The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1883-07-08
The Message of the President of Chilli.

The Message of the President of Chilli.
At tho opening OF the present session Of
the Gillian Congress- President SANTA
MARIA delivered message OF more than
usual interest, the text of which is now be-
fore us. In the review OF tho national stu
alton two points are dwelt upon with special
emphasis, viz, the prospect of rcsuming
friendly relations with Peru and the mate
rial enlargement OF Chili's agricultural re-
sources by the absorption OF the hitherto un-
conquered Araucanian territory.
At the date when this message was read,
viz, in the beginning Of June, the result of
the negotiations with IGLEsIAs was still I'M
certain, and accordingly the Gillian Execu-
two evinces some reserve In the discussion
OF this subject. 1t was still unknown how far
the leader of tho Peruvian peace party and
the Cajamarca Congress would 60 in
the way Of concession, and what pro-
portion OF the Peruvinns would range
themselves on the same side. 1t seems
evident, however, from tho Presidents
language, that the Gillian Government, in
stead OF being secretly DESTROYS OF prolonging
war with an eye to the profits OF occupa-
ton, sincerely wishes to effect peace upon
any terms that would compensate the
Gillian people for its sacrifices, and, to
that end, Is eager to strengthen IGLE-
sIAs by all means Mt its command. In
asmuch as most Of the news received from
South America during the last month
has been unofficial, wo need some authorita-
tive declarations like those OF tho Gillian
Chief Magistrate to properly interpret 1t,
and for that purpose we translate from the
Spanish original tho following significant
allusion to Peruvian affairs 1.-THE painful
situation OF Peru has impressed deeply
that part Of its population which Is q
stranger to tho narrow views OF the
guerrilla chiefs and the cliques that sus-
accordingly, to bring about a peace, and
to this end strenuous and patriotic deter
mination has been cvinced In certain quar-
tors. The Peruvian people, exhausted by its
suffcrings, has not shown itself Indifferent to
this appeal; and IT, at this moment, 1t Is not
In my power to toll you, as / kecnly wish it
were, that peace is actually concluded, and
that 1t conforms to our legitimate cxpecta-
lions and to the spirit of equity by which we
have been constantly inspired, can never
theless assure you that the bases OF such an
agreement have been firmly laid by one of the
most honorable chiefs OF the Peruvian army,
who. already master OF considerable portion
OF the country, will speedily assume, as there
Is reason to believe, all the public powers
and will be able to sign. with adequate and
duly qualified authority, definite treaty OF
peace. This Is to be hoped for, unless un-
lucky accidents should interrupt the regular
course OF events" Tho programme thus
outlined five weeks ago seems to have been
faithfully carried out We are continually
receiving news OF fresh accessions to the
party OF IGLEsIAs, and 1t has been recently
announced that the Chilans arc ready, not
only to evacuate the northern provinces, but
to turn over Lima itself to tho advocates Of
peace, whenever the latter are strong enough
to tako possession OF the capital.
One OF the most remarkable events In the
history OF C.A.i Is the opening OF tho Arau-
canian territory to civilization, which has
taken place during the last year, nearly three
and half centuries after tho first Spanish
invasion. 1t will DO remembered that the
northern part OF Chill had been conquered
aud In measure civilized by the Inca SOW
ere!gns OF Cuzco, and here the Spanish rule
encountered no vehement resistance. But
when, after founding tho city Of Santiago. In
154l, PEDRO DE vALDIvIA marched south
ward into the country 81 the Araucanlsn In
dians, hs met with IN indomitsble fos. whose
L.