New-York tribune., 1900-11-26
LATIN .A1[ERICAN CONGRESS-.
COMPULSORY ARBITRATION ADOPTED
BY NEARLY UNANIMOUS VOTE
CHILL ALONE IS HOLDING OUT.

Washington, Nov. 25.-Dispatches from Madrid
received in official diplomatic quarters here make
the first announcement that in the debates before
the Latin-American Congress. whose sessions have
Just been concluded the principle of compulsory
arbitration urged by the Peruvian delegates has
been adopted by almost unanimous vote Chill
alone holding and protesting against the action
taken. The decision not only favors compulsory
arbitration in disputes between the American re-
publics. but also provides that guarantees shall
be given for the faithful performance of the con-
clusions reached by the arbitration tribunal
Aside from the immediate question involved, the
decision of the Congress is regarded in South
American quarters as significant OF the alignment
the Southern republics the increasing differ
ences which have arisen Of late. and which are
threatening TO bring about general crisis involv-
ing II all of the South American coun-
tries Several events have occurred recently
indicating widespread movement. Peru has been
making desperate efforts regain her provinces
OF Tacna and africa, which sort Of border
hostage held for the last years By Chill Bolivia
Is involved in the same controversy she has lost
her seacoast to Chill, and is seeking save
part Of 1t. The latter question recently
brought to direct issue by the presentation OF
demand from Chill. generally construed as an uti-
natu1n. requiring Bolivia publicly to acknowledge
by treaty the sovereignty Of Chill over the seacoast
IN question.
About a month ago Chill adopted the compulsory
military system. under which every male citizen on
reaching the age OF nineteen years must serve as
soldier. This has caused widespread concern in
South America, and has led other countries TO take
steps toward similar military equipment Ecuador
has declared its purpose of adopting system like
that OF Chill, and Peru, which now has only two
thousand soldiers, has taken steps to have a gen
eraI enlistment in its national guard. But the chief
concern has been expressed in Argentina and
Brazil as II is the feeling in those countries that
the powerful ornaments Of Chill are not REQUIRED
against such enfeehled states as Peru Bolivia
Ecuador and the other northern republics but will
be used against Chifs powerful neighbors in
the south
Argentina and Chill are separated by a long
boundary ltne. which Is in dispute. The
poundaTy frequently has threatened an armed
CONNECT ana each country has been steadily in
creAsihe us armament land and naval. 1t is est-
mated by one OF the prominent observers in Wash
ingSon that each country spent about $50 G1000
on armament IN the last ten years. Brazil
Gently mas been brought into the alignment by d
Corcla restoration of good feeling with Argentina
FOR a time they opposed over a boundary
contest but by the arbitration Of the United
states the award was made in favor OF Brazil and
Argentlla mas heartily accepted this result. The
presidents of Brazil and Argentina have
changed visits. and O the stay of Presi-
slderatl8f! was gwen 70 united action some Of
these pending South American controversies.
me several movements have had the general
eItcI o. esta blisnlng basis among
Bolivia Peru, Argentina and Brazil. While there
Is no suggestion thus far that these united
puDllcs would use force against Chill. yet ap-
pTecIalec ltat tht present situation may lead
serious results IN" thllIan army Is directed by
dbe German! oHlceFs. the commander being General
koenef. German Ctt!cer. who was placed Il the
read OF the army about years ago Some forty
other foreign officers. chiefly German also occupy
leading places on the staff and line.