The Congress of representatives from " the three Americas," summoned
by Mr. Blaine, met on October 2nd at Washington, where they were addressed by the Secretary of State. He disclaimed any idea of conquest, or any selfish plan of alliance against "other nations from which we are proud to claim an inheritance,"—that is, England. The American nations ought, however, to be more helpful to one another, "to be drawn together more closely by sea," and to look for the day when the North American and South American railway systems shall meet at Panama. There will be no necessity for a balance of power, as all will be actuated by a spirit of justice, and there will be great gain in so " developing and regulating the personal and commercial relations" of the American nations, that each shall acquire the highest advantage from all. " Developing and regulating,"—H'm ! That does not look exactly as if nothing were intended in the way of preferential treaties. For the present the sittings are suspended, and the delegates are to move in palace-cars through all the States of the Union, visiting in particular all centres of industry. They are, in fact, first to be dazzled, and then asked to consider suggestions. We should not wonder if the result were a little at variance with Mr. Blaine's hopes. Suppose the Spanish-Americans, many of whom are as ignorant of the Union as fishes are of birds'. nests, took fright at its portentous strength P
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