Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 8, 1908

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.

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.

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.,

Charles S. Wilson.

[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 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.