REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL. 67 



BOLIVIA: HIS EXCELLENCY IGNACIO CALDERON, ENVOY 

 EXTRAORDINARY AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY. 



Mr. President, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen: 



In the month of May last took place for the first time in the Hall of 

 the Americas the First Pan American Financial Congress, convened on 

 invitation of the distinguished Secretary of the Treasury of the United 

 States to discuss questions pertaining to the economic conditions of the 

 American Republics and the means of developing our mutual trade rela- 

 tions. To-day we inaugurate in this fine home of the Daughters of 

 the American Revolution the Second Pan American Congress, devoted 

 to the study of almost every branch of knowledge. It is an inspiring 

 thing to know that we all come with the same feeling of nmtual consid- 

 eration and disinterested devotion to the cause of progress and civiliza- 

 tion. Nothing could interpret more fittingly the lofty aims of democracy 

 than this meeting for the discussion of scientific and social problems, for 

 the enlightenment and the benefit of the people. 



The patriots who after long years of unrelenting struggle gained the 

 independence of our countries, left to the coming generations the task 

 of keeping sacred the blessings of a popular government, and I know no 

 better way to honor that trust than by propagating public instruction and 

 by looking for the preservation, health, and welfare of the people. Free- 

 dom is a blessing granted only to countries conscious of their rights, 

 capable of defending them, and offering an open road for all to an inde- 

 pendent life and self -improvement. Pan Americanism is a noble doctrine ; 

 it does not mean exclusion or race distinctions like pan-Germanism or 

 pan-Slavism, but implies the great federation of the American Republics 

 to work for the uplifting of mankind under the ennobling principles of 

 right and freedom. It means the sovereignty of the people based on 

 the equality of men; it means the open door into our territories for all 

 persons able and willing to work for the common progress. 



The Almighty has endowed this New World with lavish gifts of abun- 

 dant resources, which we are prepared to let the rest of mankind share. 

 America is destined to lead on, in the upward movement of the nations 

 pushing forward in the path of justice and progress to the highest sum- 

 mit of civilization. 



We have come together just at the season when the world celebrates 

 the anniversary of the coming of the Divine Master, whose arrival was 

 heralded from above by angelic voices proclaiming peace on earth to all 

 men. Well, then, let us have peace and, following the lead of the glorious 



