That loans should be made to foreign countries only on condition that the money be spent here, seems a short-sighted policy, as also restrictions on our export of gold, when our excessive holding of that metal is a contributing cause of the unfortunate exchange situation. Many Republics need railways, for which construction material and equipment would be here purchased if here financed; but part of the money must be spent on the ground; so with works of irrigation and other public or private construction. If we must always be selfish, at least our selfishness should be enlightened, and we should realize that in the long run we shall gain more by manifesting a friendly spirit of service and coöperation rather than by showing intense eagerness for the “mighty dollar.”
CHAPTER LII
LIFE IN SOUTH AMERICA
While the variety of conditions in South America makes any treatment of this subject necessarily superficial, a few words beyond those already said may not be out of place, since it is evident that for the successful conduct of our trade many persons from the United States must spend some years or reside permanently in the several countries. From the descriptions given one should have a fair idea as to climatic conditions in these and make an intelligent choice of locality if any is offered. Some persons will be happy in warm Rio or even in more tropical Pará. Others will prefer Andean heights, from 7000 to 14,000 feet altitude, the higher for persons with sound hearts only. Most of the cities where one is likely to be stationed have a fairly temperate climate, and good health conditions, except as previously indicated.
In respect to social advantages there is considerable variety. In general the smaller the city the greater the hospitality and the more will one’s society be cultivated, as is true in the United States also. On the other hand in the important commercial cities, the English-speaking folk are numerous enough to make an agreeable society for themselves, and some South Americans have made the criticism that the English and Americans hold aloof, apparently preferring their own company: a mistake from a business point of view and also nationally. One must, however, have the right qualifications for cordial recognition anywhere. It has been stated of Buenos Aires that the fact of membership in the diplomatic corps did not entitle the gentleman and his family to more than official courtesies; to be received socially he must be persona grata. This is true to some extent everywhere. At the same time one who is at the head of a large commercial establishment is more likely to have social opportunities than members of the office staff, one of whom, a young man of unusually good manners and attractive personality complained to me in Lima some years ago, that he had no social opportunities. It is different now. On the other hand a young dentist in a city of Argentina where Americans are few associated with the best people and married into one of the first families.
At the mining camps of the Americans provision is now made for the social life of the employes and for exercise and recreation, also by other large corporations. In general I believe that men enjoy the life in South America better than their wives. Some of the latter decline to go or to remain after being there a while: a great mistake if they have any regard for their husband’s welfare, unless the care of children or other serious matter compels their return. Many women are perfectly contented, this depending in some degree on their location, but chiefly upon their disposition. In the town of Sorata, Bolivia, I chanced to meet one who seemed perfectly happy, though she was the only English speaking woman in the place, or within 100 miles.
It is desirable for banks and business houses to give their young men sufficient salaries to permit them to marry and take their wives along. It will be better for both parties in the long run. Perhaps there are no more temptations than in our own large cities, but in most places there are fewer forms of wholesome recreation. Too many men in cities and in mining camps have gone to pieces as they say.
Some men prefer life abroad for the reason that they feel less restraint than in their native home or even in our metropolis, rather than the responsibility which a real patriot should recognize of presenting the highest American ideals of manners, conduct, and business practices. If one cannot be contented without going somewhere every night, except in Rio or Buenos Aires he might be unhappy or worse. It would be well if persons everywhere had sufficient intelligence to enjoy themselves at home with a good book, a quiet game of cards, even cribbage; but especially books that are worth while, valuable as literature or as containing information about the world in general or on matters connected with business. “Movies” are found almost everywhere; in the larger cities, theatres and a long or short season of opera; clubs with opportunities for golf, tennis, and other sports; often horse races. In smaller towns horseback riding is a common, sometimes the chief diversion; but in such places one sooner enters the social life of the community. Some Americans say they would not take a wife to such a place, but if she is wise she will go.
Punctiliousness in dress as well as in manners is more highly regarded in South America than in the United States. Evening dress is more general in large cities than in most of ours, and correct afternoon dress for men is a more rigid requirement. Some persons on important missions have astonished the Latins by their negligence in this regard. Of course a gentleman is a gentleman the world over and such an one will have no trouble. It is unnecessary to imitate certain mannerisms of many South Americans, yet a little more effusiveness is easily acquired and may be an improvement on the coldness of the Anglo Saxon. It will be noticed that men regularly lift their hats to each other, that they shake hands much oftener, when you come and when you go, make more inquiries after your health, etc. That they pat each other on the back, give mild hugs, or at times kiss one another (not you), will perhaps not seem so terrible as formerly, now that so much has been written about brave marshals and generals kissing soldiers on both cheeks when conferring decorations.
Courtesy must not be considered hypocrisy because phrases like “The house is yours” mean no more than our remarks “I am glad to see you” or “How are you?” though we may wish the caller in Africa and have no real interest in his health. Not everywhere is the same courtesy evident. On my first visit to La Paz in 1903 I noticed that men frequently stepped from the narrow sidewalk into the gutter to allow a lady to pass. More recently in a much larger city, still with some narrow sidewalks, I frequently stepped into the street myself to avoid crowding past a gentleman (?) who made no move to give way.
The cost of living is an item of practical interest. Some remarks on this subject have seemed to me exaggerated. Great diversity exists in this respect in the different cities: the larger the more expensive, as in the world generally. In most of the capital cities and chief ports rents are high; in some places many articles of food are dear with others cheap; similarly with dry goods and other articles, some higher than in New York, others lower. Recent unusual conditions have made sudden changes which may be repeated. Living expenses were increased by the War, and on account of the influx of foreigners for business houses. In 1916 rents in Buenos Aires were lowered in the business centre; but they have now advanced to their former price or higher. Years ago one of our diplomats there paid more for his house rent than his entire salary on which others perhaps have managed to live.