The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-05-07
Peru, a Land Of Treasure.

Back In 1913, when BALBOA crossed
the Isthmus Of Panama and discov-
cred the Pacific Ocean, the Indians
told him of a treasure land somewhere
to the southwark known as Biru.
This mysterious El Dorado, now
called Peru, was reached few years
later by the Spanish conquistadors un-
der PIzARRo. Soon 1t became the most
productive portion Of the New World
dominions Of Spain In those treasures
the Spaniards coveted. For three cen
turtles 1t was the capital Of the colo
NAL viceregal ruler and the centre OF
Spanish power in South America.
From 1t flowed the stream Of gold
which enabled Spain, long after the
monarchy had become q hollow she'll,
to present bold front to the world.
The wealth Of Peru gave rise to
the proverbial saying at is worth a
Peru" used by Spanish speaking peo-
pie when comparative term for great
riches was required. The glamour OF
the past has not yet faded away !;
even to-day the mention Of Peru or OF
Lima, Its ancient capital, centuries up
visions Of the Inca treasure house.
This year 1t is the modern Peru
that will present itself to the world
on the occasion of the celebration
Of the first centenary OF It's indie
pendence from Spain. The official
observances of this anniversary will
begin July % and will continue until
September. In that period number
of important public projects will be
dedicated and statues Of historical
personages will be unveiled. An In
dustrial and commercial exposition Of
foreign and Peruvian products Will
be held. Foreign countries will be
represented by official delegates. Re-
duced steamship rates from the United
States have been announced; these
will doubtless encourage many tour
lists to make the trip to Peru through
the Panama Canal.
Under the administration Of Presi-
dent LEGUIA q number Of far reach
ing reforms have been undertaken in
Peru. In some Of which citizens Of
this country have had the privilege
Of cooperating. American educators
are now engaged in the reorganiza-
ton of the public instruction system
from the primary schools to the uni
versities. An American naval mis-
sion is assisting In the strengthening
Of the Peruvian navy. American SCI
entists are stamping out the last YES
tiges Of yellow fever in Isolated Sec
lions Of the republic. Advanced
methods of sanitation. recommended
by American experts, are being ap-
piled in Lima and other cities.
Although Peru has not escaped the
reaction Of worldwide business de-
preston the diversity Of Its natural
resources will be an important factor
in restoring normal conditions. The
mineral wealth Of the republic. which
includes copper, gold, silver, vana-
dunn, petroleum, coal and almost
every other known ore, has barely
been tapped. Agriculture, while suf-
fering from temporary depression, is
at present the chief source Of income.
Vast forest resources constitute a
latent reserve Of great possibilities.
Medicinal plants, of which those sup
plying quinine and cocaine are merely
the best known, are to be found in
profusion.
The treasures OF Peru may no
longer be obtained by the methods
employed by the Spanish pioneers,
but they are available In abundant
measure for the men who work with
the modern tools OF business.