The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-18
OUR SOUTHERN RIVAL.

A generation ago the name of the Ar
gentine Republic was rarely heard men
toned or seen in print outside of the
school room: now 1t figures conspicuous
ly in trade reports, and especially in
those intended to show the growing RI
valry in other countries with some Of
the leading products of the United
States. Within the last few years Argen-
tina has come to the front very rapidly
in wheat and wool production, and from
present indications she is likely to be-
come formidable competitor of the
United States In these and some other
products.
The Argentine Republic lies between
latitude % and Al degrees south. This
corresponds substantially to the north
latitude Of the United States. which ex-
tends from 20 to 40 degrees. It's area is
1.G95,013 square miles, while that of the
United States is 3,602,99 With a favor
able climate and an area nearly one
third that of the United States, Argen-
tina possesses variety of soil and ag-
ricultural and mineral resources capable
of great development. All 1t needs Is an
enterprising population. and this it is
rapidly acquiring. Already it is the
most progressive country in South
America. and it's capital. Buenos Ayres,
is the finest city south Of the United
States. Its constitution, modelled close
ly after that of the United States, pro-
vides for a President. Vice President,
House of Deputies and Senate, elected
by the people of all the provinces, while
each province has it's own Governor and
local legislature elected by the people
The present population of the country is
about 100000, and this is being rapidly
increased by immigration, which the
government encourages by very liberal
policy. The trade of Argentina is con-
siderable and growing. In 1891 the for
eign trade amounted to S163, 1863, 1872, of
which Great Rritain got the lions share,
followed by France, Belgium, Germany,
Italy and the United States, in the order
named. Argentina has much the most
complete system of railroad communion
tons of any South American country.
by far the best school system, and the
most liberal and progressive govern
ment. Without going into further de-
tails, 1t is evident that il is country Of
great possibilities.
In the two important items of sheep
growing and wheat culture Argentina
has within the last few years become an
important factor in the markets of the
world, and she is fast coming to the
front as cattle breeding country. In
1885 she exported more wool than the
United States produced altogether-376,-
100000 pounds against S0s0O0.000 pounds.
In 1889. while we imported nearly one
half Of all the wool we used, Argentina
exported wool to the value of $50, 709, TIA,
and there has not been a year in the
not very largely exceed that of the
United States. Under the present tariff
this disparity will increase. as without
protection wool growers in this country
cannot compete with those of Argentina,
which is already the second largest wool
producing country in the world, stand
ing next to Australia.
Statistics of her wheat product are
incomplete, but it is growing very fast.
The wheat area in Argentina in 1889
was 2,5S0s00o acres. and there has been
wheat production OF South America in
creased from 4s,SO5.0OO bushels in 1891 to
1o4,000.000 In 1894. and the increase was
mainly in Argentina. AS the home con-
sumption In that country is compare
lively small. there is a large surplus
every year for export, which is one of
the controlling factors in fixing the
worlds price. AS wheat can be raised
and laid down at the seaboard there
from ten to fifteen cents bushel cheap
er than it can be in the United States.
1t is evident that that country is likely
to become very dangerous competitor
of the United States in the markets of
Europ~ u indeed she does not drive us
out G rely. 1t behooves the American
people to- keep their eye on such coun-
try