REPORT 01? THU SECRETARY GENERAI^. 85 



directed work may attain that splendid and flattering success so desired 

 by all, and especially by the small American democracies. 



On this great occasion the delegation of the Republic of Salvador takes 

 pleasure in reciprocating, with a sentiment of deep gratitude and sincere 

 respect, the kind welcome and delicate marks of fraternity with which 

 it has been honored by the distinguished Government of the North 

 American Nation and the worthy executive committee which has organ- 

 ized this important congress. 



URUGUAY: HIS EXCELLENCY CARLOS MARIA DE PENA, 

 ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY AND MINISTER PLENIPOTEN- 

 TIARY. 



Mr. Vice President, Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and 

 Gentlemen: 



When reviewing the brilliant success of the Pan American Financial 

 Conference, it occurred to me that the political skeptic who said "If you 

 want to do nothing, hold a congress," was wrong. Fortunately, at the 

 present time and in the country par excellence of congresses, we rid 

 ourselves of that pessimism, and we shall continue onward with faith 

 in our purposes. What are the things, great or small, .that have not 

 been accomplished in congresses in this country of marvelous energies 

 and of triumphant democracy ? 



This congress is of general scientific character for the exchange of 

 ideas, of views, of reports, of methods, and of investigation. It is a 

 congress seeking solutions of great interest to both hemispheres. It is 

 a congress of the Americas; and for that reason we must exert ourselves 

 in order that the results we long for may be attained, and that this 

 congress may be worthy of the scientific and moral standards of our 

 continent. 



How we have failed to- know one another, gentlemen ! 



How much we have still to do in order to appreciate one another! 



This is a gathering of men who have come from all points of our 

 continent, bringing with them the light which shines in the midst of 

 all our countries, countries that long for a common understanding and 

 that are called upon for active cooperation in the vast field of investiga- 

 tion and science in its various branches; countries that rise up high to 

 see one another better and greet one another as friends and collaborators 

 across the distance we are constantly reducing; countries desirous of 

 strengthening the moral and intellectual ties, breathing as they do the 

 same atmosphere of political institutions; countries that desire to think 

 together and act together "upon the footing of genuine equality and 



