Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1907-07-19
The Christ Of the Andes.


Not many years ago Chill and Ar
gentina were on the verge Of war. An
old boundary dispute had broken out
anew, and was intensified by the dis
covery Of an unexpected value in the
eighty square miles OF territory involv-
ed.
The two nations grew more hostile.
Each was goaded by the others war
like preparations to make more pro-
visions for war believed to be newt
able. Their standing armies were
increased to burdensome size, and
their navies were enlarged by new and
expensive ships The tax for these
wasteful preparations amounted to five
dollars per capita in the two nations.
To the honor of Christian men in
both nations, let it be remembered
that these demonstrations did not go
on without protest. On both sides Of
line clergymen Of the Roman Catholic
Church, as we'll as the representatives
of the English government in both
countries, labored earnestly and kindly
for the averting of so great a disaster.
Bishop Benavente Of Argentina and
Bishop lara Of Chill were foremost in
their pleas for / eace. They journeyed
back and forth in their respective
countries, rousing the clergy and laity
by their pleading for the tangible ex-
preston Of abiding peace between the
nations, in the form OF monument on
the boundary line.
1t was this movement that gave
focus to the peace sentiment. The
plan to erect a statue Of Christ between
the nations rebuked the clamor of war.
AT last the boundary dispute was refer
red by agreement 10 the King of Eng
land; and his decision, which awarded
to each nation a part of what it had
contended for, gave general satisfaction,
Then the two nations, gratified by
the result, signed treaty, agreeing
that for term Of years all controversies
between them should be submitted tc
arbitration, and that they would reduce
their armies and navies.
The women OF the two nations tool
up the movement for a monument. A
young sculptor, Mateo Alfonso, model
ed the statue of Christ, which wa
cast in bronze produced from old can
non. 1t is twenty-six feet in height
and is suppo.ted by a gigantic column
surmounted by globe, on which th'
map Of the world is outlined. In Hi
left hand the Christ holds cross, ris
ing five feet above the statue. Hi
right hand is outstretched in blessing
Below are two tablets. One gives tn
history Of the monument, and the othe
says: Sooner shall these mountain
crumble into dust than shall the .peopl
of Argentina and Chill break the peac
to which they have pledged themselve
at the feet of Christ the Redeemer."
On the very summit of the Andes
and on the boundary-line settled wit
mutual satisfaction and without strife
the statue was erected March 13, 1904
benediction to the nations that erect
, ed it, and a lesson to the world.
The new battle-ships were sold, an
the proceeds turned to peaceful uses
Regiments have BEEN mustered ou
: and the men have returned to the
productive vocations. The arsenal
! Chill has been converted into a schoo
/ The roads and harbors of both natior
' have been improved with the none
saved from war. The great transanC
!. can railway is tunneling through th
mountains and bringing the natior
nearing together in time and CONNIE
cial interests. Taxes are reduced
The people prosper. Best OF all, I'll
Spirit of the Christ has shown the wor
a better way than war. Dumb An
mails.