PRESENT CONDITIONS AND FUTURE POSSIBILITIES
Nitrates have heretofore formed the chief wealth of Chile, and will
continue to do so for some time in the future. But agricultural and
industrial development will eventually overshadow all else—even the
saltpetre deposits. The great central valley will be the chief centre of
a permanent and growing population. In this region all kinds of farming,
fruit-growing and stock-raising, flourish. Temperate and semi-tropical
products grow, for the orange and the grape, the pear and the apple
are found side by side. It not only grows enough for home consumption,
but large quantities of grain are exported. The raising of live stock,
especially cattle and hogs, is continually on the increase. Agriculture
in this valley is susceptible of very great expansion. The proprietors
of the large _haciendas_ are satisfied with comparatively small returns
from their lands, and this fact retards the development through its lack
of encouragement to the small farmer. There is no doubt that small farms
would add greatly to the production of this fertile valley, because the
effectiveness of each acre would be increased. More than sixty thousand
acres are set out in grapes alone. The beet root has been introduced and
is said to grow very well.
Then come the forest lands of the southern provinces, which must
certainly prove a source of great natural riches in the not distant
future. Tierra del Fuego promises great things in the way of
sheep-raising. Sheep grow an especially fine quality of silky wool there,
which brings a good price in the market. There are already several
million head of sheep in that district.
Chile still has a wealth of undiscovered mineral treasures within her
boundaries. The labour, transportation and fuel problem have heretofore
been the drawbacks, as well as isolation from the world’s consumption.
In the northern part of the republic, at the coast ports, coal costs
almost ten dollars per ton, a price that does not stimulate its use. In
the interior it is still higher because of the cost of transportation.
The government has enacted very favourable mining laws. A discoverer
of a new claim is entitled to fifteen hectares, or about thirty-six
acres. An ordinary mining claim is only one-third as large. No person can
file more than one claim at a time in a district, but other names are
oftentimes substituted in order to group claims together. Development of
a claim is not compulsory, and the tax upon undeveloped claims is very
low, so that it is not a burdensome proposition to hold a claim as long
as the law allows. Many wildcat companies have been organized in Chile,
as elsewhere, and there has been much speculation in these stocks. It is
not difficult to interest the Latin people in any form of gambling or
speculation.
Chile promises great development in manufacturing. In fact, Chile is more
likely to become a commercial nation than any republic of South America.
There are already more than eight thousand industrial establishments of
all kinds. Tanning of leather, making of shoes, refining of chemical
products, woollen and cotton mills, etc., are included in these. The
government policy has been one of protection and, in some instances, of
actual bounties. Sugar refineries have thus been built up which refine
the raw product imported from Peru. They now grind much of their own
wheat. Some of the railway equipment used on the national railroads is
made in the country. The roto seems to make a competent workman in the
factories. The coal mines and prevalence of water power almost everywhere
gives Chile a great advantage over her neighbour, Argentina, in the way
of manufacturing advantages.
Although the operation of the national railways has been unprofitable,
and permeated with gross mismanagement and graft, yet the dogged
persistence with which the parallel iron rails have been spread over
the country has been most commendable. The longitudinal railway has
been pushed little by little each year, and sometimes at the expense of
national sacrifice. The first transandine railway is now an accomplished
fact, and another route now occupies national attention. After the
settlement of the boundary question with Argentina, the vast sums that
had been expended annually in preparing for war were diverted to internal
development. The beneficial results can easily be traced in both cities
and country. The fearful earthquake of 1906 caused a severe back-set, as
the government was obliged to step in and aid in the rebuilding of its
principal port, Valparaiso.
[Illustration: A MARKET SCENE, VALPARAISO.]
The government in Chile is rather different from that of most of the
Latin-American countries. In form it is like unto that of the United
States; in fact, it is a government of a few of the leading families. In
theory the President is the executive head; in practice, that official is
very much of a cipher. Absolute powers for the executive, that prevailed
for the first half century of the republic, have been abolished, and
Congress is now the real ruling power. Whether the country is ruled or
misruled the blame must be placed on that body, for its authority is
very broad. In it a small group of families, generally said to be one
hundred, always predominate. Among these will be some who have become
rich through banking or commercial development, but most of them are
landowners in families that have been prominent for generations. All
the honours and emoluments are kept within this small circle. To it may
be added the power of the Church, for that organization has been most
powerful in political matters. It has been in times past simply a part
of the political system. In recent years the government has insisted on
the right to name the Archbishop, and Rome has been practically forced to
concede this privilege. As a rule the influence of the Church has been in
favour of what might be termed the reactionary element.
As has been stated elsewhere the President is assisted by a body of
advisors, the majority of whom are chosen by the parliamentary body.
This has led to frequent and oftentimes ridiculous ministerial crises.
These numerous cabinet changes embarrass an executive in whatever
policy he may be trying to develop. But he is helpless under the theory
of parliamentary government that has grown up. Whenever the President
proposes a certain cabinet, he is met by a counter proposition from
some group or other in the legislative bodies. Sometimes he may gain
a little temporary majority by a coalition or fusion of some of the
groups represented in Congress. Selfish interests or jealousies,
however, soon break the union. It is at times embarrassing to diplomatic
representatives, for no sooner have they completed negotiations with one
cabinet official than he is succeeded by another. No vice-president
is elected, the executive office, if vacated by death or resignation,
is filled temporarily by the Minister of the Interior, who is usually
a member either of the Senate or House of Deputies. The Congress will
then select a new executive. A change in this system, which would make
the executive more independent, and provision for a different succession
might work marvels. This was the trouble with that able and progressive
President, Balmaceda. To carry out his beneficial policies he defied
Congress, and a bloody civil war followed.
Politics in Chile seem very much complicated and confused to an
American. Instead of two or three parties, the small voting population
of the country are divided into no less than seven or eight, with
other combinations under new names appearing every year or two. At
the present time one can distinguish the following: Conservadores,
Liberales, Radicales, Democratas, Balmacedistas, Montinos and
Liberales-Democraticos. Of these the most extreme are probably the
Radicales, who occupy about the same position in Chile that the
Socialists do in our own country. At least they contest for that position
with the Liberales, who claim to be the most radical of any of the
political parties in Chile.
The Conservadores are the old church party, and are made up of the
wealthy land owners, and those who have grown rich in mines, railroads,
etc. This party was formerly the strongest political organization, and
ruled the country for a long period; but, within the last two decades,
it has greatly lost its grip, and the only way in which it cuts much
of a figure in the government is when it enters into combinations
occasionally with some of the stronger elements. The Democratas are made
up principally of the labouring classes, who loudly proclaim what they
will do for the downtrodden labouring man, and they are blamed for the
strikes and riots in recent years. The Liberales-Democratas are, as the
name indicates, in a midway position between the two parties after whom
they are named.
The Balmacedistas are those who stand for the things that Balmaceda stood
for; that is, for an enlarged power in the executive. This party, it
seems to me, is bound to grow because every president is confronted with
the domination of the legislative body. The Montistos are made up of the
followers of the Montt family, who have been prominent in the country
since the downfall of Balmaceda. They include those who favour the rule
of the country by Congress.
Politics are no doubt more or less corrupt in Chile, as in many other
countries. In this respect the country is neither unique nor original. If
one was to believe the statements made in opposition press, just as if
one was to believe all such statements made in the sensational “yellow”
press of our own country, you would think the entire government was
rotten from President down to the lower officials. Free speech and a free
press run riot in Chile. There is an inclination to make wild charges,
and editorial writers certainly say more than they actually mean.
Elections are oftentimes almost farcical. Nominations for Congress are
made very much as with us. Candidates are named, and a campaign is
carried on by means of meetings, placards and newspapers. Manifestos
and appeals to voters are issued by the various candidates and their
supporters. The side that gets control of the election machinery,
however, is in a much better position than the one that merely has the
votes. They are then counted as the ones in charge desire, and this
method is considered proper and legitimate by all parties. Bi-partisan
boards and an Australian ballot system are unheard of and unthought—and,
furthermore, an undesired innovation. What is the use of having the
election machinery in your control and not using it for your candidate?
This is the average Chilean view of the subject, and the losers usually
acquiesce more or less good naturedly. In this respect the situation is
very similar in all the republics south of the Rio Grande River.
In business deals the Chilean is about as honest and reliable as in other
countries. Many think the Chilenos are robbers and cut-throats. But it is
not so. Those engaged in business in the country give the Chileans a good
reputation for honesty. They are procrastinating and slow sometimes in
meeting obligations, but they do not attempt to avoid payment; and they
are always willing to pay current rates of interest on overdue accounts.
My personal experience in Latin countries in that respect has been good,
as I have never lost anything whatever from thieves or purloiners in
hotels, stations or elsewhere. Many instances of the honesty of hotel
servants, cab drivers and other workers are told by foreigners, who
have been in Chile. The lottery and bull-fight have both been abolished
in Chile, and this speaks well for another form of honour among the
Chilenos. The bull-fight has disappeared from a number of the republics,
but Chile stands alone in prohibiting the lottery which is one of the
curses of all her neighbours. The lottery-ticket vendor is usually one of
the first persons seen in a Latin-American country.
Military service in Chile is compulsory. It is not a crushing burden,
however, for the regular army does not exceed fifteen thousand men.
This proves that military service is not enforced very strongly, as
that number would include only a small proportion of those subject to
duty each year. One year is supposed to be spent with the colours,
after which the conscript passes to the first reserve for nine years,
and is then included in the second reserve until he attains the age of
forty-five years. Any child born in Chile is subject to this service, so
that foreigners sometimes grumble. The instructors in the army are often
German officers, and the tactics are strictly Teutonic as well as the
costumes. In every way the German influence is noticeable. The personnel
of the army is good. The men are hardy, active and vigorous. Their
courage has been proved on the field of battle many times. The country is
divided into five military zones with headquarters at Santiago.
[Illustration: THE BATTLESHIP “O’HIGGINS.”]
Chile has always possessed a good navy. The naval fleet at the present
time is composed of forty vessels, among which are nine ironclads and
protected cruisers, five gunboats and torpedo cruisers, thirteen torpedo
boats, four destroyers, etc. The finest ship is the _Esmeralda_, which
is a boat of seven thousand and thirty tons and capable of a speed of
twenty-one knots. She carries two 8-inch and sixteen 6-inch guns. Then
come the _O’Higgins_, _Ministro Zentano_, _Chacabuco_, and _President
Errázuriz_—all of them protected cruisers. The _Capitan Prat_ is a
battleship of six thousand nine hundred and sixty-six tons and twelve
thousand horse-power and a nominal speed of eighteen and three-tenths
knots. This boat was built in 1890. The cruisers were mostly constructed
from 1896 to 1898 in British and Italian shipyards. Chile has recently
placed an order for a Dreadnaught of the latest design, which will still
further add to the efficiency of the Chilean navy. In this respect she is
following the lead of Brazil and Argentina.
The United States could and should have a much greater proportion of
Chile’s trade. Too many manufacturers depend wholly on business houses
conducted by English or German merchants—men who naturally prefer the
goods made by their own countrymen. Others send representatives who
are illy adapted to deal with Chileans and other Latin Americans. An
American bank would work wonders in developing trade. It seems strange
that American capitalists hesitate about investing their money in such
an institution. Foreign banks established in South America have paid
good dividends. Among those in Chile are the Anglo-South American Bank,
Bank of London and the River Plate, German Transatlantique and the
Banco Italiano. The figures of exports and imports given below are in
themselves eloquent testimonials of the value of Chilean trade. Branch
houses in charge of hustling Americans, or agencies placed with American
importers should be the aim of every manufacturer who intends to push
the trade into Chile or any of the other republics of Latin America.
At the present time there are very few citizens of the United States
resident in Chile—probably less than five hundred in the entire republic.
“Why do you not buy your steel work in the United States?” I asked of
a wealthy Chilean gentleman who was building a large modern block in
Santiago.
“I wanted to do so,” he answered, “but your manufacturers would not grant
the terms that were gladly and voluntarily offered me in Europe. As a
result, I bought all my steel for this building, which will cost more
than a half million dollars gold, in Belgium. The only equipment for the
building made in the United States will be a half dozen elevators.”
This simply illustrates one phase of the shortsightedness of our
manufacturers in dealing with South America. The field is a large one,
and a discriminating one as well. It is humiliating at times to an
American to travel throughout the length and breadth of South America,
and see the trade that legitimately belongs to us slipping away to
Europe, even when some of our own factories in that particular line are
idle because of lack of orders. There has been an awakening in the past
few years, but there must still be much progress before the American
business man catches up with the British and German in the pursuit of the
world’s trade.
Chilean trade has reached very respectable figures in recent years.
The total exports for the year 1910 amounted to $115,792,811, of which
$98,234,035 were mineral exports. Of this nitrate comprised the greatest
item. Great Britain took nearly one-half the exports; the United States
purchased $24,680,278, slightly more than Germany, which was a decided
increase over the preceding year. The imports amounted to $108,627,188.
Great Britain sent almost one-third of this, Germany was second with
less than one-fourth, and the United States was third with goods valued
at $13,369,774, or about one-eighth of the whole. Next in order came
France, Argentina, Peru and India. Spain, the mother country, furnished
less than one per cent. of the whole. This shows a large per capita
importation, amounting to more than $30.00, which is exceeded only by
Argentina and Uruguay, and shows a trade well worth looking after. Of
the goods imported textiles were one-fourth of the whole. Mineral
products, including coal, oil products, etc., are a third, and machinery
constituted about eleven per cent. of the whole. Machinery and petroleum
products are the principal importations from the United States.
The American firm of W. R. Grace & Co. occupy a prominent position in
the commercial world along the west coast of South America, where it is
the largest firm engaged in business. Its founder, Wm. R. Grace, was
born in Ireland, but came to Peru in his youth. After making a success
in business there he went to New York and established the head offices
of his company. He became a citizen of the United States, and assisted
the government on several occasions. Mr. Grace became very prominent in
that metropolis. He was twice elected mayor, and gave a very creditable
administration. Mr. Grace died in 1904. W. R. Grace & Co. took over the
Oroya Railroad in Peru and completed it. They recently constructed the
Chilean end of the Transandine Railway, and have been engaged in many
other important public works in Chile, Peru and Bolivia. The foundation
of the fortune of Grace & Co. was guano and nitrate, and a line of boats
are run between the west coast and New York, although flying the English
flag. Branch houses are established in the principal cities of Chile, and
an immense business is done in importation and exportation. The principal
offices are still maintained in New York, although one of the members of
the firm lives in London.
Chile’s dependence upon the sea renders foreign trade an essential
element in her prosperity. She has a hardy seafaring population, and
thousands are employed in that occupation. She is probably destined to
have a much larger part in the coast carrying trade in the future. Next
to the national steamers, the British have the biggest share in the
carrying trade of Chile.
[Illustration: A TYPICAL COAST SCENE.]
The foreign debt of Chile is in the neighbourhood of $100,000,000, most
of which is held by the Rothschild interests. Much of this debt was
contracted during the period of military expansion. Great quantities
of paper money were issued by various administrations, and, as a
result, the peso dropped in value. The gold peso has a fixed value of
thirty-two cents in United States currency, and the paper peso is worth
about twenty-one cents. The gradual drop in value of the currency has
made railroad travel on the government lines and postage the cheapest
in South America. It has also prevented much internal development. At
the present time a number of cities are installing hydraulic electric
plants, which are very practical for this country. Several schemes
are under consideration for port developments, of which the work at
Valparaiso will be the most important. Concepción, Talcahuano and Corral,
Iquique and Antofagasta, will also come in for their share. Several
irrigation projects are now being constructed which will add almost two
hundred thousand acres of irrigated land suitable for agriculture. The
electrification of the state railroad between Valparaiso and Santiago
will also doubtless be one of the developments of the near future.
The postal and telegraph systems of the republic are good. There are more
than one thousand post offices, and the amount of mail transported is
very large. Newspapers circulate absolutely free, and domestic postage is
lower than in the United States. Foreign letters only cost three cents
for postage. There are more than eighteen thousand miles of telegraph
wires stretched across the country. A wireless telegraph station has
been opened at Valparaiso with a radius of eight hundred miles, and
others will be opened very soon at other places, including the Straits
district, where the wild and undeveloped nature of the country makes the
stretching and maintenance of overhead wires difficult.
Like all the South American republics Chile is greatly in need of
immigration. With such a variety of climate it could afford congenial
homes for people from almost any country. A few thousand of immigrants
come in each year, from three to five, but that number is paltry. Tens of
thousands could be assimilated if they were agriculturalists. Argentina,
with her broad level acres, is too near, and draws twice as many as all
the other republics of South America together. Wages are higher there,
too, and the Italians and Spaniards, who comprise the greater proportion
of those seeking new homes in South America, are drawn there. A few Boer
colonies were established in Chile after the war in the Transvaal, but
the total number was not large.
One unfortunate condition in Chile is the unusually high death rate. This
has been placed as high as seventy per thousand, but this rate would
only be in exceptional instances. It is a fact, however, that the cities
of Santiago, Valparaiso and Concepción will frequently show a mortality
rate of fifty to the thousand of population. The average for the whole
republic is about thirty-five per thousand, which is nearly double the
death rate for countries in the temperate zone. As Chile is not in the
torrid zone, it is not subject to epidemics of yellow fever or other
tropical scourges. Foreigners who live there find the climate, especially
in the central part, not only delightful, but healthful, and very old
people are quite common. The reason for this condition of affairs is
the indifference to personal comforts and sanitation of the roto. This
leads to a frightful mortality among the children. Occasionally there are
severe epidemics of smallpox, and the measles has caused great ravages
among children.
Statistics show that in some years, even with the large birth rate among
the lower classes, the births exceed the deaths by only a few thousands.
It is a condition that demands action by the state, for the government
is paternal in its character, and is depended on by the people to look
after these things. The sturdiness of the roto may be due to the law
of the survival of the fittest, for only those who possess a sound
constitution reach manhood. One who can survive the lack of comforts and
harsh conditions of life to which he is subjected, and reach manhood, is
at least robust if not cultured or refined. There is, indeed, much room
for improvement in the sanitary conditions of the cities in the sections
occupied by the poor, and some measures have been taken in recent years.
For the nation it would be a good economic policy, as the decrease in
the death rate would aid in giving the population so much needed for the
development of the country.
Chile dates her independence from Spain from the 18th of September, 1810,
and last year was celebrated as her first centennial. On this day, in the
year 1910, was laid the corner stone of a great monument in commemoration
of that event. This was participated in by the President of Argentina
and other officials of that neighbouring republic. This was but natural,
for the soldiers of both countries fought and bled side by side at
Maipu, Chacabuco and other places. A notable historic parade, with the
costumes and military characteristics of that period, was a feature of
the celebration. It represented the march of the victorious patriot army
into Santiago after its evacuation by the Spaniards. The _granaderos_, a
military organization in Buenos Aires which wears the same uniform as in
the time of San Martin, came over from that city to take part. The parade
halted in front of the statue of San Martin and saluted that noble hero.
Solemn religious services and social events made up a day that will long
be notable in the Chilean capitol. Elaborate decorations had been erected
all over the city, and especially on the Alameda where the parades took
place.
Almost the entire month of September was given up to the festivities
incident to this national centennial throughout the entire republic.
There was scarcely a town or village that did not have its local
_fiesta_. Horse races, theatrical performances, fireworks, torchlight
processions, etc., were all included in the list of events. A naval
review was held in Valparaiso, in which four ships of the United States
took part with those of Chile and other nations. An industrial Exposition
was held in Valparaiso, and an Exposition of Fine Arts in Santiago. The
death of President Montt and his successor, both within a month preceding
the beginning of the festivities, cast somewhat of a gloom upon the
occasion, but it could not mar the festal spirit in a very marked degree.
The relations between Chile and the United States have, in a number of
instances, been considerably strained. As a result there was for many
years an existant prejudice against the _Yanqui_. The first occasion
arose during the war between Peru and Chile, when the United States
offered its mediation, which was resented by Chile because that country
desired to reap the spoils of war. Another instance happened during
the Balmaceda administration. During his term, and the struggles which
resulted between himself and Congress, the sympathies of the United
States were with the President. A minister sent to the United States by
the revolutionists, after they had established a _junta_ at Iquique, and
were in possession of the customs throughout northern Chile, was refused
recognition by President Harrison. The steamship _Itata_, belonging to
the Chilean line, which at that time ran as far as San Francisco, was
seized and held for some time because she was loaded with arms and
ammunition intended for the revolutionists. Although the vessel escaped
it was followed by a United States cruiser and overtaken at Iquique,
where the revolutionist _junta_ turned it over to the cruiser and it was
taken back to San Francisco. This kept the opponents of the government
out of much-needed supplies.
Later arose what is known as the “Baltimore incident.” Admiral Schley,
in charge of that gun boat, had been sent to Chile to protect American
interests. He sailed freely in and out from one port to another, and
was charged by the revolutionists with giving information to the
government party of their movements. As the navy was all on the side of
the revolutionists, they claimed that only in this way could the other
party on land have secured certain information. Admiral Schley denied
the accusations, and all of these charges were afterwards proven to be
false. Near the close of that internecine struggle a number of sailors
and others from the _Baltimore_ had gone ashore at Valparaiso. While in
a rather disreputable saloon in that city an altercation arose between
some Chilean soldiers and the party of American marines. One of the
Chileans was knocked down, and a general fight resulted in which the
Yankees were assaulted with clubs, knives and revolvers. One American was
killed instantly, another died from his injuries a short time later, and
a score of others were more or less seriously injured. In the diplomatic
correspondence which followed, an indemnity was courteously demanded by
the United States, to which an almost insulting reply was made by Chile.
International trouble threatened for a while, but Chile made apologies
and paid the sum of $75,000 as compensation. The matter was then dropped,
but the anti-American feeling did not evaporate as quickly as the
war-cloud.
Only a little over a year ago another controversy arose through the
demand made by the State Department of the United States for the
settlement of a claim which had been in dispute for many years. As a
result much anti-American comment appeared in the newspapers of Chile, as
though the United States was trying to enforce a rejected claim against a
weaker nation. The visit of President Montt to the United States, while
on his way to Europe to seek medical advice, only a few months afterward,
however, seems to presage that the government of Chile has buried all
difficulties and good will is again restored. It was not necessary for
President Montt to come this way, and he undoubtedly did it in a spirit
of amity and good will.
A great many erroneously place strong reliance upon the favourable
effect of the Monroe Doctrine in South America. As a matter of fact the
Monroe Doctrine at no period has caused the sale of a dollar’s worth
of merchandise in those markets. It has, on the other hand, through
misinterpretation of its intended beneficence, caused ill feeling, and,
perhaps, prevented the sale of American goods in many instances. If the
United States adheres to this doctrine, the completion of the Panama
Canal will increase the responsibilities of the United States instead of
lessening them. We, of the great North American republic, know that the
action of the United States under this doctrine has always been intended
for the welfare of the other Americans. Those who should feel kindly
toward us, because of it, as a matter of fact rather resent its effect.
They feel able to fight their own battles without the aid of the powerful
republic on the North American continent. The visit of the United States
fleet a few years ago at the various ports of South America, and the
trip made by Elihu Root, then Secretary of State, did more to encourage
a kindly feeling toward the United States and to develop a Pan-American
spirit than anything the United States has ever done. It now needs only
a wise and diplomatic policy to strengthen and extend the good feeling
engendered by those events.
Chile, like all the west coast republics, is becoming very much
interested in the Panama Canal, and the effect that its completion will
have upon the country. Unlike the North American, the South American
does not become impatient over the probable date of the completion of
the canal, for it does not make much difference to him whether it is
ten years or twenty-five years hence. The only question in his mind is
what may be the ultimate effect of the canal. It is, perhaps, of more
interest to a North American, because the North American is interested in
the possibilities of trade development with that coast. At the present
time there are perhaps 11,500,000 of people living in the republics
of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, which have a foreign commerce,
including both exports and imports, in excess of $300,000,000. In
addition to this there is the trade with the Pacific coast of Colombia.
Then there is added to this the question of the probability of future
development of those countries, which are in themselves larger than any
European kingdoms, except Russia. The enthusiastic Chilean, for instance,
will tell you how many times larger is his country than Holland, and
estimates the immense population that his country could support at the
same density per mile as that little European kingdom. This, of course,
is absolutely impossible, because such large sections of the country are
untillable. Furthermore, there never has been as yet such rapid increases
in population in any of the west coast countries as the United States,
Canada, Argentina and Australia can show. Hence it is not well to think
of this section as being likely to have sudden growths of population,
but there will doubtless be a slow and steady increase in each of the
countries mentioned.
One advantage that will accrue from the completion of the canal will
be better transportation between all the ports of the west coast and
New York. A direct line of steamers between Valparaiso, and possibly
ports farther south, to New York is sure to be established, for business
conditions will not only demand, but warrant such a line. By this route
the distance from New York to Valparaiso will be only fifty-one hundred
miles, including the stops at several intervening ports. When this
distance is compared with that from Valparaiso to Liverpool, by the way
of the Straits of Magellan, which is ninety-five hundred miles, it shows
that New York will be several thousand miles nearer to Valparaiso than
European ports by the same route, and the difference becomes greater as
you journey along the coast toward Panama. If British steamers should use
the Panama Canal it would still make New York nearer to all the ports
on the west coast by almost three thousand miles. As it is there are no
boats flying the American flag which visit Chilean or other west coast
ports, except an occasional tramp lumber schooner which comes down from
Seattle, or a boat which comes through the Straits of Magellan now and
then from New York for a load of nitrate. Much of the traffic is obliged
to go to Callao, Peru, and there be transferred to another steamer to be
taken to Panama; then it is shipped by rail across the Isthmus, and again
loaded on another steamer destined either for New York or New Orleans.
[Illustration: THE CUSTOM HOUSE, VALPARAISO.]
It does not require an especially sharp insight to see the advantage
from a commercial standpoint of a direct line between these ports and
New York. Furthermore, since the completion of the Transandine Railway,
and still more so when the other route farther south may be finished,
large sections of fertile Argentina will be nearer to the west coast
than to Buenos Aires or Bahia Blanca, on the Atlantic coast. This would
mean that shipments which are destined for the United States from those
sections would probably be made by the steamers using the west coast
route, and through the Panama Canal. Of course that would not be true of
grain products, for those shipments go to Europe, as the United States
has not yet become an importer of grain, with the exception of flax seed.
We do, however, take the greatest portion of wool, hides and certain
other products. It will tend, in the opinion of the writer, to not only
bring about closer commercial relations, but to develop a spirit of
Pan-Americanism, which will mean a great deal for the United States.
Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador have been much under the influence of American
business interests, and Chile has a natural inclination as well toward
the North Americans, but the diplomatic incidents heretofore mentioned
have made the Chileans a little bit suspicious of the policies of the
United States. This will, however, I believe, be entirely overcome within
a very short time. The people of Chile will then realize that the North
Americans are their best friends.
THE END.
FOOTNOTES
[1] This statement is disputed by some authorities.
[2] South America on the Eve of Emancipation, by Bernard Moses.
[3] An unconquerable race.
[4] See Argentina and Her People of To-day.
APPENDICES
I
AREA AND POPULATION
The population of Chile is not large when its possibilities are
considered. It is very unevenly distributed. The number of persons to the
square mile is less than one-half the proportion in the United States.
The pure white population are undoubtedly in the minority. The following
table shows the names of provinces, with their area and population
according to government census of 1907:
---------------------+---------+----------+-------------
Province | Area |Population| Capital
---------------------+---------+----------+-------------
Aconcagua | 5,410 | 128,486 | San Felipe
Antofagasta | 46,830 | 123,323 | Antofagasta
Arauco | 2,055 | 61,538 | Lebu
Atacama | 30,430 | 63,968 | Copiapó
Bio-Bio | 4,720 | 97,968 | Los Angeles
Cautin | 6,150 | 139,553 | Temuco
Chiloé | 8,600 | 88,619 | Ancud
Colchagua | 3,870 | 158,160 | San Fernando
Concepción | 3,545 | 216,994 | Concepción
Coquimbo | 13,465 | 175,021 | Le Serena
Curico | 2,900 | 107,090 | Curico
Linares | 3,875 | 109,363 | Linares
Llanquihue | 38,575 | 105,043 | Puerto Montt
Malleco | 3,100 | 113,775 | Angol
Maule | 2,425 | 110,462 | Cauquenes
Nuble | 3,460 | 166,239 | Chillan
O’Higgins | 2,050 | 92,278 | Rancagua
Santiago | 5,720 | 516,870 | Santiago
Tacna | 9,615 | 28,748 | Tacna
Talca | 3,750 | 131,958 | Talca
Tarapacá | 18,400 | 110,036 | Iquique
Valdivia | 8,400 | 119,277 | Valdivia
Valparaiso | 1,935 | 281,385 | Valparaiso
Magellanes Territory | 64,040 | 17,143 | Punta Arenas
---------------------+---------+----------+-------------
The following table shows the population according to the several
censuses taken:—
---------------+----------
Census of 1835 | 1,010,332
” ” 1843 | 1,083,801
” ” 1854 | 1,439,120
” ” 1865 | 1,819,223
” ” 1875 | 2,075,971
” ” 1885 | 2,527,320
” ” 1895 | 2,712,145
” ” 1907 | 3,248,224
---------------+----------
II
MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES
The Coast, or Maritime range of mountains in Chile does not present,
like the Andean range, a continuous chain, but is broken by valleys and
small plains, as well as by rivers in their course to the ocean. The
slopes of this range are generally formed by a succession of hills,
frequently covered with vegetation, but which rarely exceed six thousand
feet in height. In places cross ridges connect this range with its
loftier neighbouring range, where the two systems seem to merge into one.
The three highest peaks in the Maritime range are Cerro de Limon Verde
(11,380 ft.), Cerro de Agua Amarga (10,550 ft.) and Cerro de la Campana
de Quillota (9,325 ft.)
The Andean range of mountains is a succession of high mountains with
lofty peaks covered with the everlasting snows. At intervals passes are
formed in this cordillera, which permit access from one side to the
other. The lowest of these is that of Perez Rosales (3,230 ft.) in
Southern Chile, and the highest is Agua Negra (15,715 ft.). The highest
point of the Andes is Mount Aconcagua, and from there to the south the
altitude gradually decreases until it reaches sea level at the Straits of
Magellan.
The following table gives the names and height of the principal peaks of
this range of lofty mountains according to the best estimates.
------------------------------------+---------+---------
Names |Latitude | Altitude
| | Feet
------------------------------------+---------+---------
Pico del Aconcagua | 32° 41´ | 23,080
Cerro del Mercedario | 31° 59´ | 22,300
Cerro Tupungato | 33° 25´ | 22,015
Volcán de San José | 33° 41´ | 20,000
Cerro Juncal | 33° 10´ | 19,500
Cerro El Cobre | 28° 28´ | 18,320
Cerro Peña Negra | 28° 11´ | 18,300
Volcán de Maipo | 33° 59´ | 17,665
Altura sin nombre | 27° 50´ | 17,100
Llullaillaco | 24° 15´ | 17,060
Cerro del Plomo | 33° 14´ | 16,750
Cerro Doña Ana | 29° 37´ | 15,315
Volcán de Tinguiririca | 34° 50´ | 14,700
Cerro del Viento | 30° 45´ | 14,050
Cerro del Campanario | 35° 57´ | 13,120
Cerro Colorado | 35° 18´ | 12,975
Descabezado del Maule | 35° 36´ | 12,755
Cerro del Azufre o Copiapó | 31° 16´ | 12,000
Volcán de Peteroa o Planchón | 35° 13´ | 11,925
Volcán de Villarica or Quetripillan | 39° 14´ | 11,810
Volcán de La Yegua | 36° 00´ | 11,342
Nevado de Longavi | 36° 14´ | 10,522
Volcán de Nevado de Chillan | 36° 47´ | 9,725
Volcán de Antuco | 37° 23´ | 9,060
Corcovado | 43° 10´ | 7,380
Monte Sarmiento (Tierra del Fuego) | 54° 10´ | 6,890
Yanteles | 43° 30´ | 6,625
------------------------------------+---------+---------
III
SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAVELLERS
The completion of the Panama Canal, which is promised by 1914, will make
the access to the west coast of South America much more convenient.
Without doubt there will be established at that time a direct line of
steamers from New York to Valparaiso, which will touch at a number of
intermediate ports between Panama and that city. At the present time it
is necessary to take a steamer from New York, or New Orleans, to Colon, a
journey of six or seven days, cross the isthmus by train, and then embark
on another steamer from Panama to Valparaiso. Two lines of steamers, the
Pacific Steam Navigation Company (recently absorbed by the Royal Mail
Steam Packet Company) and the Compañia Sud Americana de Vapores, render
this service, but sometimes it is necessary to transship at Callao, Peru.
There is also a Peruvian line of fast steamers to Callao. The quickest
service between Panama and Valparaiso is twelve days, and, if one takes
the slower coast steamers, the time is longer by several days. The trip
is, however, a very interesting one and full of scenic beauty, as well
as novelty. It gives the traveller an opportunity to get a glimpse of
Jamaica, and to see the great work of Uncle Sam on the isthmus, which
is undoubtedly the most stupendous undertaking ever attempted by man.
Furthermore, it would be difficult to find smoother seas over which to
sail.
From Guayaquil, Ecuador, the traveller is enabled to visit Quito, the
capital of this equatorial republic, which is situated at an elevation of
about 10,000 feet, and almost on the equatorial line. One can visit Lima,
capital of Peru, and one of the most interesting cities in South America,
and can also visit La Paz, capital of Bolivia, and the highest capital
in the world. By taking the transcontinental line across South America
to Buenos Aires, and returning to New York by the east coast route, one
is enabled to visit the leading republics of South America, and thus
gain an adequate idea of the entire continent. There is a very good
line of steamers from Buenos Aires to New York, stopping at Montevideo,
Uruguay, Santos, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, Brazil, and Barbados Island;
or, if time is not urgent, the traveller can return via Europe at only a
slightly increased cost. The cost of such a trip from New York back to
New York, including all necessary expenses at sea, except gratuities,
is about five hundred dollars. This does not cover any of the expenses
on land. The trip around the southern end of the continent through the
Straits of Magellan is most interesting, and the scenery is magnificent.
The cost, however, is more, and the time involved is ten days greater.
The language of Chile is Spanish, but, in the cities and towns, there
is very little difficulty for one not familiar with that language to
get along without much embarrassment. Comfortable hotels will be found
in Valparaiso, Santiago and many other cities. The prices are rather
higher than for similar accommodations in the United States. The rates
are generally inclusive, and provide coffee and rolls in the morning,
which are generally served in the bedroom, and two substantial meals
which are very similar in their menu. The railroad equipment of the
Chilean railroads is generally quite good, and one will find the only
real Pullman cars in South America. Chair cars will be found on some of
the State Railway trains, and sleepers also in the long journeys. The
railroad fare is exceedingly cheap, and one wonders how the service can
be provided at such a low cost.
The money of Chile is arranged on the same system as our own, the
standard being the peso, which is divided into one hundred centavos and
has a value of about twenty-one cents, but the rate of exchange varies
somewhat from day to day. Exchange is always based on the value of the
English sovereign. The money is nearly all paper and very little gold
will be found in circulation. The price of most articles of wear is
rather high, because of the import duties. One will notice in travelling
on the English steamers that the barber carries a very large stock of
goods, and at each of the ports many people call on him and purchase
various articles, because his prices are so much lower than those on
shore. English book stores will be found in the cities, where books and
magazines can be purchased. The tariff for cab charges in all the cities
is very low and the equipment poor, but the traveller should be sure
to inform himself of the legitimate charges, or he will pay for his
experience. The cab driver of Chile is very much like his counterpart the
world over. Street car fares are very cheap also.
The traveller must always remember that the seasons south of the equator
are reversed, and that summer time in that part of the world is the
winter season in the northern climates. As one goes south the temperature
becomes cooler, being just the reverse of conditions in northern
latitudes. The temperature also changes with the altitude, and this fact
must be borne in mind when arrangements are being made for the clothing
to be taken on the trip. Each thousand feet of elevation makes a very
perceptible change in the temperature.
IV
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ALCOCK, FREDERICK: Trade and travel in South America. London,
1903.
AKERS, CHARLES E.: History of South America. London, 1904.
BOYD, R. NELSON: Sketches of Chile and the Chileans. London,
1881.
BUTTERWORTH, HEZEKIAH: South America, a popular illustrated
history. New York, 1898.
CARPENTER, FRANK G.: South America, social, industrial, and
political. Akron, Ohio, 1900.
CHILD, THEODORE: The Spanish American Republics. New York, 1891.
CHILE: a handbook. Washington, 1909.
CLARK, FRANCIS E.: The continent of opportunity. New York, 1907.
CONWAY, Sir MARTIN: Aconcagua and Tierra del Fuego. London,
1902.
CROMMELIN, MARY: Over the Andes from the Argentine to Chile and
Peru. New York, 1896.
CURTIS, WILLIAM ELEROY: Between the Andes and the ocean.
Chicago, 1900.
DARWIN, CHARLES: Voyage of the “Beagle.” London, 1845.
DAWSON, THOMAS C.: The South American Republics. New York, 1904.
Economical and social progress of the republic of Chile.
Valparaiso, 1906.
ELLIOTT, G. F. SCOTT: Chile, its history and development.
London, 1909.
FITZGERALD, E. A.: The Highest Andes. London, 1899.
HANCOCK, ANSON URIEL: A history of Chile. Chicago, 1893.
HERVEY, MAURICE N.: Dark days in Chile; an account of the
revolution of 1891. London, 1892.
JONES, A. D.: History of South America. London, 1899.
KEANE, A. H.: Central and South America. London, 1901.
MARTIN, PERCY F.: Through five republics of South America.
London, 1905.
MARKHAM, CLEMENTS R.: The war between Peru and Chile. London,
1883.
MITRE, BARTOLOMÉ: History of San Martin. London, 1893.
MOSES, BERNARD: South America on the eve of emancipation. New
York, 1908.
OSBORN, CHASE S.: Andean Land. 2 Vols. Chicago, 1909.
PEPPER, CHARLES M.: Panama to Patagonia. Chicago, 1907.
RUHL, ARTHUR: The other Americans. New York, 1908.
RUSSELL, WILLIAM HOWARD: A visit to Chile and the nitrate
fields. London, 1890.
SMITH, WILLIAM ANDERSON: Temperate Chile. London, 1889.
SPEARS, JOHN R.: The gold diggings of Cape Horn. New York, 1895.
United States, Hydrographic office: The West Coast of South
America. Washington, 1890.
VINCENT, FRANK R.: Round and about South America. New York,
1890.
WIBORG, FRANK: A commercial traveller in South America. New
York, 1905.
WRIGHT, MARIE ROBINSON: The Republic of Chile. Philadelphia,
1905.
INDEX
Aconcagua, Mt., 7, 48, 149, 164, 169.
Aconcagua, province of, 15.
Aconcagua River, 153.
Agriculture, 10, 93, 98, 213, 360;
school of, 232.
Aguardiente, 112, 194.
Alacaloofs, 142-4.
Albano, Elias Fernandez, 358.
Almagro, Diego de, 15.
Alpaca, the, 174.
Altitude, the lure of, 165.
Americans, 187.
Ancients, 65.
Ancon, Treaty of, 335.
Ancud, 111.
Andes, the, 6, 21, 121, 156-173.
Anglican Church, 278.
Antarctic Circle, 120.
Antarctic Sea, 3, 122.
Antofagasta, 42, 180, 254, 255;
capture of by Chile, 318;
by revolutionists, 346.
Araucanians, the, 15, 96, 196, 212 _et seq._, 278, 281, 341.
Arauco, 190.
Architecture, 241.
Area, 1, 393.
Arequipa, 29.
Argentina, 17, 138, 156, 159-161, 201;
dispute with, 313, 356.
Arica, 33-38, 253, 326, 327.
Aristocracy, 85.
Army, 370.
Arrieros, 158.
Arteaga, Colonel, 324.
Artistic element, 241.
Ascensors, 47.
Atacama, desert of, 315.
Australia, 190.
Aymara Indians, 323.
Bahia Blanca, 106, 257.
Balboa, 20.
Balmaceda, José Manuel, 338 _et seq._, 357;
death of, 353.
Balmacedists, 40.
Baltimore incident, 383.
Banking, 209, 372.
Baquedano, General, 331, 337, 352.
Bargaining, 33, 82.
Bautista, San Juan, 62.
Beagle Channel, 140.
Bible societies, 279.
Bibliography, 402.
Bio-Bio River, 8, 95, 105, 215.
Birds, 30, 113.
Boer colonies, 378.
Bolivar, 290-2.
Bolivia, 6, 17, 30, 35, 253, 315;
war with, 314 _et seq._
Bomberos, 51, 134.
Borax, 180.
Brandy, 112.
Bravery, 17.
Brunswick, peninsula of, 6.
Buendia, General, 324.
Buenos Aires, 139, 161, 242, 259, 297.
Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway, 160.
Bulnes, General, 204, 307.
Cabinet, the, 12.
Cacti, 148.
Cadiz, 282.
Calaguayas, 225-9.
Caldera, 43, 189.
Caleta Buena, 254.
California, 245.
Callao, 27, 290, 326, 397.
Calle-Calle River, 8.
Capricorn, Tropic of, 42.
Caracoles, 156, 189, 259.
Castro, 111.
Casuchas, 157, 286.
Cattle, 360.
Cautin River, 100.
Centennial, first, 380.
Chacabuco, battle of, 294.
Chacao, 111.
Charities, 78, 234.
Characteristics, 194.
Charles IV., 283.
Chiloé, 3, 108-111, 303.
Chimborazo, Mt., 166.
Christ of the Andes, 161.
Chimneys, absence of, 73.
Chincha Islands, 28.
Chillan, 232.
Chorrillos, battle of, 330-332.
Church, the, 84, 261 _et seq._, 311, 337, 364;
wealth of, 268.
Clark, John and Matthew, 259.
Climate, 2, 122, 149, 192.
Clubs, 86.
Coal, 190, 257.
Cochrane, Lord, 106, 112, 208, 298-301.
Colleges, 276.
Colombia, 290.
Comision Conservada, 344.
Commerce, 50, 372-5, 387.
Concepción, 4, 92, 105-6, 190, 286, 308.
Condors, 155.
Conductors, women, 58.
Congress, 11, 209, 365-7;
power of, 305, 340, 343, 356.
Congress, Palace of, 76.
Constitucion, city of, 103.
Constitution, 270.
Convents, 268.
Conway, Sir Martin, 167, 168.
Copiapó, 15, 43, 244, 253.
Copper, 189.
Coquimbo, 4;
province of, 255.
Cordilleras, the, 91.
Cordoba, 245.
Corral, 107.
Corruption, 368.
Corso, the, 85.
Cotopaxi, Mt., 166.
Council of State, the, 13.
Courts, 13.
Courting, 205.
Cousiño family, 74, 104.
Cousiño Park, 73, 75.
Creoles, 193.
Crimes, 197, 285.
Cross, Southern, 20.
Cruelty, 348.
Cruelties of Spaniards, 216.
Crusoe, Robinson, 61.
Cueca, La, 75.
Cumbre, El, 162.
Customs, 87, 144, 205.
Cuyo, province of, 293.
Cuzco, 29.
Darwin, Charles, 108, 178.
Debt, foreign, 376.
Deputies, chamber of, 345.
Desert, 32-40;
the nitrate, 178 _et seq._
Desolation Island, 128.
Development, 377.
Disasters, ocean, 36.
Doctor, Indian, 225-229.
Dogs, 100.
Dominican Friars, 269.
Drake, Sir Francis, 34, 125.
Drunkenness, 193, 199, 201.
Earthquake, 52, 273, 363.
Easter Island, 4, 65.
Ecuador, 22, 164, 270, 290.
Education, 230 _et seq._, 341.
Elections, 13, 368.
Encalada Manuel Blanco, 303.
England, Church of, 278.
English, 50, 186, 192, 208-9.
Equator, 20.
Errázuriz, Federico, Sr., 311-2.
Errázuriz, Federico, 355-6.
Espinar, Colonel, 324.
Espiritu, Cafe, 123.
Exchange, 400.
Exports, 374, 387.
Falkland Islands, 134.
Famine, Port, 135.
Farms, 101.
Ferdinand VII, 283.
Fertilizers, 184.
Fiestas, 83, 273.
Fire department, 51.
Fire, Land of the, 120 _et seq._
Firemen, 134.
Firelanders, 143-8.
Fish, 30, 112.
Fitzgerald, E. A., 169-171.
Forests, 114, 361.
Freire, General, 302-3.
French, 50.
Frowards, Cape, 132.
Fruits, 95, 110.
Fuegian Archipelago, 108, 120 _et seq._, 126.
Fuego, Tierra del, 2, 3.
Gambling, 362.
Germans, 50, 102, 192, 207, 370.
Glaciers, 128.
Gold, 129, 188.
Governors, 14.
Government, 11, 364.
Grace, W. R., & Co., 375.
Graft, 252.
Grapes, 361.
Grau, Admiral, 320-2.
Great Southern Railway, 257.
Grube, 113.
Guanaco, 132, 145, 173.
Guano, 28.
Guayaquil, 21, 25, 290, 398.
Guayacan, 44.
Guaytecas Islands, 111.
Haciendas, 69, 97, 149, 224.
Health, 378.
Hidalgo, 287.
Himalayas, the, 165.
History, 14-18, 124-5, 212 _et seq._, 280 _et seq._
Historians, 240.
Honesty, 369.
Horn, Cape, 120-8.
Huascaran, Mt., 167.
Iglesias, General, 334.
Illimani, Mt., 167.
Immigrants, 102, 378.
Imperial, 216.
Imports, 374, 387.
Incas, 35, 168, 213, 227.
Incas, Bridge of the, 159.
Incas, Lake of the, 155.
Independence, 16, 287, 380.
Indians, 15, 94, 109, 137, 141-6, 176, 212 _et seq._;
endurance of, 323.
Inquilinos, 97, 197.
Insects, 113.
Intemperance, 83.
Intendentes, 14.
Iodine, 183.
Iquique, 39-42, 254, 277;
capture of by Chile, 319;
by revolutionists, 346.
Irrigation, 95, 97, 151, 377.
Iron, 190.
Islands, 4.
Italians, 50.
Itata River, 95, 214.
Jamaica, 398.
Jesuits, 17.
Journalism, 240.
Juan Fernandez Islands, 4, 61.
Juncal, 155, 258.
Jungles, 117.
King William, peninsula of, 6.
Korner, General, 349.
La Paz, 29, 38, 43, 76, 254, 398.
La Serena, 44.
Lago del Inca, 155.
Laja, Lake, 257.
Language, 399.
Las Cadenas, 351.
Las Cuevas, 156.
Las Peñas, Gulf of, 5.
Lautaro, the Indian hero, 217.
Libraries, 77, 234.
Lima, Archbishop of, 265.
Lima, 27, 398;
capture of by Chile, 328-334.
Limache, 150.
Literature, 234-240.
Llai Llai, 150, 244.
Llama, the, 173-7.
Llanquihue, 256.
Llanquihue, Lake, 207.
Lobsters, 62.
Longitudinal Railway, 250.
Los Angeles, 150-1, 260.
Lota, 104, 189.
Luco, Ramon Barros, 358.
Lynch, Captain, 326, 328.
Mackenna, Benjamine V., 72.
Magellan, Ferdinand de, 120, 124.
Magellan, Straits of, 6, 11, 120 _et seq._, 244.
Mail service, 158, 284.
Maipo, battle of, 293, 296.
Maipo River, 93.
Malga Malga, 188.
Mellinca, 112.
Manta, the, 90.
Manufacturing, 362.
Mapocho River, 69.
Maritime laws, 250.
Markets, 56, 81, 107.
Mariguina, 188.
Marriage, 144, 206, 274.
Mas-a-Tierra, island of, 62.
Maule River, 213.
McKinley, Mt., 165.
Meiggs, Henry, 245-6.
Mendoza, 160, 260, 293.
Mendoza, Garcia, 281.
Mendoza River, 159.
Merchants, peripatetic, 56.
Mercedario, Mt., 164, 173.
Methodist Episcopal Church, 276-8.
Military, 370.
Milk selling, 57.
Minerals, 188, 361.
Mines, 254.
Mining Claim, 362.
Miramar, 60.
Miraflores, battle of, 330-3.
Missions, 138.
Mollendo, 29.
Monasteries, 265.
Money, 90, 376, 400.
Monroe Doctrine, 385.
Montt, Jorge, 344, 345, 354-5.
Montt, Manuel, 307-9.
Montt, Pedro, 357, 384.
Montevideo, 284.
Mortality, 378.
Mountains, 21, 395-6.
Music, 234.
Museums, 234.
Napoleon, 283.
Napoleon, Joseph, 283.
Navigation, 116, 247-9.
Navy, 371;
revolt of, 345.
Newsboys, 81.
Newspapers, 234-7.
Nitrate of soda, 38-42, 178 _et seq._, 360.
Novelists, 239.
Officials, 194.
Oficinas, 184.
O’Higgins, Bernardo, 288.
O’Higgins, General Don Ambrosio, 16, 286, 294 _et seq._
Ollague, 254.
Onas, the, 142-7.
Opera, 79.
Oroya Railroad, 246.
Orphanage, 78.
Oruro, 254.
Osorno, 107, 223, 251.
Osorio, General, 296.
Oysters, 113.
Pacific Steam Navigation Company, 136, 244, 248, 397.
Paita, 23.
Palena River, 113.
Panama, 225.
Panama Canal, 386-390, 397.
Parasites, 115.
Pareja, Admiral, 310.
Parties, political, 339, 347, 366.
Paseo, the, 87.
Pascua Island, 4, 65.
Patagonia, 4, 116, 141, 173.
Peck, Annie S., 167.
Pelicans, 31, 113.
Peonage, 198, 282.
Peons, 97, 197.
People, 83, 191 _et seq._
Penco, battle of, 216.
Penguins, 144.
Penitents, Ridge of the, 159.
Penitentas, 203.
Perez, José Joaquin, 309-311.
Peru, 17, 185, 186, 269, 290, 297;
war with, 36, 314 _et seq._
Pierola, Nicolas de, 330.
Pillar, Cape, 6, 124.
Pinto, Anibal, 304, 313, 336.
Pisagua, 39, 180.
Pisco, 28, 328, 331.
Pizarro, 15, 26, 280.
Placilla, battle of, 350-2.
Politeness, 86.
Politics, 195, 364.
Polygamy, 223.
Poncho, 223.
Poopo, Lake, 35.
Pope, the, 262.
Population, 393-4.
Ports, 8, 247.
Portales, 305-6.
Porvenir, battle of, 324.
Postal service, 377.
Post-office, 284.
Poverty, 83.
Prat, Arturo, 40, 209, 320.
Presbyterian Church, 277-8.
Press, the, 234-8, 368.
Priests, 266.
Prieto, General, 304-6.
Prisons, 135, 138.
Protestantism, 271, 275-9.
Provinces, 103, 393-4.
Puente del Inca, 159.
Puerto Montt, 3, 96, 103, 107, 223, 250, 257.
Punta Arenas, 96, 123, 131-8, 190, 278, 313.
Quillota, 150, 188.
Quinta Normal, 73, 76, 232.
Quinteros, battle of, 349.
Quito, 26, 398.
Races, 60, 75.
Railways, 11, 101, 148 _et seq._, 243 _et seq._, 363.
Rain, lack of, 23.
Religion, 203, 225, 261 _et seq._
Revolution, 16, 287, 344 _et seq._
Riesco, Jerman, 356-7.
Rio de Janeiro, 42, 242.
Rivers, 8.
Robinson Crusoe, island of, 4.
Rodriguez, Zorobabel, 240.
Rosario, 245.
Rotos, 49, 83, 110, 196-201, 363.
Saavedra, Juan de, 46, 222.
Salitre, 180 _et seq._
Saltpetre, 180 _et seq._
Salto del Soldado, 154.
San Felipe, 152.
San Francisco, California, 49.
San Francisco, battle of, 323.
San Martin, José de, 258, 289 _et seq._, 381.
Santa Lucia, rock of, 70, 91.
Santa Maria, Domingo, 337-8.
Santiago, 16, 43, 69 _et seq._, 200, 270, 273, 281, 284, 295.
Sarmiento, Mt., 121, 123, 137.
Schley, Admiral, 383.
School, Naval, 233.
Schools, 51, 231, 233.
Sea lions, 31.
Selkirk, Alexander, 63.
Serfdom, 265.
Sheep, 3, 127, 136, 361.
Shopping, 89, 376.
Sierras, the, 21, 164.
Silver, 188.
Soldier’s Leap, 154.
Sorata, Mt., 167.
Spain, King of, 262.
Spain, 17;
war with, 310.
Spaniards, 14, 191, 214.
Sports, 237.
Statues, curious, 66.
Strikes, 200.
Tacna, 37, 250, 253, 365.
Talca, 94.
Talcahuano, 105, 257, 296, 345.
Taltal, 180, 188.
Tarapacá, desert of, 38, 178, 329.
Tchili, 15.
Tehuelches, 141, 212.
Telegraph, 377.
Temperature, 117.
Temuco, 96, 100, 223.
Theatres, 79, 87, 242.
Tierra del Fuego, 120 _et seq._, 276.
Timber, 114.
Titicaca, Lake, 29, 35, 168, 176.
Todos Santos, Lake, 9.
Trade, possibilities, 389.
Transandino Chileno Railway, 258-260.
Transandino Argentino Railway, 159.
Travel, 307-400.
Travellers, fellow, 24.
Travelling, 152.
Trinidad, Gulf of, 116.
Tucapel, 188.
Tupungato, Mt., 164, 170.
United States, 36, 50, 327, 373, 381-5.
Universities, 232.
Ushuaia, 138-140.
Uspallata pass, 159, 258, 286.
Valley, great central, 9, 92 _et seq._, 256, 360.
Valdivia, city of, 96, 107, 188, 300.
Valdivia, Pedro de, 16, 69, 214, 216-8, 280.
Valparaiso, 7, 21, 46-59, 148, 209, 233, 310, 348;
capture of, 351.
Vandalism, 334.
Vicuña, 35.
Vicuña, Señor, 35, 348, 354.
Villagran, 219.
Villagran, the, 281.
Viña del Mar, 59, 148, 350.
Vineyards, 99.
Virgenes, Cape, 6, 123, 124.
Virgins, Feast of the, 77.
Volcanoes, 7, 67, 94, 395-6.
War, the nitrate, 315 _et seq._
Waterfalls, 10, 118.
Water power, 363.
Wheelwright, William, 243-5, 253, 258.
Whymper, Edward, 166.
Wine, 99.
Women, 58, 90, 203-7, 271-339.
Wool, 134, 361.
Wrecks, 5.
Yahgans, the, 142-4.
Yanqui, the, 382.
Zañartú, Señor, 356.
End of Project Gutenberg's Chile and Her People of To-day, by Nevin O. Winter