The Washington herald., 1922-04-23

Il scribing continent feverish with military
rivalry.
Latin-America for many years has been
peaceful that its fighting organizations have escaped
public notice. In few of the republics, where
civilization has not developed the high
standards obtain for the greater part of the
continent, there have been frequent and mostly in
consequential revolutions. But the great A. B. c.
powers, Brazil, Argentine Republic and Chile, have
developed in almost undsturbcd peace and good
feeling for many years. The Christ OF the Andes
has looked down upon prosperous and contented
peoples. Natural resources have been developed
more and more National and individual wealth
has increased
Now, 1t seems, these nations are beset with
suspicion. Brazil, acting on the advice OF mis-
= chieyous European experts, reorganized and in
creased her army. The increase considered out
OF proportion to her immediate needs. Argentine,
learn, has become alarmed at the prospect OF
so powerful neighbor and has determined to in
crease her own land ornaments, while Chile is
considering steps in the direction.
Undue military preparations contain dangerous
germs OF future 1t is difficult see at this
moment, what possible occasion for hostities
arise between these three great powers. They are
trade rivals. Their boundaries are natural not
artificial They not overpopulated. With great
eXPanscs undeveloped and unexplored, none
be afflicted with Nnd hunger. But excuse
Tor is easy to find when nation feels that
it has prcponderant military strength.
\ war between any two of the great South
American republics would, the best, be cruel
affair. 1t would continue long with heavy casual
ties. But, moreover. it would threaten the peace
of the world. Brazil, Chile and Argentine Repub-
lic with the smaller Latin-American nations, have
become important posts in world trade. Interrupt
ton in this trade would be felt from Boston to
Tokyo from Winnipeg to Cape Town. Where
world trade is effected world navies and armies
drawn.
Brazil, whose intentions doubtless were inno-
cent when she authorized sudden increase in her
military establishment, may have started
ment with grave possibilities indeed. The other
powers, by following her example, taking the
step in the fatal progress
\ large and efficient army is, of course, an
asset national pride. We are inclined to at
tribute the present movement in Latn-Amerca to
this national pride rather than to hostile intentions
But the cost in increased taxation and in possible
danger surely not given enough consideration
by the statesmen
There in the world at present a large
number OF competent military men without Jobs
Germany, Austria, Russia, France, Great Britain,
and even the United States have too many young
gentlemen who know all about war and dislike to
social status, made difficult by the collapse of the
old order at the end of the world war. They are
anxious to exploit their talent in countries
where fighting experience is lacking. Unfortunately,
they not without diplomatic influence, by means
OF which they sometimes get jobs.
1t is rather suspicious learn that Brazips
army is in process OF reorganization on a French
model and under French military mission, and
that Argentine and Chile are debating whether
to patronize the French the German system.
All three of these countries if they must have
armies, would do better to develop their own sys-
tens. These, at least, would be free from nsdious
European propaganda. Certainly they have no
occasion for shame at the work their own officers
have accomplished on the few occasions when it
has been necessary for them to leave the parade
grounds.
The picture OF Latin-American armies in the
mind OF the average reader is derived too much
from popular fiction. We have a rather humorous
impression of ragged barefooted bands, led by
Dragging ignoramuses in bright colored uniforms
Nothing could be remote from the truth
Such picture is not TO life if applied to
Mexican Haitian brigands.
The military forces of Brazil Chile and Ar
gentine well drilled, as we'll equipped and as
intelligent any troops to be found in Europe
Their courage in battle is unquestioned South
Americas last great war; the war of the Pacific
between Chile on one side and Peru and Bolivia
the other, deserves consideration as one of the
major conflicts Of the last century. 1t certainly
was ono OF the hardest fought, and some of the
principles applied in the world war were first
tested in this struggle. Latin-American officers
taught the experts of Europe many important
lessons in the last war.
1t is to be hoped that the armament race among
our neighbors to the south will stop where it now
stands. No possible good can result from it. 1t
certainly will show. to greater less extent, the
progress OF South Americas development