Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/70

 have delayed the close union, so desirable, between the states of the Western Hemisphere. Important cities, located at high altitudes, remain isolated. Some, in fact, seem to be practically out of the reach of modern civilization.

The long and painful voyage, the time it takes to steamboat, is delaying the intimate alliance of the South American countries with the United States, to whom they seem inaccessible, because they are so remote.

A long period of travel separates us, preventing the development of profitable trade relations, which are mutually interesting, especially now that the war has disrupted the world market.

Who knows when a European power will threaten an American state? Who can say if in the present war we won't see a European power come to take over a South American territory? Is war between the United States and a European country impossible? A close alliance between North and South America would result in a formidable force.