The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-08-11
A South American Republic.

A South American Republic.
There is no doubt that Chill pays her |
debts and enjoys comparative immunity
from revolutions. These are substantial
and creditable things, but they do not
invest n State with dazzling prestige.
Neither do they entitle Chill to be cited as
a triumphant refutation of tho popular
notion which denies the faculty of self
government to Spanish American coun-
tries. In view of the facts brought out by
n recent census, and by the international
exposition lately held at Santiago, 1t may
be we'll to scan the positive achievements
and precise status of that republic.
The experiment of popular govern
ment has never been tried in Chill. What
ever else may be said of her institutions,
they are certainly not democratic. The
principle, for instance, of universal suf-
frage, which in the United States and
France is now Identified with the idea of
republic, has never been recognized by the
legislators of Santiago. Thus, In 1873, out
of population of two millions, less than
Atty thousand had the right to vote. Not
only is the privilege more restricted than
it was in the nominal republics OF an
faulty, but IL is so unevenly distributed
that, while each deputy from certain
provinces represents seven hundred cleo
tors, in Colchagua eight deputies are chosen
by about twenty-five hundred votes. More
over eligibility to Office Is not conferred
by the possession Of the suffrage A cam
| didate for the Chamber of Deputies was
| obliged at the same epoch to justify IN an
annual income of not less than $500, or be
engaged in the practice OF profession
which could be shown TO yield an equal
| sum, while the possession of at least 1900
| a year was an essential condition OF cleo
| ton to the Senate. We may add that these
prescriptions have been only slightly modi-
| OF oligarchies should be adopted by Chill,
which accordingly offers its Senator. no
remuneration, and only meagre stipend
| during the session to those members OF the
lower Chamber who are non-resdents OF
the capital city. Another significant proof
of sagacity on the part of that territorial
aTistocracy which substantially contro.s
the Legislature, aud has contrived during
period of nifty years to prevent executive
usurpation, is tho existence Of u standing
committee of both Houses, which, in the
| intervals Of sessions, Is invested with i'm
portant functions, and exercises n surveil-
lance over all departments Of the Admin
istration. The Chief Magistrate OF Chill is
by no means clothed with the degree of in
| dependence and authority which dignifes
| the office of President in the United States
| the powers of government being in the main
monopolized by Ave Ministers, who are d.
rectly responsible to the Congress, which
moreover names majority of an advisory
body, the Council of State. II Is obvious
that this machinery would be admirably
adapted to the aims OF a true democracy,
provided the main spring were universal
suffrage; but that, clogged with nigh prop
city qualifications, it merely strengthens
the hands of a few oligarchs.
Another principle, which we have learn
ed 10 consider vital, that OF local indepen-
deuce, is ignored III the so-called Gillian
republic All Of the provinces-these
measurably answer to the States of the
American Union-are governed by inten-
deNtes appointed nomiually by the Presi-
dent, but III reality by responsible
Minister. Even the departments. cantons,
ana districts. corresponding 10 our coun-
ties ana townships, are each controlled by
9OOefRddOr, or minor functionary, like
wise named by the central power. Only
the capital towns Of provinces and depart
ments are allowed municipal council.
presided over by the intendaut or COVER
nor and the prerogatives of this board are
very narrow. In short, the system of CEN
tralization is hardly less elaborate and
suDversive Of local liberties than that
tuh .fnt. ,a1, IN..l.
Empire. Here, however, the concentration
OF authority does not profit the head Of
the State, but accrues to the limited con-
stituency Of property holders invested
with the suffrage. The fact is that a small
body Of landowners is the veritable master
OF Chill. The whole area of the country.
which, exclusive Of thesouthern territories.
mainly occupied by Indians is at least
equal TO that OF France, is divided among
only thirty-five thousand proprietors and
this circumstance may of itself explain the
character and the permanence OF the Gov
eminent.
II IS plain that the Gillian institutions.
although republican in name, are by no |
means framed upon the Anglo-SaXOn tyne |
Water will rise no higher than its source, |
and it would seem that the Latin races |
cannot transcend with safety the some
what narrow and rigid mould of the old |
Roman republic. Mexico and Peru have
accepted more liberal conception of the
suffrage and Of local liberties, but, whether
regarded AS result or coincidence, those
countries show decline IL prosperity since
'he era OF the Spanish viceroys. On the
oiher hand, during tho last half century
Ohlli has undoubtedly made much pro-
gress' but it VIII he found that this is
chiefly due TO tho remarkable resources OF
her soil, and that she has been vastly ont
stripped by other countries less richly
qualified by nature.
The fabrics and implements of native
workmanship displayed at the Santiago
Exposition were far from creditable. aud