The Buenos Ay res Herald, the only English organ that comments at any
length on the message, while admitting the good case which it makes out
for the past few years and the bright outlook for the future, maintains
that this is in spite of rather than as a consequence of the activities
of the passing Administration.
The message seems to have been received by the people of this country and
by the foreign press in a manner approaching indifference, which fact
is, perhaps, an indication of the improved credit of the nation.
[Inclosure.]
The President’s Message.
[From the Buenos
Ayres Herald, Friday, May 6, 1904; The Buenos Ayres
Herald, Saturday, May 7, 1904.]
Gentlemen, Senators, and Deputies: For the
last time I have the honor of opening your session, and it should be
pleasant for us to realize this constitututional act in such a
favorable situation of credit, of well-being, and of general
prosperity.
[Page 38]
The Argentine nation is increasing and developing in extraordinary
proportions, both materially and morally. Every day is noted an
improvement in the practice of its democratic institutions. Her
future greatness is no longer the vague and uncertain aspiration of
patriotism, but takes the form and character of reality.
* * * * * * *
foreign affairs.
The Republic maintains cordial relations with the rest of the world.
The bonds uniting it to other nations are becoming ever firmer in
consequence of commercial intercourse, which is incessantly
increasing; of the various conventions which regulate commercial,
judicial, sanitary, and other interests, and of the congresses,
conferences, and exhibitions frequently attended by our
delegates.
The relations which we maintain with the States of America, and
especially with our neighbors, are particularly fraternal.
Every day the wisdom of the pacts made with Chile is recognized.
These pacts have caused to prevail a policy of peace and of frank
and loyal friendship between the two nations. This example was
applauded in Europe and America, and is certain to exercise a
beneficial influence upon the relations of the states in this part
of the world.
It is pleasant to state that the Argentine Government has been the
object of special distinctions on the part of the South American
governments, having been honored by being appointed arbitrator in
the dispute between Bolivia and Peru.
The gravitation of the political and economical interests of these
countries must necessarily determine a more equitable criterion for
the harmonization of their respective laws, to favor the expansion
of their commercial policy, and the interchange of their native
produce.
In a few days the agreements with the Governments of Bolivia and
Chile for the termination of the demarcation of the frontiers will
be submitted to you, as also the draft of a treaty relative to the
occupation of the lands which, by the decision of His Britannic
Majesty, now are under different jurisdiction.
With these conventions and another which is being negotiated the last
differences which threatened to draw these nations into war have
been smoothed over, and these nations are now only occupied in
trying to increase their friendly relations.
The Argentine Government has recognized the new State of Panama,
after having acquired the information necessary to assure itself of
the transcendency and permanency of what has occurred there. In the
memorial of the ministry of foreign affairs you will find the data
necessary to appreciate the attitude of the Argentine foreign office
in this emergency.
* * * * * * *
