New-York tribune., 1891-12-29
THE GILLIAN INAUG URATTON.

The peaceful Inauguration OF PRESIDENT Moh't
in Santiago is bright augury for a new era Oh
nrgress in Chill. The conversion OF Pro-
visional into a Constitutional Government has
been followed by the enactment of an Amnesty
b;u and bv religious solemnities and civic fes-
iivities. The nation has hailed with unprece-
dcnted enthusiasm and popular rejoicing the
restoration of constitutional government Inc
President is emnenty qualified by force OF char-
acter and conservative instincts for dlscharglne
the responsible duty OF econclllng factions ana
uniting the Chilian people. While he was the
most influential leader of the Opposition which
sooured the overthrow of Balmaceda, he did not
ovcite personal animosites and resentments but
commanded by his moderation and CIVIC virtues
the respect of those who were leagued against
him. His authority will be very great IN deter
mining the course of diplomacy and legislation
during the ensuing year.
The civil war has increased the pubic deot
and thrown the finances of the nation into eX-
treme disorder The first important work OF
Congress and the now Administration Will be the
restoration of credit and the adoption OF meas
ures for contracting the deprecated currency ana
oroyidinc for its ultimate redemption. The ne
cessty for retrenchment is so urgent thaU eA.
penditures for public works and railways Will
naturally be heavily reduced. This will ctard
the development Of the country, but 1t VIII pro-
mote public morality. During Balmacedas term
Of Office railways and public works were con-
structcd long way in advance OF the practical
reauirements of the country. 1t was an Ella oi
iobbery and scandals, during which contractors
and political favorites found it easy to make
large fortunes at the expense OF the natm
When the official candidate, whom Baamaceda
selected as his successor boldly announced his
policy of expending millions upon new works in
every portion OF the country, the nation was
startled by his premature revelation OF the pos
sibiIities of official jobbery. That was the be-
ginning of the struggle which ended in the
overthrow of Balmaceda Economy is now the
order Of the day, and the outlay for new public
works will necessarily be restricted until fnan'
cial stability can be restored.
The revision of tho constitution will probably
be undertaken with view to preventing en-
croschments of executive power and usuipatdons
of legislative authority. AS the Congressional
party was successful in the civil war, this ten
dency is perhaps inevitable. The leaders now
in power, having fought for the principle o!
Executive dependence upon the National Legs
ature, will desire 70 have the constitution al
tered so as to secure a form of parliamentary
government similar to the English model. II
may be seriously questioned whether cOnstitu-
tional revision will be an unmxed gain. A
wide departure from the American system, by
which the Executive Administration will be de-
prived of its independence and the omnipotenct
OF the Legislature declared, will weaken and
paralyze anywhere in Spanish America the func'
tions Of government. The civil war has created
in Chill moral force Of public Opini0n BY which