iB 110 B2 :opy 1 THIRD DRY FARMING CONGRESS CHEYENNE, WYO., U. S. A. FEB. 23, 24, AND 25, 1^^^l 'J , fSiK^ L. BAETA-NEVES Mining and Civil Engineer; Graduate of the Ouro Prete Mining School, Brazil; Chief of the Technical Department of the Directory of Railway and Public Works in Minas Geraes, Brazil; Member of the Historic and Geographic Institute of the same state; Member of the National Geographic Society of Washington; Knight of Columbus; Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, Cal.; Representative of the Brazilian Government before the Scientific Congresses 16th Irrigation and 3ra Dry Farming in America, and Vice-President and Corresponding Secretary of this Congress; Special Delegate of Brazil before the I 7th National Irrigation Congress at Spokane, Wash., where, by selection, he addressed the meeting on behalf of the Foreign Represensatives. THIRD DRY FARMING CONGRESS CHEYENNE, WYO., U. S. A. FEB. 23, 24, AXD 25, 1909 Addresses by the Special and Official Brazilian Delegate. L. BAETA-i\EVES. M. C. E. n Vice-President and Corresponding Secretary of the Dry Farming Congress for Brazil INVITATION AND WORDS OF APPRECIATION OF THE CONGRESS TABLE OF CONTENTS. Subjects Page Dedication 1 Invitation 3 Message from Brazil ' 3 Necessities and Possibilities of Dry-Farming in Brazil 6 Official Address on Belialf of Brazil " 12 Credentials 12 Brazilian Presents Flag to the City 16 Closing Session of the Dry-Farming Congress 17 Words of Appreciation of the Dry-Farming Congress 19 Governor Norris, of Montana, writes Dr. L. Baeta-Neves 22 Cheers for Brazil 23 Portraits and illustrations. L. Baeta-Neves L. Baeta-Neves, father of Dr. L. Baeta-Neves A Group of Foreign Delegates An Ordinary Session of the Dry-Farming Congress Hon. John T. Burns A Brazilian-American ' '. t Gift Author (Porion) 3 N'09 DEDICATION. To the sacred memory of my sainted father, Lourenco Baeta Neves, Farmer in Queluz de Minas, Brazil. I am unfortunate in not knowing my father, he having died before my birth. My devoted mother, by her unlimited affection for her chiklren has done everything possible for them and we really have not suffered from the material loss of our father. But my spirit has never found consolation, except in God, for not having known him. Having been taught by my mother, since my infancy I know quite well about his spirit of kindness, his diligence in the performance of his do- mestic and civil duties. My mother always tried to inspire her children with the same virtues, hoping that we always might honor the name that we bear. I have alreadv five children and they are being brought up under the same principles by which my mother educated me. And I sincerely hope that they will always be worthy of the name they have inherited from their grand- father. Placing here his picture, which I have carried all my life, over my heart, I wish to divide with his sacred memory, the great honor extended to his son in the Dry Farming Con- gress in America. To my dear, devoted moiher. Dona Maria Leonor Teixeira Baeta Neves. Honoring this book with j'our name, I am exceedingly glad to dedicate to you what, by right, is your own. I have already many 'publications, but none that I consider worthy to bear your name. Only now I wish to share with you the honor conferred upofl me, in America. I am writing in English, a language with which you are not familiar, different from that in which you taught me the lesson of duty. But the change of language does not signify a change of heart; this remains the same as you made it, palpitating in the same manner, feeling the same love for you. Being a father, I now realize fully the love of a parent, and can appreciate more than ever your kindness and affection for me. I owe my technical education and my success as a profes- sional man in this country to the School of Mines, in Ouro Preto, my beloved birth place. But something more than technical knowledge was necessary to obtain for me the posi- tion which I have attained among Brazilian and American Society, and this came entirely from you, who have always taught me to be worthy of and to love our country which your parents so much honored. Therefore it is fitting that you should share in the honor extended to your son in America. Please accept it, and rest assured that my gratitude also extends to the sacred memory of my sainted grandmother, the viscountess of Camargos, who was my second mother. Grod bless you. Lourenco. Knoxville, Tennessee. Oct. 1909. Trans- Missouri Dry Farming Congress Cheyenne, Wyo. Senor L. Baeta-Neves, 723 Eleanor Street, Knoxville, Tenn. Dear Sir: In behalf of the program committee, it gives me pleasure to invite you to address the Third Trans-Missouri Dry Farming Congress, which convenes February 23-24-25, stating to us the conditions in your country pertaining to possible development under dry farming; what has al- ready been accomplished and what could be accomplished under these systems. We shall hope to hear an early acceptance from you. Very truly yours, JOHN T. BURNS, JTB— N. Secretary. MESSAGE FROM BRAZIL. Opening Session — Tuesday Morning, Feb. 23rd Response to Welcome to Foreign Delegates (Published by many Western and Chicago papers this short address attracted many kind words toward Brazil. — Reprinted from the Proceedings of the Congress ) Senor L. Baeta-Neves, a special delegate from Brazil, thanked the congress for courtesies extended in the following words : Your Excellency. Governor of Wyominti', and President of this congress, Honorable ]\rem])ers of the Third Trans- Missouri Dry Farming congress. Ladies and Gentlemen : "Honored by a special invitation sent to me through the kindness of Mr. John T. Burns, secretary of this congress, to take part in these sessions, that Ave are now attending with so great interest, I immediately decided to accept the invita- tion. But making such a decision, certainly, i could not have any idea of declining the courtesy extended to me by that gentleman, and of coming to learn b}' your experience what interests me too, and constitutes one of the subjects of my scientific investigation in this admirable country. "The great deal of which I learned in the last irrigation congress, in Albuquerque, that I attended in the capacity of delegate of the Braziliaai government, influenced me very much ; so that, I do not wish to lose this important meeting of the Dry Farming congress, so full of interest and utility for the peoples who wish the prosperity of their countries. "In the irrigation congress I had practically an additional proof of the advantages coming from the co-operation of dif- ferent ideas for the solution of one certain problem. The experience of many a man in different ways, under different conditions of time and place, is, undoubtedly, the best and surest factor of success in any work, principally when we consider something like dry farming, that demands, above all, serious study and very much observation. "Really the dry farming problem is of this class and the great interest that it awakens all over the world is only a consequence of the combination of ideas and efforts of these pioneers of the work in the conquest of the land from the desert. And you. North Americans, better than any one else, know very well how to profit by this truth, and you, without having any egotistical feelings, without any intention of dem- onstrating superiority above other countries in the line of your works, open your doors to the foreigner who comes to study your progress. And with an altruism and courtesy that I appreciate very much, you show him the results of your patient experiments and all the necessary explanation to them. "For this splendid and sincere hospitality I present to you again the compliments which I have done before in ray publi- 'cations and speeches in this country. "And with my best wishes for the successful results of this Third Trans-Missouri Dry Farming congress, I heartily thank von for vour courteous welcome." NECESSITIES AND POSSIBILITIES OF DRY FARMING IN BRAZIL. Third Session — Tuesday Evening, Feb 23rd Address by L. Baeta-Neves, reprinted from the Proceedings of the Congress, having been publislied in full and extract in gi'eat many daily papers and magazines of the United States, including the excel- lent Bulletin of the International Bureau of the American Republics. For these compliments paid to Brazil and honors conferred to the au- thor, he is indebted to the American Press. Your Excellency, Governor of Wyoming, and President of this Congress, Mr. Chairman, Honorable Members of the Third Trans-Missouri Dry Farming- Congress, Ladies and Gen- tlemen : — In the invitation that came to me through the courtesy of Mr. John T. Burns to attend the Congress, this gentleman asked me to tell you something about the necessities and pos- sibilities along the line of dry farming in Brazil. And to respond to this additional compliment which he paid me, I beg for a few minutes your attention. Brazil is not indifferent to the solution of the problem that is discussed in this meeting. If it was not for the interest that is awakening in all the world in this system of cultivation, that permits the increase of the living resources on the earth, getting from the desert lands room for the home of new gener- ations, Brazil would have suffi'cient reason to think on it. We have also a semi-dry region which must become prosperous and not lie perpetually unproductive. In our immense area about 250,000 square miles greater than the United States proper, there is one northern part, near the Atlantic Coast and below the Amazonic basin, where the drought comes almost periodically, bringing serious troubles to the lives of many thousands of Brazilians who live there. This part of the country though being small in comparison with the total surface of Brazil, is considerable in area, con- taining lands of great fertility, lacking only moisture to be productive. Any light rain transforms it, covering the land with green vegetation in a very few days. With moisture, everything grows there. Sucli lands are not more than 2000 to 2400 feet in average above the sea level, on the mountains, and the dominant rooks are gneiss. You knoAV that we have no snow or ice in Brazil, and cer- tainly Ave cannot have them in that land which I speak about, lying a few degrees below the equatorial line and not being a high part. Its dryest part is between something like 2 degrees; 5 minutes and 7 degn es south latitude, in the State of Ceara. Therefore the moisture to render the soil productive only comes from the rain, but this notwithstanding being enough for the desired productiveness, if we consider its aiuiual average, about twenty-five inches in the dryest time, does not produce the expected result because of its extraordinary irregularity, combined with great evaporation noted there. Sometimes the rain stops for many months, 'coming only in a very few days during the year. There, as you do here, the Krazilian Government is carry- ing on irrigation, but certain parts of such lands must be con- sidered in a different way, because of the difficulty or impossi- bility of getting Avater enough for irrigation purposes. For that reason, the Brazilian Government wishes to try the dry farming process. And as I spoke about it before the Six- teenth National Irrigation Congress. Brazilian general and state governments are interested in the Campbell system and experiments Avith it have been ordered in some places in order to estal)lish dry farming in semi-arid zones of the country. Such a process results so Avell in your country, Avhen properly applied, that it Avill be of great importance to us. principally^ in the northern states, if Ave can apply it successfully. Besides, in a very few years the dry farming process Avill also be of a necessity for other zones Avhere the cutting of the forest is changing the regularity of rains and causing the diminishing of the sources. But in the Brazilian semi-arid zone it is necessary to pre- vent the trouble tliat is brought to the process by an excessive rain fall, that sometimes comes at once, AA^hile pass months and months Avithout a drop of rain. If such a thing can be done, — • if Ave can get something along this line, I think the dry farm- ing system will be of successful application in the semi-arid zone of Brazil, provided that we adopt the system of biennial or triennial crops, to prevent the lack of sufficient rainfall in the years of excessive drought like those we had some time ago. In such a manner that land to be 'cultivated, must be divided into two or three portions, each of which holding tAvo or three years moisture for one good crop. One half or one third of the lands must be put in crops every year, while the other one half or two thirds portions will be keeping moisture, 'being conveniently worked. Thus the laud will become produc- tive, but a little more than this is necessary for the permanent establishment of the system, that will be more lasting, if besides its material results, it will be more attractive. It is necessary that the farmer may find around himself some comfort for the complete happiness of his home. It is necessary that in the excess of sunshine he may find some com- fortable shade near his home given by the trees, which will render the temperature of the air more agreeable. In addition to this, some fruit trees and a small vegetable garden. To get all of this, our soil, even in the semi-dry lands, is not lacking in fertility, and we have sufficient underground water for irrigation of limited areas, that can be easily pumped from wells by wind mills or other more 'convenient machinery, the water being stored in reservoirs with sufficient capacitj^ to regulate the irrigation. Even without such consideration that to many people would seem of little importance in dry climates, the wells are a great necessity to supply water for the household and stock purposes, avoiding the hard work of obtaining water some- times miles and miles from the farm. From what I know by my own observation of the dry lands in my country, combined with the lessons that I have learned in the great West of America, I really do not know if we can do better by another way along the line of dry farming. This is my humble opinion, but certainly I give it to you with my highest appreciation of your great experience with this so important subject, in which I am scarcely yet initiated. As an egineer I have been working principally in water ways, and I am .especially interested in irrigation systems, but, besides this, I am investigating dry farming processes. This must be the compliment of irrigation, for, notwith- standing being entirely different in appearance both are similar in their results, consisting of two different ways of getting the same thing, — moisture for the plants. In order to take the most advantageous profit from the irrigations systems in dry lands, the water which remains in the irrigated field would be used without great expense for dry farming purposes, in limited area for orchards, etc. These being located below that field, down stream, even in a little higher land than the first ones; in this case the water will be stored and pumped. Thinking in such a manner, I used to study irrigation, ob- serving at the same time something along the dry farming line, but this otherwise was a special order from the last Presi- dent of my State in Brazil, one of the men who recently con- ferred more benefit on my country. He claimed the state of Minas Geraes from the primitive methods of cultivation and established scientific agriculture, introducing there the most ad- vantageous system of treating the soil. Unhappily for us Brazilians, this exceptional man died four months ago, when by the whole country he was spontaneously called to be candi- date for the Presidency for the next term, of the Republic of Brazil. The name of this man is Joao Pinheiro da Silva. whose memory we Brazilians love, as you do the memory of your greatest men. It must be known by this Congress as that of the Brazilian who in an official capacity was interested most in the dry farming process, principally because this meeting is the first one of such kind attended by a Brazilian. Joao Pinheiro da Rilva was one of the greatest of all Brazilians of our time, one of the founders of our republic, and of its best statesmen. He knew that the greatest benefactor of a country is the man who makes its soil productive, and among other important problems of his most excellent administration, he realized entirely the agricultural transformation of his State. His value was too great to be confined within the boundary of my country. By his death, in the history of Brazil a new page is opened from which, when his work will have been written, will radiate light strong enough to shine beyond the frontier of my countrj^ and he will be known wherever the history of America would be studied without regional prejudice; when the flags of American countries will form together a large flag of peace and fraternity, which shall wave over all parts of the Western Hemisphere, testifying to the world the complete victory of the Monroe doctrine. Dry Farming, if successfully applied, would be the best thing we could get for northern Brazil, below the Amazonic basin, that 'can offer to the farmer the most favorable condi- tions of climate and fertility of land, .just as the largest part of my country, where it is always delightful to live. Brazil in the largest portion of its territory is a country 'endowed by nature in every particular way, and our resources are now securing more recognition from the world, while the foreigners turn to us their eyes, attracted by our rapid devel- opment and extraordinary progress. They, surprised at our civilization begin to study us more carefully. In a very few years our population, now so little in com- parison with the great area of the country, something like 22,000,000 inhabitants, will be increased by several millions of foreign people who are going to live wit^i us, assured of the success of what they shall find in Brazil. Mr. John Barrett, one of the most distinguished American diplomats, director of the International Bureau of the Amer- ican Republics, at Washington, describing the opportunities of my country for legitimate exploitation of North America's cap- ital, said: "The simple fact that Brazil covers a greater area than the United States proper; that out of the Amazon River every day flows three or four times more water than out of the Mississippi ; that the city of Rio Janeiro, its capital, has now a population of 800,000 (we have one million or a little more — L. B. N.) and spent more money last year for public improvements than any city of the United States, excepting NcAV York ; and that today the central government and the different states are spending larger sums for harbor and river 10 improvements, than the g'overnment or states of the United States, all convince the most skeptical that Brazil is a field for the investor to study thoroughly and thoughfuUy. '' The International Bureau of the American Republics gives every month one of the best publications, full of interesting and valuable information, Avith fine illustrations, descriptions and official figures from reports of all American republics. This bulletin is an excellent source of study of all the Ameri- can countries maintained by the Bureau to promote commerce and trade, and develop among the Republics of the Western Hemisphere a better acquaintance, for certainly, from this ac(iuaintance will come "closer relations and more intimate intercourse along material, educational, intellectual and social lines. ' ' The same distinguished American in his interesting article under the title "The Land of Tomorrow" made true state- ments regarding my country, principally in regard to Rio de Janeiro, the federal capital of Brazil, that ho considers growing as fast as Boston, St. Louis or Baltimore, and that today is one of the most interesting national 'Centers of civilization. industry, art. literature and education in the world. Rio really is an advanced town, worthy of serious study, where the old civilization has much to learn, but our progress is not only concentrated in Rio, all over the country it will be noticed. And it was because he was sui'prised at such progress that Mr. Elihu Root paid a very ni'ce compliment to us, counseling all North Americans to think a little more of Brazil, advising them to go to South America instead of spending their vacation time in Europe. Brazil grows fast in every line, and the federal and state governments do all thej^ can to promote such a result. If in any way an improvement is considered necessary, we do not delay in starting it, and almost always, in a few months all things are ready. In the last few years we have begun and finished in Brazil permanent work that in many most advanced countries would take years and years to be done. To prove what I say I can 11 show YOU some illustrations of permanent works, truly monu- ments of art done in months by Brazilian engineers. A country that thus takes care of its progress, daily ad- vancing in civilization, cannot be indifferent to the solution of a problem like dry farming that is of vital importance to its future. It cannot leave unproductive eternally dry and 'crack- ing at the excessive sunshine, one of the most beautiful and fertile parts of the national territory, and sooner or later there will be seen the fruits from the lesson of this Congress, for whose attention I must thank you very much. OFFICIAL ADDRESS. Washington. D. C, Feb. 24, 1909. Mr. John T. Burns, Sec, Cheyenne, Wyo. Please consider Dr. Baeta-Neves as representing Brazil at your Congress, to which we wish all success. Signed, Joaquim Nabuco. Sixth Session — On the Evening of Feb. 24, 1 909 Synopsis of the official speech of Dr. L. Baeta-Neves, Vice-Presi- dent of the Dry Farming Congress, presenting greetings to the Third Congress and State of Wyoming, in behalf of the Brazilian Govern- ment. Reprinted from the Official Proceedings of the Congress and Press of Cheyenne, Wyo. After the splendid musical concert with which was opened the evening session, and before the lecture announced in the official program, Dr. L. Baeta Neves was called upon by the acting President of the Congress and was greeted with great applause when he appeared on the platform, and was intro- duced to the people as an official represntative of tlie Republic of the United States of Brazil, appointed by telegram sent to the Congress by the Brazilian Ambassador at Washington. 12 ' '' After having addressed himself to his Excellency, Gov- ernor Brook, of the State of Wyoming, and President of the Congress, to the acting Chairman, to delegates and to the ladies and gentlemen present, he thanked all for the applauses Avhich he considered as a fresh demonstration of the sympathy of the American people toward Brazil, and afterwards said in re- sumee : "I take great pleasure in coming again to this platform to say to you a very few words in the official capacity of del- egate of the Republic of the United States of Brazil. Yesterday in two sessions I came here by myself as a special delegate to this Congress by the kind invitation of your Secretary, Mr. John T. Burns, and now I appear once more before you as an interpreter of the thoughts of my country, to translate the best feelings of my whole nation, of the Brazilian people toward you. My Government, accepting the kind invitation extended to it by the Board of Control of this Congress, in order to be here represented, appointed me as its offi'cial representative before you, according to the telegram received to-day, by this Congress, from his Excellency. Dr. Joaquim Nabuco, Brazilian Ambassador at Washington, and I am honored a second time in bringing the official greetings from Brazil to you, American people ; the first time was at Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the Sixteenth National Irrigation Congress, and the second one, now, in this not less important scientific convention. But this fact of being two times representative of my people in your scientific congresses does not signify, at all, that we have not at home some one else to translate our fraternal feelings toward you and all American countries ; it signifies that Brazil, receiving your invitation, had not time enough to send to you some one else who could better represent it, giving to you a better idea of the scientific attainment, the technical knowl- edge, politeness, and refinement of my countrymen, proving to you what I have already said about our civilization. As I have said several times, I am not a standard of my people, I can only represent them as they are in the direction of duties. 14 Ladies, and Gentlemen, I believe that from my addresses yesterday, you can know how we Brazilians, in our national characteristics whieli is principally Americanism, according to the definition given b\- Dr. Joaquini Xabuco, appreciate your country. Many people say that we are very far from you in geo- graphical distance, that is true ; but they must know and I take pleasure in telling you again, that you are very near us in our thoughts. We Brazilians regard all American countries, and think of them with brotherly feelings, hoping for closer relations and friendship with them. Brazil can be considered as a second home of all people of our continent, and especially of the Ameri'can people, and I am sure, by my own experience, that America is a second home of us Brazilians. I am entirely satisfied among you, appreciating your splendid hospitality, and I have not had time yet to be home sick, and I sincerely do not believe that anybody could get home sick in this so hospitable a country. I am going to finish, but before doing so, I wish to express to you my highest appreciation for your courtesy in electing me your Vice-President for the Dry Farming Congress. Certainly this is a great honor to my beloved Brazil, whose Government extends to ,vou its greetings, testifying its highest appreciation for the courteous invitation extended to it, and wishes a complete success to this Congress that it 'considers of International interest. I, therefore, in behalf of the United States of Brazil, pre- sent to you, Americans, and to the distinguished representative of foreign countries its greeting's, and best M'ishes for the most successful results of this Congress, and prosperity of all nations here represented. Now a few Avords to Wyoming and Cheyenne, to the Amer- ican ladies." Then Dr. Baeta Neves paid high compliments to the State, Cheyenne and American Society, and afterwards took from his pocket a large silk Brazilian flag that he fondly unfolded and respectfully kissed, among the hearty applauses of the As- sembly, that greeted him. highly appreciating his patriotic 15 feelings and love for his native country. He described the beautiful flag giving the meaning of his national symbol, so full of significance, in the most beautiful and artistic 'combi- nation of colors and emblems, and afterwards he presented the flag to Mayor Peter Book, of Cheyenne, as representing the American families of that City. It was received by the Mayor amid the most enthusiastic applause of the assembly. Concerning the presentation speech of the flag by Dr. Baeta Neves, the "Che.yenne Daily Leader" of the following morn- ing, Feb. 26, said : * ' Brazilian Presents Flag To the City. ' ' "Senor L. Baeta-Neves, the special Brazilian Delegate to the Dry Farming Congress, and one of the most prominent figures among the delegates, last night in a most gracious and flowery speech, presented to the City of Cheyenne a large silk flag. The presentation speech was one of the most eloquent heard during this Congress, and the sentiments expressed therein by a representative from a far-distant nation for the future growth, prosperity and development of Cheyenne, spoke in the most flowery language and with gracious courtesies, will be long remembered. Mayor Peter Cook, received the gift in the name of the city, and in a few well cliosen words thanked the distinguished delegate from Brazil." The "Wyoming Tril)une" of the next morning, Feb. 26, under the title "Big Evening Session," said in part: The largest and most enthusiastic session of the entire Dry Farming congress was last evening when Capitol Avenue theatre was filled to the doors and many were obliged to stand during a large part of the program. A feature of the evening was a farewell address by Senor Baeta-Neves of Brazil, who expressed his appreciation of the welcome which had been extended him here and at the close of his remarks presented Mayor Cook with a beautiful Brazilian flag which he had brought with him from Brazil. 16 CLOSING SESSION OF THE DRY-FARMING CONGRESS. Dry Farming' Congress Adjourns. On the Eveniiiu- of Feb. .1.3, 1!)0!). Senor L. Baeta-Neves. of Brazil, made an eloquent speech in which he told of the warm feeling' of fraternity and friend- ship that hi.s eounti'viiiciil i'clt for the people of the United States. (The "Cheyeinie Daily Leader." Feb. 2(i. 1909.) Called upon by Governor Brook, President of the Con- gress, Dr. L. Baeta-Neves said in resumee : Your Excellency, Governor of Wyominu', and President of this Congress, Distinguised Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen : You know I am an engineer by profession, and I do not pretend to be a speaker, but I think, Avhen we really feel what we say, the words said in a sincere manner can always be understood, coming either from a good speaker, or from any- body who is not very well acquainted with the art of public speaking. Besides, I do not care for beautiful words, said in an eloquent manner, what I wish is to be understood in my feelings, and from Avhat you have done for me. I think you pretty well understand my sentiments. Your kindness to me, the courteous manner in which you have received my first speeches, encouraged me very much in coming once more to this platform to say my last words to the Third Trans-]\Iissouri Dry Farming Congress. This is my personal good-bye. This meeting, ladies and gentlemen, bringing together Americans and foreigners, has for me the highest signifi'cation. being the most valuable proof of brotherly feelings from you. Americans, toward the representatives of the foreign nations, whom you have invited to see how you reclaim the desert, doing a service, not only to your native country, but to all American and foreign countries. This is the fourth time that I have the pleasure of speaking to the people of Cheyenne, to the Dry Farming Congress; this is, too. the fourth time that I come here to say to you that in South America, a people are Avorking. too, for the greatness 17 of our continent and thinking in a very friendly manner about the United States ; to say that in the Southern part of the Western Hemisphere, lies a country, that must be known, not only as "the country where the coffee comes from," as many people know it, but as a 'country of liberty under a wise gov- ernment, where civilization finds a prosperous home and grows fast, surprising the old world. I mean Brazil, the land of the Holy Cross, of the "Order and Progress," that I described to you yesterday, when I presented my flag to the City of Chey- enne, testifying my appreciation for its welcome to me, an a Brazilian, and as an official representative of my Government. The Americans who are not very well acquainted with the actual conditions in Brazil, must dismiss from their mind the words of the old and even some new geographies, and do not think that, there, we Brazilians, are sleeping eternally lazy, influenced by the tropical conditions of the climate. The authors of these books suppose that these tropical conditions do not favor our development and progress, forgetting that some- thing more than latitude must be considered in studying the natural conditions of a country. Even in the equatorial region, in the places, Avhere the lands are not sufficiently high to modify what naturally 'Comes from the latitude, the sunshine increasing a little more the temperature during the day, we have the nights and mornings delightfully cool, on account of the ocean breezes. To those who do not believe in what I say about Brazil, I am able to prove by facts the truth of my words. Now, let me stop speaking so much of my own country, I do not wish to keep you so busy with me, spending your precious time, that you can profit better in hearing somebody more entertaining than I. Americans, we Brazilians, in our loyalty to our continent, "without ever being enslaved to a selfish, low task," hope that the earth will not make many revolutions around the sun before the boundary lines, among American countries, will not signify anything more than lines for better administration of the Amer- ican nations then completed united by the most fraternal feelings. I thank you very much for your attention. 18 WORDS OF APPRECIATION OF THE DRY FARMING CONGRESS. Hon. John T. Burns, Secretary-Treasurer of the Dry Farming Congress. Sincere regards and the highest appreciation of L. Baeta-Neves. Telegrana. Cheyenne, Wyo.. 2-26-1909. Excellency Joaquin Nabuco, Brazilian Ambassador, Washington, D. C. In behalf of the Dry Farming Congress allow me to express appre- ciation of kindness yourself and Brazilian government in sending Dr. L. Baeta-Neves, as official delegate, to the Third Congress. The courteous diplomatic manner in which your delegate represented Brazil's in- terest in this movement created deep impression among representatives at this Congress, and we believe has done much to cement friendship between the people of the West and your nation. We were proud of Brazil's representative and hope for close official co-operation between your nation and this Congress in future. Bd. of Control. JOHN T. BURNS, Secretary, Dry Farming Congress. Letters from the Board of Control of the Dry Farming Congress on March 1 , 1 909: Office: 1533 Cook Street, Denver, Colo. Hon. Affonso Penna, President of the United States of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most Honorable Sir: It is the pleasure of the Secretary of the Dry Farming Congress to thank you and your country for sending to the Congress, the sessions of which have recently closed, a most interesting and able delegate, Dr. L. Baeta-Neves, who participated in all of the sessions of the Con- gress, and several times addressed the Congress on matters of interest, pertaining to the agricultural development of your country. We found Dr. Baeta-Neves one of the most enthusiastic members of the organiza- tion and we assure you that he has made many personal friends as well as political friends while in the city. We believe that his visit will be very helpful in educating our American people to a better knowledge of your country and people. We have honored Brazil by naming Dr. Baeta-Neves as a Vice-President of the Congress, which is. now an international organization from every standpoint. I hope we may look from this time forward, to an active co-operation between your country and this organization in the dis- semination and assembling of necessary information which will be help- ful to your people as well as ours. I shall be pleased indeed, to hear from you with any information or with any suggestions which you may desire to make as to the manner in which this organization can be of definite value to you and the agricultural development of your country. Respectfully, (Signed) JOHN T. BURNS, Secretary. Hon. Dr. Miguel Calmon, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America. Honorable Sir: The Third Trans-:Missouri Dry Farming Congress, just closed in 20 this city, was greatly honored by the presence of Dr. Lourenco Baeta- Neves, as a special delegate representing Brazil. In behalf of the Congress, allow the writer to thank Brazil for send- ing to us such an able and interested gentleman, and one who created a deep and lasting impression on his hearers by his statements of the condition of arid farming in Brazil, and of the feelings of Brazilian people towards the American people in general. We were pleased to learn that Dr. Joao Pinheiro da Silva, the lately deceased President of the State of :\Iinas Geracs, was a deet student of agriculture, and had done much to create an interest among the people of your country in the problems now before the Dry Farming Congress, and we are further pleased to know that you and the general officers of Brazil are giving active attention and study to the matter of crop production in the arid districts. We extended to Brazil the courtesy of naming Dr. Baeta-Neves as Vice-President of the Congress, and we look forward to a close and active co-operation between this Congress and your country through your Department and Senor Baeta-Neves in the future. Again assuring you that we appreciate the courtesy of sending us so able a representative of your country to the Congress and requesting that you give careful perusal to the enclosed Official Program of the Congress, I am. Very truly yours, (Signed) .TOHX T. BURNS, JTB— A Secretary. Enc. Honorable Dr. Wenceslau Braz, President, State of Minas Geraes, Bello Horisonte, Brazil, South America. Honorable Sir: It gives me great pleasure to address and thank yourself and your Government for sending to us, as a Special Delegate to the Third Trans-Missouri Dry Farming Congress, Dr. Lourenco Baeta-Neves, who several times addressed the Congress and whose addresses created a most lasting and agreeable impression upon the hundreds of delegates who heard him. I am further pleased to state that the Congress has elected Dr. Baeta-Neves as a Vice-President representing Brazil and that we look forward to a very close and definite co-operation between your State and Country and this Congress through the instrumentality of your Brazilian representative. Dr. Baeta-Neves delivered one of the most interesting addresses given up on the platform of the Congress and we believe that his inter- esting statements and charming personality were instrumental in ce- menting the lasting friendship between the people of this Congress 21 and those of Brazil, and I am sure that such is the case with the writer. If you will pardon me, I wish to state that Dr. Baeta-NeA^es spoke of yourself as being deeply interested in the problems before the arid farmers of the world, and especially did he speak of the keen personal interest of the deceased President, Hon. Joao Pinheiro da Silva in all of these problems, and expressed the hope that the Congress would find many warm supporters among the officials and people of your country. We look forward to the time when a branch of this Dry Farming Congress may be maintained for Brazil, the bulletins and official pub- lications, being translated and published in Portuguese instead of En- glish. We enclose herewith a copy of the Official Program of the Congress. Most respectfully yours, (Signed) JOHN T. BURNS, Secretary, .JTB — ^A Dry Farming Congress. Enc. Dry Farming Congress. Gov. Norris, of Montana, Writes Dr. L. Baeta-Neves to Interest Brazil in the Movement' Dr. L. Baeta-Neves, the visiting engineer and fraternal delegate of Brazil, who is making investigation in this country and who is residing in Knoxville, received yesterday a letter from Governor Edwin L. Norris of Montana. By virtue of hte authority belonging to his official con- nection with the congress of dry farming. Governor Norris appointed Dr. Neves corresponding secretary for the dry farming congress, his exact title being "Foreign Vice President and Corresponding Secretary for the Dry Farming Congress." The governor states that while the dry farming congress had its inception in the United States that it was for all of the nations of the world. The hope was that the leaders of all countries interested in "dry farming" would join in the movement. The expression of hope that Dr. Neves might be able to interest his country in the next con- gress of dry farimng to be held at Billings, IVIontana, Oct. 26-28. Dr. Neves has accepted the appointment out of both an interest in the cause to be promoted and out of feelings of fraternity that Brazil has for the United States. An interesting matter pertaining to the presence of the Brazilian representative in this city is that his children have been attendng the schools and by Dr. Neves' own request they were in the closing ex- ercises where the national airs were sung and the flag was saluted. — From the ".Journal and Tribune," Knoxville, Tenn., June 10, 1909. 22 Cheers for Brazil. Several times the Congress showed its appreciation for Brazil, giving cheers for her. A BKAZILl 23 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS