The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-08-30
WHAT CAUSED THE WAR.
ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE
DISTURBANCE IN CHILE.

Patriot for That of Usurper-He
Attempts to Run the Government
outside of Law-Congress Opposes
Hin-The Situation.
From, Horper's Weekly
Very few Americans understand the
osuses of the Chilean revolution. There
fore. it may be interesting to attempt some
exclamation of it, as the writer under
stands the matter.
The Chilean republic for years has been
,aCarded as the most advanced and prosper
ous of our South American neighbors. In
tbe war with Peru it demonstrated that its
soldiery was equal to any military force OF
our ueighbors to the southwark. In fight
inc qualities the Chileans on land and at
sea maintained the lofty reputation Of their
Conouistadore ancestors. who, with a force
of comparatively small numbers, had con-
o,arad all of the native chieftains and
1ncas from the Isthmus to the southern
frontier Of the farthest south state of South
America.
After the conclusion of the Napoleonic
wars in Europe the spirit Of liberty became
strong in all the Spanish provinces on
trail and South American states-excepting
Brazil-threw off their political allegiance
70 Spain and set up for themselves. Spain
at that time possessed the largest line of
colonies Of any nation in Christendom.
They extended from the Sabine river-the
western boundary between them and Lou
isana-to Cape Horn. distance of more
than 5000 miles. And to-day the Spanish
tongue is spoken over q greater area of
country than any language in Christendom,
except English.
MODEL REPUBLIC.
The Chileans maintained to greater de-
gree than any OF the republics of South
America the best traditions OF the race
from which they had sprung. They were
liberal in political and religious sentiments;
strongly opposed to African slavery, which
Brazil especially declared necessary to the
maintenance and development of her agri-
cultural resources, and in enterprise and
energy more nearly resembled their Anglo
Saxon neighbors Of the North American
republic than any of the races on the
southern portion of the continent they oc-
cupy. After the Chiieans achieved their
independence from Spain they organized
q republican form of government, mod
eled generally upon that of the United
States. but adopting certain features of that
of England in minor respects Their mem
bers Of cabinet sat in the Senate or the
House, as do those of England in the COM
mons or lords. The President of the Chilean
republic appoints his own cabinet without
the advice and consent of the upper house.
II the cabinet does not belong to either of
the legislative bodies they become members
ex-otfcio-that Is, by reason of their
ofices-and can assist at the sessions of
either house, in debate, aud can be ques-
toned, as to their official policy or acts.
and defend them upon the floor, but cannot
vote.
POWERS OF CONGRESS.
The annual appropriations for the ex-
penses OF the government are made by both
branches of the congress, and no money can
be taken from the national treasury with
out an act authorizing it. The rates of tax
alton are annually fixed by congress as are
the land and naval forces, and without this
annual enactment no army or navy can
lawfully be maintained in Chile. The mem
hers of the TWO legislative bodies are elected
by the people for five years. and they serve
without pay. The president Is chosen every
five years by a popular vote, and is not
eligible to reelection. His salary is $780, 900
per annum. The judges of the higher or
governmental courts are appointed by the
president. and hold office for life. or during
good behavior, as our judges do. SO much
for the general organization Of the Chilean
national government.
RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
In 1888, when the present constitution of
Chile was adopted the young republic had
but 100000 population. When the revolu-
ton began it had 100000. The revenues
OF the state were-in our money-S50, OO0,-
600, gold, and the taxation was not ex.
cessive. There was absolute freedom to all
religious creeds. From 1888 to 1890 Chile
was powerful, within her own borders,
thrifty and prosperous. There had been no
great popular excitement since 184S-50
Every male citizen of II years who could
read and write was voter.
In 1870 the foreign commerce of Chile
was $40 100000, pretty good showing for
100000 people. But after so long a period
OF peace and prosperity there came upon
the state revolution which has well nigh
ruined 1T, one that will take years to re-
cover from.
PRESIDENT BALMACEDA.
AT the election for president Of 1886 Senior
Don Jose Manuel Balmaceda was the nomi-
nee OF the liberal party, and was elected for
hve years term. He had had a long and
distinguished political career. He served
LIS country as member OF the lower house
ana cabinet officer. He had taken the lofty
ground In bis political life that no cabinet
could exist after congress had voted a want
VI confidence In 1t; and that the acquies-
cenGe OF congress was absolutely necessary
" Sne CABINETS existence. In the first two
years OF his official life no president could
nave oeen more discreet and thoroughly in
IN Ine with public opinion. He strengthened
-. lis party 20 such degree that the conserva-
-cierlcais, 1t might be called-fell
way 70 nothing. Commerce grew. The
-0I eess revenues the state had ever known
we're received without excessive or burden
eouie taxes The vast riches of Chile in
suano islands and her inter beds were made
S Nie TO the state by the operation of
noIeish companies that paid a handsome
tNy@''y Tor the privilege of working them.
WHY HIS CABINET QUIT.
y. ms was the peaceful and prosperous con-
uiIion existing October %, 1880. Then it
E as mat the beneicent, fsr-sighted presi-
To- onS oegah TO change into the breaker of
%" sue ue mad sworn to support, and to pave
ano way 10 dictatorship be afterward boldly
assumed. AS Senior Balmaceda could not
70 electeo again, he proposed TO name the
person who should succeed him. or this
raliIihg, to boldly hold on to the power bv
Jenin:y ing any attempt at an election and
'bGie.aiIng That he must remain in Office until
TVb successor was duly elected and qualified
o',a nen bllmaceda began electioneering
bhuny ior the intimate personal friend
o- Iom ne wished to succeed him in
,o- mat he might still control the
EsGFernment, his conduct was so contrary To
thar 49, 'aI sense of propriety or dignity
tho o Oue entire body resigned This starCled
leadiOc. out. after consulting with the
new cs h ineH OF the republic on Oct 23, a