The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-17
CHILE.
Political Matters-TelcgrNph and Railway
Lines-proxress Of Chilean Finances.


VALPARAISO, July 8, 1870.
It must now be admitted as painful fact that tho
great desire Of the Chilean people Is far from the
moment Of realization. Congress Will be unable to
discuss the question Of electoral and constitutional
reform until the coming year. and no business save
that OF local Importance will DO transacted until
then. The country is supremely disguised since the
petty chickering's OF the different political organiza-
tons are the cause OF this delay and disappoint-
ment. After the long and arduous struggle OF the
campaign, in which the voice OF the people made
itself perceptlbly heard, such contrary incident
provokes the patience OF the multitude. Congress,
however, way affected by the circumstances tbat
arc heapsd upon it from all quarters proceeds
quietly in discussing the rights that some rural
members have to their seats and listening to long
winded harangues that benefit no one and are only
read by the proof correctOr OF the newspaper.
Some important proposals have recently been
made to the government for the establishment OF
telegraph lines along the coast, to continue az far
north as Islay In Peru, and there connect with the
line ending at Lima. An English company solicit ed
tue privilege from the government, asking for con-
cessions and subyentlons that were thought exor-
bitant, ana commission was appointed by tho
President to investigate the matter and report upon
the most advantageous plan OF action for the govern
ment. This commission composed of very able and
a moderate sum OF money might be granted to the
company, no other privilege should be conceded,
and that IN no case monopoly should be allowed
since the profits promised by the undertaking and
It's comparatively Insignificant cost were such as to
guarantee It's success, and room should he lett for
others who might desire to establish Identical llncs
commission, and 1t is Thought that the company will
accept the terms
The Arnan contract for exporting guano TO Europe
from the Meoaes deposits. has been annulled. as
has already been communicated to the readers OF tho
HERALD, and The Chilean government has adopted The
wiser plan OF selling the guano outright tlays on
the island TO the highest bidder, only, however dis.
posing OF limited quantity ut one time. A few
DAYS since the first lot OF 10000 tons put up at
public auction and purchased by Mr.. Henry Meiggs,
at $14 SO per ton. This guano is not equal in fer
tlizng strength with that OF the Peruvian deposits
but sells In Europe for about forty dollars per ton,
thus leaving very handsome profit to the specuIa-
tor. Mr., Melggs mas also secured the absolute right
from the Bolivian government 10 export guano from
that part OF the island De onRing TO that nation CIV
ing as an inducement the sum OF four millions OF
dollars advance on the price Of the article pur.
chased. Ibus Mr.. Meiggs Is virtually in possession
of the Mejlones and doubt is entertained OF tho
benefits that VIII arise from the enterprise.
lh OF tine rePnb ac.i have never been SO
sent year. From all sources the receipts amounted
to nearly four millions OF hard dollars and the ex-
millions and half This happy condition Of things
speaks very highly of the administration OF Mr.
Concna a3so s or me S,nr OF re Ireasnry
OF the country. The large and constantly increasing
commercial interests centred IN lie, the importance
the agricultural and mineral productions the pre-
sence and influence or so many intelligent and labo.
rious Foreigners and more than al the prevalence
OF peace and tranquility throughout the republic,
promise well for the public treasury and inspire
great confidence abroad But recently the govern.
ment negotiated loan for more than million ster-
ling in England, under most advantageous cOndI-
TONS the product Of which IS to be applied 10 the
construction OF the railway from Talcahuano to the
inland city OF Conception.
The commission sent by the government of the
Argentine Republic TO determine the possibility Of
making line Of railway across the Andes, connect
ing Chile with that country, has made report, in
which the feasibility OF the project Is demonstrated,
and the cost estimated ut much lower figure than
was anticipated at first BY the next opportunity
VIII send q translation OF this document to the
HERALD, the sub ct being Interesting as taken IN
connection with railway progress in America and in
relation to our own line across the Continent.
The trreprcssIb,e sayages still continue their
marauding excursions. congress has voted favor
ably on bill granting $500000 to the War Depart
ment and authorizing the organization OF force OF
900 men for the especial purpose or putting end
to the present OF things IN the Araucadan ter
to the Chilean commander, informing him that II the
national troops 10 not leave the Indian country
within two months time ne and bis braves Will
extarminNte them.
The news from Europe respecting the general
failure OF the grain crops has caused some demand
here for wheat and breafstufs, but as yet large
holders OF tile article DO not seem inclined to meet
more favorable intelligence. The disposabe ton
mage In the bay IL still considerable, elthou0h some
increased activity has been noted IN charters for
nitrate from Iqutqae and copper from this COAST for
Europe.
Valparaiso n At present suffering from the pre-.