Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-04

known az the heart OF Africa. The most
systematic explorations OF 1t or OF ns
outer fringe were made by Fiscarral, ruo-
Der dealer at 1ouitos. He headed severai
exploring expeditions, discovered naviga-
BILE streams and fought number OF DHt-
ties with the Indians something AFTER tno
manner Of Stanley in Africa. He was
drowned by the capsizing OF his canoe Y
the rapids Of one OF the streams. since
Fiscarrafs death there has been no ono
who inherited his boldness and his Ga.
pacity for exploration though something
has been done by private individuals ana
by companies.
The lack Of transportation facilities has
been one drawback to individual enterprise
In these interior regions. That is some
thing to which both the Brazilian ana the
Peruvian governments are now ADDRESSING
themselves. What Is known as the Centre.
way out Of the region that SO far has been
explored. When the Peruvian railroads
were turned over to an English corporation
under a lease, that company had extensive
plans Of colonization and of road building:
A few European colonies were estapilsneo
and some Of the colonists remain 70 tnis
day. But most Of them got discourageo
when the railroad company through various
causes abandoned Its plans. They nao gone
into coffee culture and the depression wnlcn
lasted several years in that industry cioseo
them out.
Railway Construction Plans.
The Peruvian government has revived the
plans for railway construction which this
time it is intended shall precede COLOMBIA
ton. A survey has been ordered OF the most
practical route for a railway from the
present terminus at Oroya to the basin
of the Ucayali river. The distance ts not
more than 800 miles, but the engineering
difficulties are gravethough not insurmount-
able. An estimate has been made that this
road could be built for $7,0OO,OOO. Monsieur
Plane fixed the amount that would be re-
qured at $12, 600 GOO or Sic, OO0, 900. But what
ever the cost the Peruvian government can
afford 1t in order to secure a through rail-
way line to the navigable rivers which
spread over the rubber country and which
give 1t communication with Iquitos.
When President Candamo died a few
weeks ago there was some fear that the
uncertainty resulting therefrom would In
terrupt the governments policy This fear
does not seem to have been well grounded.
Reports from Lima have indicated that
everything is moving TRANQUILITY and that
conciliatory course obtains in the contro-
versy with Brazil.
A new president will be elected in August.
Peru has first and second vice president,
but under its constitution neither succeeds
permanently to the presidency. In the
present case there is only one vice presi-
dent. His associate died last year soon
after the election.
Executive Power in Peru.
In the interregnum the real executive
power Of Peru rests with the council OF
ministers. which is In reality the cabinet.
After President Candamos death the cab
met was reconstructed and Alberto Gilmore,
one of the justices Of the supreme court,
was taken from the bench to become presi-
dent OF the council and minister of foreign
affairs. He is of very conservative tenden-
cies, and in his hands 1t was certain that
the dispute with Brazil would not be car
ried on rashly or extensively, however firm
1t might be in maintaining Peru's conten-
lions. Minister Elmore is one Of the lead
Ing authorities on commercial law in South
America. He is of English ancestry on his
fathers side and has made several visits to
the United States. He was delegate to
the Pan-American conference in Mexico
CHARLES M PEPPER