New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-29
CHILPS CASE STATED.
THAT GOVERNMENTS VERSION OF THE DIS
PUTE WITH PERU.

Washington, April 2S.-Regardng the present ten
sion between Chill and Peru over the future con-
troll of the provinces of Tacna and AFRICA the fol-
lowing authoritative statement Of Chifs side Of
the case has been made:
The CHILEAN Government is in no way RESPONSE
bic for the hitch in providing for the final diSpO-
sitlon Of the provinces in question The treaty be,
tween Chill and Peru made ct the termination OF
the war between these two countries. besides set
ing forth that at the end OF ten years the tuture
control Of Tacna and africa should be decided by
pebisCite popular vote of the inhabitants OF
the provinces named, also provided that the con-
dltons under which the plebiscite was TO pc taken
should De determined by a protocol appointed tor
That the popular vote did not ensue and that the
decision Of the people of the provinces was not OBJ
ed Tor primarily by the fact that at that time
1894. Peru in a state OF revolution and neSota
to provide rules of election for the taking OF the
Government held that only native born inhabitants
CT the two provinces entitled TO vote, while
Chill believing the disposition OF Tacna and africa
be of like interest and Importance to both native
and foreign born, desired the vote TO include every
resident of the provinces. The two countries We're
unable to settle upon a satisfactory adjustment Of
SHls point anu mus the paDlsCite HIlCti vas -
not taken. Another phase Of the matter lies in the
70 be Dad d oveT B% the country Te in whose favor the
popular vote decided, as recompense to the other
piebiscite decided in her favor was willing to de-
banking firm pending the settlement OF the con-
trOVerSy, but Peru's unsettled condition at that
time would not allow Of any such guarantee
on her part, and she could only prOffer her bond
the amount in question.
After repeated efforts failures in endeavoring
establish a settlement in 1898 the Vice-Presdent
Of Peru, formerly q resident Gillian, sent TO
Chill to negotiate but, though various methods Of
coming TO agreement were offered by the Chill
ian Minister of Foreign Affairs. all rejected.
Finally Gillian Executive expressed his
willingness that in the provinces were award
ed to Peru 81 600 600 should be paid down and the
remainder in yearly instruments during stated
period, also agreeing that the dispute as to the
taking of the pebiscite should be settled by out
side arbitration. Peru 10 the arbitrator.
These provisions, while having the sanction of the
executive branch of the Government, were, when
submitted the Gillian Legislature, neither ac-
copied nor rejected, but the debate ended in the
framing of a resolution advising that further ne
gotiations with Peru in the matter be prosecuted,
thus intimating that too great concession would
be involved in this agreement
There is still another view Of the situation, and
one which explains the anxiety particularly of the
Peruvians acquire possession of the provinces.
Bolivia adjoining Peru and Chilli on the east, IS
connected with the seacoast by a railroad running
through the southern extremity OF Peru. Should
Tacna and africa eventually join with Chilli rail-
road communication undoubtedly would be estab-
lished through these provinces from Bolivia to the
sea- dvertng the Bolivian trade TO this shorter and
direct route TO the coast. and causing Peru s
revenue from customs duties TO suffer very
material decrease.