The sun., 1891-01-24
Chill.

Chill.
Tho precise causes and aims OF the present
insurrection In Chill have not yet been made
known to US. To those, however, who are
conversant with the political arrangements
Of that country, the wonder is that revolu-
tion did not break out long ago. 1t was to
be expected, too that the movement for re-
form, whenever 1t should be started, would
find conspicuous supporters among the
naval officers, who, as rule. are we'll educat-
ed and have had opportunities Of learning in
the United States aud elsewhere what re-
publican government really means.
What our citizens understand by republic
can institutions is a system based on uni
versal suffrage, which provides sufficient
safeguards for local self-rule. or such
a scheme democracy and decentralization
are the corner stones. We do not consider
France the right type Of true republic, be-
cause 1t is intensely centralized. Neither
should we deem the term democratic repub-
lie fairly applicable to a country where the
franchise is confined to those possessing
property qualifications. In both Of the
fundamental features which distinguish our
system Chilli is lacking. The suffrage
is restricted. and there Is scarcely SEM
blance OF local self-administration. Under
tho Constitution Of 1888 the law-making
power. instead OF being divided. as
in the United States, between null
titude of State Legislatures and the
Federal Congress-. is monopolized by
National Assembly consisting Of a
Chamber OF Deputies and Senate. The
members Of the former body, over 100 in
,hnr al tad tor <or 80
years. To vote for these Deputies citizen
must not only be 81 years Of age, II married,
or 25 il unmarried and be able to read and
write. but must also pay yearly taxes to
considerable amount. The Senate like
that Of the United States Is chosen by indi-
rect election in each province. but its men,
bers hold Office for nine years. The Presi-
dent, also. is chosen by indirect election,
and retains Office for five years, after which
he is not reeligible until five years have
elapsed. His powers, owing to the absence
OF ministerial accountability and to the ex-
tremely centralized character Of the Gov
ernment, are greater than those OF any
European sovereign with the exception OF
the Car OF Russia. He designates the five
Cabinet Ministers. who are not responsible
to the Legislature. though they may
be impeached for treason. This MONACO
countability, strangely enough, is coupled
with the right to take part In all debates in
the two Houses; and IL Minister is Sena-
tor or q Deputy. as he legally may be, he
has right to vote. The President virtually
dictates the nomination OF all the higher
judicial and legal functionaries, and of the
ecclesiastical dignitaries. because he ap.
points majority OF the Council Of State, In
whom the nominating power Is oetensibly
vested. When he assumes command Of the
army and navy In person. he can bestow
commissions without the sanction OF the
Senate, which otherwise would be required.
But it Is when We look at his relation
to the provincial governments that we per-
ceive him to be practically omnipotent. I'm
aGine our President authorized to appoint
the Governor. and through him the local ad-
ministrative functionaries Of every State in
the Union. and we shall have clear con-
ception OF the tremendous powers welded by
the President OF Chill.
What we soc In Chill may be defined as O
highly centralized oligarchy. whose sxecu-
tive functions are committed to dictator.
The present system is the outcome OF q
violent reaction against anarchy and, as
usually happens. the reactionists went too
far. For a good many years after the at
tainment OF their national independence tho
Chilians had moro than their share of revo-
lutions. When the actual Constitution was
framed In 1888 there was widespread In
clination to construct strong Govern
ment and II strength means the suirocatlon
OF democratic impulses aud energies, the
purpose was fulfilled. So firmly compacted
and all-pervasive was the executive power
created by tho organic law. that to subvert
or even to resist 1t seemed altogether hope
less. 1t is due to the sheer sense OF help
lessness that in afty-eight years the Chilians
have made only one attempt to overthrow
the Government. and that In vain. 1t is
not to be supposed for moment, however,
that the progressive elements of the popu-
lation are satisfied with the existing regime.
There Is Il Radical party in Chill which has
been for some time pushing Its propaganda
among the educated classes. making uni ,
versal suffrage and decentralization the
cardinal features OF its programme. This
party has been greatly encouraged by
the success of tho revolution In Brazil.
and would not be likely to overlook tho |
conspicuous part played by the navy In the !
triumphant outbreak at Rio de Janeiro. II |
1t be tho Radicals who have organized the |
present movement against the constitu- !
tional authorities, they undoubtedly deserve |
tic Sympathy OF all men who thius that poor !