was brilliant and impressive.
The minister of foreign affairs delivered an address of welcome, which
was responded to in most appropriate words by Secretary Root.
Accompanying this I am sending a copy and a translation of the
minister’s speech and also a copy of the speech of Mr. Root.
On Monday, at 1 o’clock, the Secretary and party lunched at the Austrian
legation and in the evening dined with me in this legation.
Before the earthquake I had planned a dinner at the Union Club for 70
people—ladies and gentlemen—intended as a return of some of the
courtesies which would be extended to Mr. Root, but owing to the great
affliction which came upon the country, I was compelled to omit it.
My dinner therefore was confined to President Riesco and wife;
Monseigneur Monti, papal envoy and dean of the diplomatic corps; Madame
Kilpatrick, the widow of Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, formerly American
minister to Chile; Madame Desprez, wife of the French minister and
daughter of Gen. George B. McClellan; and myself.
On Tuesday, accompanied by the minister of foreign affairs and myself,
with members of the committee, the Root party took a special train for
Valparaiso, and after a short ride through the region that suffered most
from the earthquake, went on board the Charleston, and at 5 o’clock in the afternoon the ship sailed for
the north.
[Page 150]
I can not speak in too high terms to express the good results of Mr.
Root’s visit to Chile. Everywhere I hear the warmest praise of his
speech and of the impression he made on the Chilean people. I am sure
that his visit will greatly assist in bringing about a good and kindly
feeling between the two countries.
Your obedient servant,
[Inclosure 1.—Telegram.]
Mr. Hicks to
Mr. Root.
Because of awful earthquake, all arrangements for your reception
completely changed. Will be strictly official. So many towns
destroyed that Government is in mourning. Valparaiso reported in
ruins. Five hundred deaths. Santiago badly shocked, thirty deaths,
much property destroyed. Will advise you later.
[Inclosure 2.—Telegram.]
Mr. Root to Mr.
Hicks.
Express to the Government of Chile my deep and heartfelt sympathy
with them in their appalling misfortune. It is impossible that they
should turn their attention now to the entertainment of a guest, and
with their permission I will confine my visit to stopping a few
hours at Valparaiso, long enough to make a brief call of respect and
condolence at such place and in such maimer as may then seem
appropriate. We are still quite without particular information of
the loss suffered. Advise me fully of conditions, as you learn them,
until Monday morning at Bahia Blanca, later at Punta Arenas.
[Inclosure 3.]
speech of his excellency jermán riesco, president of chile, to
mr. root upon his arrival at the
government house, in santiago, september 1, 1906.
[Translation from the
Spanish.]
Mr. Secretary of
State:
I greet you and welcome you in the name of the people and of the
Government of Chile, who receive your visit with the liveliest
satisfaction.
Your attendance at the congress of fraternity which the American
Republics have just held; your visit to the neighboring countries,
which we have followed with the greatest interest; and your presence
amongst us, after the invitation which we had the honor of offering
you, are eloquent testimony of the high-minded intentions, which
will necessarily produce much good for the progress and the
development of America.
In these moments we feel a most profound gratitude toward your
country, toward your worthy President, and toward you for the
friendship and sympathy with which you have joined in the sorrow of
Chile because of the disaster which has wounded Valparaiso and other
cities of the Republic.
I wish that your stay in this country may be agreeable to you and
your distinguished family,
[Inclosure 4.]
reply of mr. root.
I thank you, Mr. President, for your kind welcome and for your kind
expressions, and I thank you for the courteous invitation which led
to this visit on my
[Page 151]
part.
After the great calamity which has befallen your country, I should
have feared to intrude upon the mourning which is in so many Chilean
homes, but I did not feel that I could pass by without calling upon
you—upon the representative of the Chilean people—to express in
person the deep sympathy and sorrow which I, and all my people, whom
I represent, feel for your country and for the stricken and bereaved
ones, and the earnest hope we have for the prompt and cheerful
recovery of spirit and of confidence and of prosperity after the
great misfortune. We know that the spirit and the strength of the
people of Chile are adequate for the recovery, even from so great a
disaster. No one in the world, Mr. President, can feel more deeply
the misfortune that you have suffered than the people of the United
States, because you know that in our country we have recently
experienced just such a calamity. I am sure that nowhere in the
world will you find so keen a sense of sympathy as is there and as I
now express. It may sometimes happen that in adversity stronger
friendships arise than in prosperity, and I hope that although I
come to bring to you an expression of friendship of the United
States of America for the Republic of Chile now while the cloud
rests upon you, the effect of the exchange of kind wordsand kinder
feelings in this time may be greater, more permanent, and more
lasting than they could have been when all were prosperous and
happy.
[Inclosure 5.]
speech of his excellency dr. antonio huneeus, minister for foreign
affairs, at the banquet given by the president of chile to mr.
root and his family, at the
moneda, september 2, 1906.
[Translation from the
Spanish.]
Most Excellent Mr. President;
Ladies; Most Excellent Mr. Root:
I extend to you the welcome of the people and of the Government.
Heartily do I say to you, in the name of all Chileans: Be
welcome.
We were preparing to entertain you in magnificent style, but it was
the will of Providence to visit us with a bitter trial, so we are
now receiving you in a modest manner.
Come and see, sir, what we have suffered. Morally, we have suffered
much; for several thousands of our brothers perished in the
catastrophe of August 16. Materially speaking, we lose the greater
part of our principal port and of several cities of minor
importance, together with the profits which cease in consequence.
Behold, now, sir, what remains to us and how we are rising. Our
productive forces are alive and sound; agriculture, mining, and
manufacturing have scarcely suffered, and our saltpeter treasures
continue to exist.
Public order remained undisturbed; generally speaking, the reign of
the law was maintained; the authorities fulfilled their duty; and
the navy, glorious guardian of half our territory, which is the
ocean, was saved intact. Therefore, all we sons of Chile are of
cheerful heart.
The virility of a country is worth more than the splendor of its
monuments. It does not humiliate us, therefore, to have you see
houses and towns destroyed, for it was not a civil war or a foreign
enemy which razed them to the ground, but a higher hand. It is
rather a source of pride to us to have you witness the integrity and
unity of the Chileans.
The fortitude of our race and our good sense will cause us to rise
again in a short time to a greater prosperity.
You plainly see that Chile is still entire and that our misfortune
was more painful than injurious.
We did not, therefore, think for a moment that you might postpone
your visit. On the contrary, we telegraphed to you a few hours after
the earthquake: “Our home is demolished; but come, sir, for we are
safe, calm, and diligent.”
Besides, the plain dignity of your character, which we knew, and the
objects of your visit encouraged us to speak to you.
You have come, most excellent sir, to offer your overproduction to
our consumers, and to ask a larger place for the Americans in the
Chilean heart.
You are going to obtain all that. But, besides this, Mr. Root, please
bear to the sons of the United States, and especially to our
brothers in misfortune at San Francisco, Cal., a sacred homage—the
intense gratitude of the society
[Page 152]
and Government of Chile for the generous aid
to our sufferers by which the Americans are proving to us that along
with greatness of power they have greatness of heart.
We knew of all this greatness. With a territory covering half a
continent and nourished by every kind of riches, with a firm and
impulsive character, with broad and far-reaching views along every
channel which human activity can pursue, and endowed with a clear
instinct of what is possible, the Americans have become useful and
wealthy.
They understood two essential things, namely, that government is not
merely a pleasant and covetable ideal, but a fundamental necessity,
and that the greatest value does not consist in traditions or
fortune, but in personal merit. They therefore abolished every
unjustified distinction of superiority and organized as a
democracy.
The result of the combination of such rare and happy moral and
material elements has been the springing up of a nation as powerful
as the most powerful, and in freedom equaled by none.
And how well the United States know that there is no greatness
without liberty!
Since the consciousness of right has become deeper, principles of
respect and faith have become implanted in the commonwealth of
nations, whatever be the extent of their territory, their
population, or their armed forces. The inveterate abuses of force
are disappearing. The principle which, being embodied into a law of
equality among all the nations, always prevails at present in
international relations is that of liberty for the weaker side.
The American Union—the free country—years ago established its foreign
policy on the plan of equality. Its commercial flag waves throughout
the world without arrogance or spirit of intervention.
Your natural wisdom tells you, Mr. Root, that you do not need any
other than mercantile expansion, and still more that none other
would be suited to you.
You have of late repeatedly given practical and unmistakable
testimonials that this is your policy.
You have stated so yourself at Rio de Janeiro, and your presence
among us is a further proof that your purposes are friendly and
frank.
Let us enter commercial relations with the United States with
friendship and confidence. We shall proceed as far as is mutually
beneficial to us, and this will be shown us by the natural laws of
mercantile transactions.
The Government desires that American goods shall come to Chile in
abundance to facilitate living, and it earnestly desires at the same
time that Chilean products may be multiplied and that they may
endeavor to offset those importations.
Since the 16th of August we have been pushing more resolutely than
before the work of our restoration. We have all the moral factors,
namely, order, will, and an apt and energetic people. We also have
incalculable and extremely varied natural resources. There is only
one material factor on which we may be short, namely, capital, which
is a powerful force if well employed.
Chile will be glad to see American capital come and establish itself
in our commercial and industrial circulation. It will blend well
with Chilean honor and will prosper under the protection of our
laws, which are liberal with the foreigner, and under the shelter of
our Government, which is unshakable.
We are certain that Chilean interests will meet the same respect from
the Government of the Union as we cherish for American
interests.
The infinite variety of articles of supply and consumption will
certainly enable the interchange of goods between Chile and America
to increase without narrowing the horizons of our commerce with
friendly markets which to-day bring us capital, raw materials,
workmen, and manufactures.
The American Union has happily solved its internal and foreign
problems, has established its political and economic power on a firm
basis, and is, finally, in full enjoyment of its natural greatness
and freely exercising all its energies at the present time. We have
attentively observed that it desires to promote the progress of the
world and to see the other nations of Christendom, especially the
American Republics, associated in this great work on terms of
equality, friendship, and mutual benefit.
We respond, therefore, to its affectionate call by declaring that we
are imbued with sincere faith in the friendship of the Government
and the people of the United States; we utter fervent wishes that
our mutual confidence may become
[Page 153]
strengthened and be free of misgivings; and we
prophesy that the rapprochement which the eminent Secretary of State
now visiting us has initiated will be of beneficent influence on our
international cordiality and bring prosperous results for our
development.
Most excellent Mr. Root, His Excellency the President of the Republic
requests you to say to the illustrious President Roosevelt and to
your fellow-citizens that the Chilean people fraternize cordially
with the American people; that our markets are free to them; that we
admire your government officials; that your most excellent minister,
Mr. Hicks, enjoys our highest esteem and good feeling; and that we
have received you and your most worthy family with open hearts.
[Inclosure 6.]
reply of mr. root.
Mr. President; Ladies and Gentlemen:
I beg you to believe in the sincere and high appreciation which I
have for all the kindness you have shown me and my family since our
arrival in Chile. I believe that the delicacy, the sense of
propriety and fitness, that have characterized our reception, both
official and personal, have produced in our minds, under the sad
circumstances of the great misfortune that hangs over the Chilean
people like a cloud, a deeper impression than the most splendid and
sumptuous display. I believe that to be able to mourn with you in
your loss, to sympathize with you in your misfortune, draws us
closer to you than to be with you in the greatest prosperity and
happiness upon which the brightest sun has ever shone.
I thank you for your kindly expressions regarding my President,
regarding myself, and regarding my country. In the “United States of
America,” as our Constitution called us many years ago—the “United
States of North America,” as perhaps we should call ourselves south
of the equator—we have been for a long time, and are now, trying to
reconcile individual liberty with public order, local
self-government with a strong central and national control; trying
to develop the capacity of the individuals of our people to control
themselves and also the capacity of the people collectively for
self-government; trying to adopt sound financial methods, to promote
justice—a justice compatible with mercy—and to make progress in all
that makes a people happier, more prosperous, better educated,
better able to perform their duties as citizens and to do their part
in the world to help humanity out of the hard conditions of poverty
and ignorance and along the pathway of civilization. We have done
what we could. We have committed errors and we acknowledge them and
are deeply conscious of them; but we are justly proud of our country
for the progress it has made, and we look on every country that is
engaged in that same struggle for liberty and justice with profound
sympathy and warm friendship.
I am here to say to the Chilean people that although there have been
misunderstandings in the past, they were misunderstandings such as
arise between two vigorous, proud peoples that know each other too
little. Let us know each other better and we shall have put an end
to misunderstandings. The present moment is especially propitious
for saying this, because we are upon the threshold of great events
in this Western World of ours. In my own country the progress of
development has reached a point of transition. In the fifty years,
from 1850 to 1900, we received on our shores nearly twenty million
immigrants from the Old World. We borrowed from the Old World
thousands of millions of dollars, and with the strong arm of the
immigrants and with the capital from the Old World we have threaded
the country with railroads, we have constructed great public works,
we have created the phenomenal prosperity that you all know; and now
we have paid our debts to Europe, we have returned the capital with
which our country was built up, and in the last half dozen years we
have been accumulating an excess of capital that is beginning to
seek an outlet in foreign enterprises.
At the same time, there is seen in South America the dawn of a new
life which moves its people, as they have never been moved before,
with the spirit of industrial and commercial progress.
At a banquet that was given last winter to a great and distinguished
man, Lord Grey, Governor-General of Canada, he said: “The nineteenth
century was the century of the United States; the twentieth century
will be the century of
[Page 154]
Canada.” I should feel surer as a prophet if I were to say: “The
twentieth century will be the century of South America.” I believe,
with him, in the great development of Canada; but just as the
nineteenth century was the century of phenomenal development in
North America, I believe that no student can help seeing that the
twentieth century will be the century of phenomenal development in
South America.
And so our countries will be face to face in a new attitude. We can
not longer remain strangers to each other; our relations must be
those of intimacy, and this is the time to say that our relations
will be those, of friendship.
On the other hand, before long the construction of the canal across
the Isthmus of Panama, which will fulfill the dreams of the early
navigators, which will accomplish the work projected for centuries,
will at last be completed, while the men who are to-day active in
the business of both countries are still on the field of action.
This, therefore, is the moment to safeguard harmony in the relations
between the two nations.
I do not believe that anyone can say what changes the opening of the
Panama Canal will bring in the affairs of the world, but we do know
that the great changes in the commercial routes of the world have
changed the course of history, and no one can doubt that the
creation of a waterway that will put the Pacific coast of South
America in close touch with the Atlantic coast of North America must
be a factor of incalculable importance in determining the affairs of
the Western Hemisphere and promoting our relations of intimacy and
friendship.
Now, at this moment, at the beginning of this great commercial and
industrial awakening—I say at the beginning, notwithstanding all
that you have already done, because I believe you have only begun to
realize the great work you have before you—at this moment there
falls on you this terrible misfortune, one of those warnings that at
times God sends to his people to show them how weak they are in his
hands—a misfortune on account of which the entire world mourns with
you. But I believe—I know—that the air of these mountains and of
these shores, which in another time gave its spirit to the proud and
indomitable Arucanian race, has given to the people of Chile the
vigor with which to rise up from the ashes of Valparaiso and with
which to make out of the misfortune of to-day the incentive for
great deeds to-morrow. And in this era of friendship, when peaceful
immigration has replaced armed invasions, when the free exchange of
capital and the international ownership of industrial and commercial
enterprises, of manufactures, of mines, have replaced rapine and
plunder—in this era of commercial conquest and industrial
acquisition, of more frequent intercourse among men, of more
intimate knowledge and better understanding, there has come to you
in this your great misfortune the friendship and the sympathy of the
world.
In truth, our friends who sleep the last sleep there in Valparaiso
have brought to their country a possession of greater value than was
ever won by the soldier on the battlefield.
As I said to you yesterday, Mr. President, I feared that under the
present sad circumstances I might be intruding upon you; should I
not rather feel that the words of friendship of which I am the
bearer are in perfect harmony with the sentiment that your
affliction has created in all countries, the universal recognition
of the brotherhood of man?
