The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1913-10-16


the principles of liberty order and justice. indis
pensable to the survival and welfare of nation
The fratrcidal wars. in most cases Waged IN
the cause OF human liberty, which mark the MS
tory of the Latin-AmeTican countries, are apt TO
he magnifed as indications of the uniformed
character OF IberoAmericans, on account Of their
recent occurrence. just as the proportions and
sangunary nature of European wars and revolu-
tions are unconsciously diminished through the
remoteness of the period in which they TOOK
place Whether or not it be true that the evolu-
ton Of the Uruguayan republic has been hast
ened, or, even impeed, by the many internecine
wars which have torn and distressed the people.
It is beyond question today that the republic has
entered upon an era of permanent peace based
the highest principles of justice and OF the
respect Of all legitimate rights.
Uruguay is in South America what Switzerland,
Belgium and Holland are in Europe. or small
territorial extent and population its people may
Justly claim to have attained degree OF civza-
ton and progress equal to that of their more
powerful neighbors.
In commenting upon the laws and constitution
OF Uruguay Anatole France expressed the opin-
ION that the Uruguayan nation was capable OF
creating "a superior type of civilization" The
constitution, which is the only one in the South
American republics that has remained) unaltered
since its formulation, eighty years ago. embodes
the fullest liberty and protection for all rrespec-
tive OF race or religion. Treating the same point.
NJ. e Stocquart, the distinguished Belgian jurist,
in his work Belgian Law, says Uruguay. from
the point Of view of civil rights. is the most ad-
vanced Of all the countries of South America"
and when we look at the wise provisions and
high civic ideals contained in the constitution
and in subsequent legislation, there would appear
to be abundant justification for NJ Stocquart's
spinon
The laws of Uruguay. as in many American
states. are codifed and OF these codes
might well be used as models for the legislators
If nth a
position in the world than the republic of Uru-
quay. or its commercial code great Italian
master has said that II is "one OF the most not
able legislative works OF our time worthy OF be-
ing used as q model by all who have to legislate
mercantile law"
The penal and rural codes are equally replete
with sound and farseeing provisions The for
mer is largely based upon the doctrines of
Zamerdelli. Mancni and Savelli. and the Spanish
and Chilean codes. while. in regard to the rural
code. NJ. Lepelletier. in his criticisms OF the
French rural CODE stated that 1T is possible to
envy nations which, like Uruguay. have known
how to produce work of such utility in a coun-
try where agriculture constitutes the main
Of national production Commenced in 1873 the
rural code Of Uruguay was promulgated in July,
1875 and revived three years later. and Il has
never since then ceased to be changed and i'm
proved by laws and DEGREES which, together with
the text Of the original. make It today a legisa-
tive achievement OF the highest value"
Equally Nlse ana just are the cOdeS relatnR
to civil and criminal procedure as we'll as the
military and administrative codes which regulate
and provide equitable laws on the subjects with
which they deal.
Without doubt Uruguay is one OF the heathiest
and most beautiful countries OF South America
differing from many in appearance through the
absence Of the snow-covered mountains which
appear frequently in the southern portion OF
the continent The country is fat. with slight
undulations. II is traversed by something like
SOC rivers and small streams. which make It ex-
tremely fertile.
Uruguay from the American point Of view Is
a small country. although II embraces a larger
area than many important countries OF Europe
The ownership OF the land Is not much divid-
ed as II should be- but Just as Mr.. Farquhar has
already implanted system Of colonization in the
Parana. the government and the railroad com
panies OF Uruguay have already purchased large
tracts for the purpose Of introducing form OF
colonization which will ultimately give to the
rapidly increasing number of settlers full owner
ship
The principal industry of the country is stock
raising which Is constantly increasing In extent
and quality through the growing importation of
animals Of q better strain from Europe