File No. 4519/29–31.
Chargé Wilson to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Buenos
Aires, May 12,
1908.
No. 743.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the
11th instant the Forty-seventh National Congress was opened by the
President of the Republic with the usual ceremonies.
[Page 14]
To the joint assembly of both Houses of Congress, and in the presence of
the Argentine ministers, the diplomatic corps, and other high officials
the President personally read his message.
The President’s message, copies of which are inclosed herewith, as well
as a synopsis in English, is a lengthy document of 105 pages. It begins
by a defense of his decree of January 25 (for closing Congress and
keeping in force the budget of 1907, and of his intervention in the Pro
vines of Corrientes and Santiago del Estero).
As regards the decree the President describes it as a measure of an
administrative character made necessary in order to provide for the
public expenditure, but not an invasion of “the sphere of legal action
of the legislative power.” He asserts also that the unavoidable
consequences and ulterior proceedings of the decree were determined by
serious circumstances and elevated and honorable motives absolutely
foreign to the inconceivable design of violating parliamentary
privileges.
The part of the message dealing with the department of the interior
states that the relations between the nation and the Provinces “have
continued in the most frank harmony and solidarity,” and then goes on to
speak of the revolutions which have occurred in the Provinces of San
Luis, Corrientes, and Santiago del Estero, and makes a defense for
national intervention which was decreed in the first of those two
Provinces.
The labor question is refererd to at some length as being one of the most
important matters of the present day, and legislation is urged in
various directions.
The police and sanitary conditions of the country are referred to as
satisfactory, as is also the increased use of the postal and telegraph
services during 1907.
Speaking of foreign relations the message says:
We strive to cultivate the most friendly relations with all
States and constantly are receiving from them marks of good will
and esteem. Holland has raised its representative with us to its
highest rank, and several Governments of Europe and Asia have
made changes among the diplomats accredited to this Republic,
and as the newcomers are highly distinguished men, our cordial
relations with these countries are of the best.
Reference is made to the fact that Buenos Aires has been chosen as the
place for the meeting of the fourth Pan American Conference and it is
stated that—
It was due to the United States Government, acting on behalf of
the other States, that our city was finally designated for the
honor. For this the Argentine minister in Washington was
directed to express his thanks to the American Government.
The President then refers to a treaty with the United States relating to
the naturalization of citizens of the two countries and the civil and
political status of these which is under discussion, having been agreed
to in the main.
Special reference is then made to relations with the various South
American countries whose boundaries touch those of the Republic.
With Brazil efforts are being made to improve commercial relations, and
both Governments are agreed that mutual allowances and sacrifices must
be made in order to come to an understanding.
[Page 15]
Treaties of various kinds with Chile are under consideration, and the
relations between the two countries are probably more cordial than ever
before.
With Paraguay also relations are most friendly.
In regard to Uruguay the message states that notwithstanding the fishing
limit industry affairs and the Constitución
incident, the relations between the two Governments are very
cordial.
The President states with satisfaction the fact that notwithstanding the
number of foreign residents in the country there is not a single
instance pending in which diplomatic intervention has been considered
necessary.
Financially the present condition of the country is highly satisfactory,
and it is this section of the message which will be read with the
greatest interest abroad. With a revenue that totals $25,500,000 over
and above its estimated return, and that revenue 6 per cent better than
the figures for the preceding year, the situation is certainly most
encouraging. Moreover, on striking the balance of ordinary and
extraordinary funds available for service, there remains a surplus of
$7,500,000 paper which will be used in amortizing outstanding debts.
Attention is called to the high standard of credit which Argentine
enjoys abroad, and reference is made to the importance of maintaining
such a standard at all costs. The President lets it be distinctly
understood that no project having for its aim the disturbance of
existing currency legislation will receive his support.
Touching the administration of justice, the message foreshadows a
possibility of reform in certain directions, such as better prisons and
better paid judges in order to raise the standard of the judiciary of
the country.
In regard to education the President recognizes that there is great
chance for improvement, especially in primary education.
Little is said in regard to the department of war, but the condition of
the army is stated to be satisfactory. Certain improvements have been
made in the artillery and new barracks are being constructed.
The minister of marine announces that the Government will abandon the
bill presented to Congress at its last session relating to the purchase
of the battleships and will present another authorizing the acquisition
of “destroyers” and other “indispensable elements” for the squadron,
even if only to fulfill the reduced functions it might have to perform
with respect to other naval forces of South America, until modern
warships are incorporated in our Navy.
The message refers to agriculture as the chief source of wealth of the
country and gives various very satisfactory statistics for the year
1907.
In the section dealing with public works especial attention is called to
the need of deepening the port of Buenos Aires, the continuation of
irrigation works, and the completion of certain railway lines. At the
same time it is declared that financial caution must not be neglected.
Recourse to borrowed capital is condemned while there is a possibility
of completing such works as may be of the first necessity out of the
national resources.
I am, etc.,
[Page 16]
[Inclosure—Extract.]
We strive to cultivate the most friendly relations with all States,
and constantly are receiving from these marks of good will and
esteem.
Holland has raised its representative with us to highest rank, and
several Governments of Europe and Asia have made changes amongst the
diplomats accredited to this Republic, and as the newcomers are
highly distinguished men, our cordial relations with these countries
are of the best.
The Sovereigns of Germany, Spain, and Portugal, the Presidents of the
United States and France have shown marked attentions to our
training ship Presidente Sarmiento, whose
officers have fully acknowledged the honors. The hearty welcome
accorded our flag in those foreign waters we take as another mark of
cordiality on the part of the nations mentioned. The diplomatic
representatives of the various American States, assembled in the
city of Washington resolved forthwith to designate the city where
the fourth Pan American conference should meet. The representatives
of the American States voted that the Congress should be held in
Buenos Aires. It was due to the United States Government, acting on
behalf of the other States, that our city was finally designated for
the honor. Your Government duly requested its minister in the States
to thank that Government, and following this our minister gave a
banquet in honor of the American Secretary of State, the
representatives of the various American powers, and other high
Government officials.
The United States have named a commission of nine representative
gentlemen, who, with an Argentine commission, also composed of nine
members, will undertake the preliminary preparations for the
conference which is to inaugurate its meetings in our city on the
25th of May, 1910. I have already designated those who will compose
our commission, and in which Congress is represented by
distinguished members of both chambers. A treaty with the States
relating to the naturalization of citizens of the two countries and
the civil and political status of these is under discussion, having
been agreed to in the main. In due course the terms of the treaty
will be placed before you for consideration.
Our relations with American States have claimed my preferential
attention, particularly those most in touch with the Argentine
Republic. With pleasure I inform you that these relations have been
drawn closer during the past year, and I have met with every good
wish from the several countries calculated to strengthen the bonds
of friendship.
We are complying with the terms of the treaty made with Bolivia last
year, and a railway is in construction which will join our
northernmost town with Bolivian railways, thus greatly benefiting
commercial intercourse between the two countries.
You will be asked in the coming session to vote the necessary funds
for continuing these railway works, and the sums voted will be
expended gradually. As our Northern Railway has now reached the
frontier it is time to put the postal convention into practice, for
it is obvious that Bolivian commerce already prefers the
Rosario-Quiaca route for its dealings with the exterior.
The Argentine minister appointed to the Brazilian Republic in 1907
has been deferentially received by that Government and is engaged in
improving the existing commercial relations. Both Governments are
agreed that each country must make certain mutual allowances and
sacrifices.
A contract has been signed at Rio de Janeiro ad referendum for the
acquisition of a palace in the Beiramar Avenue in that city, and
which was at one time the property of Baron de Cotegipe. In due
course I shall present a message and the project of law authorizing
the purchase thus providing our representative there with a
residence in keeping with the importance of that State. This will
mean transfering the legation from Petropolis to the center of the
Brazilian capital, where our minister will be in closer touch with
that Government and the rest of the diplomatic corps.
Treaties of various kinds are under study with our neighbor, Chile.
Each country has named a special commission to study the other’s
commerce and industries.
The people of both Republics have noted those rapprochements with
visible pleasure, and our relations with Chile are perhaps stronger
to-day than they ever have been before.
From Paraguay also we are constantly receiving attentions which amply
testify to that country’s professed friendliness toward our State. A
special commission, composed of high dignitaries of the Republic,
will shortly visit us [Page 17] to
partake in our May festivities. An Argentine commission waited on
their Government with a similar mission in 1907.
Various treaties have been entered into with Paraguay, dealing
chiefly with commercial interchange. Both countries are jointly
taking measures for dredging the River Paraguay, rendering it
navigable for large craft. We have authorized the Paraguayan
Government to construct a deposit in our docks for timber proceeding
from their country and destined for European markets.
An arrangement has been arrived at for the exportation of cattle from
Paraguay to the Chaco and Corrientes.
Last year Uruguay sent a distinguished commission of civil and
military dignitaries to partake in our 9th of July celebration. The
members composing same were accorded a hearty welcome by your
Government and the people.
Notwithstanding the fishing-limit industry affair and the Constitution incident, the relations between
both Governments are very cordial.
A conference to discuss private international law will meet in this
city on the 8th of July, 1909. Your Government conceived the idea of
such a conference, and European powers have signified their
intention of sending representatives.
The chief preoccupation of my Government has been to maintain and
enlarge existing markets and open others. We have been making every
effort possible toward obtaining concessions in the European
States.
All countries realize to-day the benefit to be derived from mutual
concessions, which tend to maintain industrial and commercial
prosperity. With this idea in view, I have reorganized our consular
service, and no doubt we shall soon reap the benefit.
I have the pleasure and satisfaction of stating that, notwithsanding
the number of foreigners resident with us, there is no a single
instance pending in which diplomatic intervention has been consdered
necessary.
Frequently this Republic is invited to attend conferences and
congresses to consider matters of universal interest, and all these
occasions are propitious for showing our progress and furthering our
interests.
The Argentine Church continues to develop and extend its mission. We
render all aid possible, and the relations with the church are of
the best. The La Plata diocese has been endowed with an edifice
appropriate to its requirements. I have fostered the establishment
of seminaries in the capital and provinces. Thus the church will
become thoroughly Argentine. The allowance to the church requires
increasing, in view of the increased cost of living. It is only
fitting that they should be amply provided for, in view of the
importance of their elevated mission. Finally, the Sociedad de
Beneficencia continues in its noble but ever-increasing labors.
Funds do not, however, come in in proportion to the needs of the
society, and I would suggest that more help be rendered in this
quarter.
