The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-06-26
THE CHRIST OF THE ANDES.

Not many years ago Chill and Argen
tina were on the verge of war. An old
boundary dispute had broken out anew
and was intensified by the discovery
of an unsupported value in the eighty
thousand square miles of territory in
volved.
The two nations grew, more hostile
Each was goaded by the others warlike
preparations to make more provision
for a war believed to be inevitable
Their standing armies were increased
to burdensome size, and their navies
were enlarged by new and expensive
ships. The tax for these wasteful pre-
parations amounted to five dollars pei
capita in the two nations.
To the honor of Christian men in
both nations, let 1t be remembered that
these demonstrations did not go on
without protest. On both sides Of the
line clergymen of the Roman Catholic
church, as well as the representatives
of the English government in both
countries, labored earnestly and kindly
for the averting Of so great disaster
Bishop Benavente Of Argentina and
Bishop lara of Chill were foremost in
their pleas for peace. They journeyed
back and forth in their respective coun-
tries, rousing the clergy and laity by
their pleading for the tangible express
sion of abiding peace between the ma
tions in the form of monument on
the boundary line.
1t was this movement that gave TO-
Gus to peace sentiment. The plan to
erect statue of Christ between the ma
lions rebuked the clamor for war. At
last the boundary dispute was referred
by agreement to the King of England;
and his decision, which awarded to
each nation part of what it had con-
tended for, gave general satisfaction.
Then the two nations, gratified by
the result, signed treaty, agreeing
sizes between them should be submit
ted to arbitration, and that they would
reduce their armies and navies.
The women of the two nations took
up the movement for the monument.
A young sculptor, Mateo Alfonso, model
ed the statue of Christ which was cast
in bronze produced from old cannon
1t is twenty-six feet in height, and is
supported by a gigantic column sur
mounted by globe, on which the map
of the world is outlined. In His left
hand the Christ holds cross, rising
five feet above the statue. His right
hand is Outstretched in blessing Be-
low are two tablets. One gives the his
tory of the monument, and the other
says. Sooner shall these mountains
crumble into dust than shall the people
of Argentina and of Chilli break the
peace to which they have pledged
themselves at the feet Of Christ the
Redeemer."
On the very summit Of the Andes
and on the boundary line settled with
mutual satisfaction and without strife,
the statue was erected March 10, 1904,
a benediction to the nations that erect
ed 1t, and a lesson to the world.
The new battleships were sold, and
the proceeds turned to peaceful uses.
Regiments have been mustered out,
and the men have returned to their
productive vacations. The arsenal of
Chill has been converted into a school.
The roads and harbors of both nations
saved from war The great transan
dean railway is tunneling through the
mountains and bringing the nations
nearer together in time and CONNER
cial interests. Taxes are reduced. The
people prosper. Best of all, the Spirit
of the Christ has shown the world a
better way than war.-Our Dumb AMI
mails. "H