ods of business of long
ago, and the twentieth would be no further advanced than the eighteenth
century. But though commercial competitors we are, commercial enemies we
must not be.

The Pan-American exposition has done its work thoroughly, presenting
in its exhibits evidences of the highest skill and illustrating the
progress of the human family in the western hemisphere. This portion of
the earth has no cause for humiliation for the part it has performed in
the march of civilization. It has not accomplished everything from it.
It has simply done its best, and without vanity or boastfulness, and
recognizing the manifold achievements of others, it invites the friendly
rivalry of all the powers in the peaceful pursuits of trade and
commerce, and will co-operate with all in advancing the highest and best
interests of humanity.

The wisdom and energy of all the nations are none too great for the
world's work. The success of art, science, industry and invention is an
international asset and a common glory.

After all, how near one to the other is every part of the world. Modern
inventions have brought into close relation widely separated peoples and
made them better acquainted. Geographic and political divisions will
continue to exist, but distances have been effaced. Swift ships and
swift trains are becoming cosmopolitan. They invade fields which a few
years ago were impenetrable. The world's products are exchanged as never
before, and with increasing transportation facilities come increasing
knowledge and larger trade. Prices are fixed with mathematical precision
by supply and demand. The world's selling prices are regulated by market
and crop reports.

We travel greater distances in a shorter space of time and with more
ease than was ever dreamed of by the fathers. Isolation is no longer
possible or desirable. The same important news is read, though in
different languages, the same day in all Christendom. The telegraph
keeps us advised of what is occurring everywhere, and the press
foreshadows, with more or less accuracy, the plans and purposes of the
nations.

Market prices of products and of securities are hourly known in every
commercial mart, and the investments of the people extend beyond their
own national boundaries into the remotest parts of the earth. Vast
transactions are conducted and international exchanges are made by the
tick of the cable. Every event of interest is immediately bulletined.
The quick