The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-12
PERU.

Condition Of the Country after the EARTH
quake-General Decentralization Of the
Goyernment-FinnncialM Measures Of Relief
Death Of American Merchant-YeIl0w
Fever Again-Atfempt mt Revolution In DO.
livia.
LIMA, Sept %, 1868.
The condition OF affairs in the South, though
greatly ameliorated still continues very distressing
Shocks Of earthquake are experienced with great
frequency and although these do not cause any fur
ther damage, yet the terror and dismay excited by
them retains the unfortunate people in truly pitia-
BILE state. However, the general prostraton mme-
dately consequent upon the great movement felt
month ago has in a measure disappeared, and aided
by the efiicacous assistance Of the government the
survivors are busy engaged In constructing tempo
rary habtatons and taking every possible step TO
extricate themselves from the existing confusion.
Although Arequipa has been three times ruined by
by similar calamties since its foundation and
now has lost 5000 houses, yet its inhabi-
tants propose rebuilding 1t upon its former site,
Influenced no doubt by the love which they bear TO
their birthplace and by the equally strong motives
OF possession and interest The houses will be gene
rally constructed Of wood, since that material is far
less liable destruction In these catastrophes and
proposals have even been made to foundries here
for the building Of iron houses to be erected In the
ruined city. IL is the opinion Of practical men In
Lima that edihces Of that description can be con-
stTucted Peru for the price wooden build.
ings owing to the great cost OF lumber In this
try. No further particulars OF moment have been
received In addition TO those already communicated
to the HERALD; but the extent and effects Of the
calamity can hardly yet be correctly real
lied. Apart from the damage and ruin in
ncted upon the large cities which have been
totally destroyed, the fertile wine growing dis
trict OF Moquequa has suffered most, the
extensive stores Of wine and spirits having been
broken to pieces by the shock. gentleman CON-
mlssioned by the government proceeds TO New York
by tins steamer TO purchase large quantities OF bar
rel slaves In order that the crop now approaching
maturity may not be entirely lost.
The idea, originated by vavarico, OF establish
ing bank OF hypothecation to be founded by the gov
eminent Is gaining ground. This institution by lend
ing money to the ruined farmers and land owners at
low rate OF interest," and taking the property Itself
a. security would be Of immense benefit TO those
who are anxious TO redeem their losses and recon-
mence their labors, but are only deferred from the
cussng the bill presented for this purpose, but 1t Is
20 be feared that the inevitable routine OF rcd tape
will delay the contamination OF the project. Baiia
has expressed himself strongly In favor OF the
scheme, but as the executive, IL, Of course,
unable to take any initlatory steps in the matter.
ON the 18th instant the government despatched a
steamer laden with the most necessary articles To-
the relief Of the South TO that section OF the re.
e..
supplied 10y their neghbors with provisions OF every
description, and consequently that want has been
fully satisfied hence the stores conveyed by the
vessel recTed 20 consist OF agricultural Implements
lumber and canvas, which Will be Immediately used
for the protection Of the houseless while every effort
II being made TO rebuild the ruined districts. The
commission named by the government TO distribute
these articles u composed OF very competent per
sons and - another proof OF the great good sense
evinecd oy President Baita and his Ministers since
Their as lmption q Nc supreme power. Engineers
have been despatched to the south TO instantly COM
menee the work OF repair Mr.. John W. kystrom,
well known Ia the United states Tor his engineering
and scientific attainments has been appointed en-.
ginecr OF the first class and Will imtneiatplv nro.
coed render very eliectual assistance In the de.
ISOLATED sections.
The conduct OF the Minister Of Justice who IL in
person directing the efforts Of the government IN tile
South, IL still very highly commended and nom his
energy and activity important results have already
been experienced. Nothing, IN fact that was post.
bic 10 do has been left undOne. IL must he, of
course generally conceded that tie material injuries
suffered by the people In the ruined districts are very
great, and the damage done cannot possibly be re.
paired for many years. The extensive mining
operations carried on in that section are completely
araly wed, principally from the fact that the mines
themselves nave been totally destroyed 10y the move
ment OF the earth. Business has been so affected
that for a long time TO come merchants Will not be
able or will not be inclined TO renew their t1asac
tiops II indeed be wen imagined that exporters
in Europe and the United states will hesitate Ia
cOnagnlng their goods 70 country where custom
houses and mercantile establishments are com.
Speey demolished with their valuable contents, by
these terrible shocks. Agricultural interests have
erienced, however, the heaviest blow OF all. In
this country so many preparatory measures are re.
.Iueif., TO initiate farming that the occupation,
tnouqb very profitable In the end, 10 equally costly
in inc be.1fuiQQ Large capitals are expended In
irensy,ug the Ntue lands VI Peru iVr the seed.