THE American delegation, for which I speak,
travels toward Buenos Aires with the sense of
being only one of numerous groups of pilgrim
brothers moving together with a common thought, and
not as a diplomatic mission bent upon some exclusive
national aim.

We are followed by the high hopes of all the peoples
of a great continent. No immediate difference among
us necessitates our gathering. No prevailing fear or pro-
found mistrust compels us to maintain our guards one
against the other. There are no deep hatreds among us
such as might thwart our impulse to be friends. We are
not animated by calculations of special advantage such
as might cleave us apart.

Purposes of another kind draw us together. We are
impelled by the wish to make known and effective the
beliefs and desires which we have in common. At
Buenos Aires we shall seek the most effective and durable
expression of this joint will to advance the ideals of peace
between nations, government by the consent of the
people, and esteem for human welfare as the basis of
government.

We must live as a continent of nations in peaceful and
equitable relations with each other. I am sure that all

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