Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-12-23
CHILL AND ARGENTINA.

The trouble between Chilli and Argentina
which has threatened war several times
is almost as old as the existence Of the
two nations When they became inde-
pendent OF Spain 1t was understood that
the boundary line between them should be
the old provincial line that had formerly
separated them. This was ill-defned line
that followed the ridge Of the Andes and
disputes over it soon arose.
The first arose over the extension OF the
line through Patagonia which was deman-
ded by Argentina, Chill claiming that the
whole of Patagonia belonged to her. A
settlement was reached by which Chill
agreed to extend the Andes watershed
line down to the flfty-second parallel and
to extend her boundary arbitrarily thence
to the east and the south. Later another
dispute arose over the question whether
the boundary line should follow the high
est peaks, as Argentina claimed, or should
follow the actual watershed, as Chilli in
sisted.
The establishment OF the latter line
would give Chill vast tracts that would
belond to Argentina under the mountain
peak line.
: For many years prior to 1879 diplomatic
relations between the two countries were
suspended and 1t seemed that they were
constantly on the verge Of conflict.
Our government interposed it's friendly
offices. however. and in 1881 treaty
was agreed upon BY which these differ
ences were supposed TO be settled, under
which the Strait Of Magellan was neu-
tralized. But the treaty had little effect
as every effort to mark the line provided
by it proved futile.
Chilli and Argentina continued their
quarrel as to whether the boundary be-
tween them should follow the watershed
Of the highest peaks or the watershed OF
streams.
The difficulty was complicated by a dis
pute over the location Of landmark at
San Francisco and the ownership of a
large and fertile plateau at Atcama that
Chill had seized in her war with Bolivia,
but which Argentina claimed,
In April 1896. another protocol was con-
cIuded which submitted the questions Of
the landmark and the Atcama plateau to
arbitration.
Another supplemental agreement was
made later In 1896 and still another in 1898.
Under this last It was agreed that all
disputes concerning the northern part Of
the line were to be left to the United
States and all concerning the central and
southern portions to Great Britain.
The recent troubles which reached an
acute stage a few days ago arose over
the construction of military roads in low
er Patagonia. Both governments are
very stubborn in contending for what they
claim TO be their rights in the premises.
They seem to be equally reluctant to sub
NIT to arbitration and bind themselves to
abide by its decision.
They are the two strongest and most
progressive of the South American repub-
lies and a war between them would be
a very serious matter.
Argentina has about 100000 population
and q standing army OF $1,000 men. In
addition 1t has an organized national
guard, or militia force. including $4,000
men. The Argentine navy consists Of IS
vessels, some of which are OF a high class
modern type.
Chill, on paper, is much weaker than Ar
gentina, but has better fighting material
ana mas Deen Auduo very COAAAAOSAlt AAOl "
say insolvent, by her military and naval
successes. -
The population OF Chill is 100000. Her
standing army numbers only 10000 but is
thoroughly organized. Her militia is very
small. compared to that Of Argentina.
amounting to only $1,000.
The CHILEAN navy of A vessels is much
stronger than the navy of Argentina with
IS vessels. Argentina. in case Of war.
would be almost sure to have the aid of
Paraguay, Uruguay. Bolivia and Peru,
while Chilli could not expect any ally
except, possibly, Ecuador, Those who are
best acquainted with the situation, how
ever, do not believe that there will be
war.
There are strong influences at work to
prevent It and tho Pan-Amerioan oon-
grsHs now IN session In the city OF Mexico
is a strong factor for peace,