26 ministers in the capitals of Central America, had been devoted to the creation of the Pedagogic Institution, Central America would already enjoy the prospect of true civilization, provided the American Government would but furnish teachers, tools and materials for teaching.
In the discussions of the Central American congress held at Washington, statesmen of the United States allowed themselves to be misled by the words of Central American politicians, and did not exhibit that practical spirit for which their race is distinguished.
When it is desired, in the United States, to direct the people into a certain patlı, resort is had to the schools.
Why is not the same thing done in Central America. The agreements were signed in 1907. The year 1908 could have been devoted to the building of the Institute; it would now be in operation, and a hundred pupils from each Central American republic, all educated upon like principles and upon the basis of a common ideal, would be in training to contribute to the development and progress of our people. These agreements have brought to us but one more disappointment and failure; and to render this all the more poignant, the very persons who signed the agreements are now working against American influences in Nicaragua and Honduras. There is no necessity for mentioning names.
IX.
Aside from all these arguments, which are manifestly based upon sociology and the inevitable and peremptory laws of human civilization, another reasonable ground exists for intervention by the United States in the politics of Central America and in its republican life.