White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1931-09-10
prepared by the National Geographic

Society. Washington. D. c.
'HE recent forced retirement Of
a president of Chile throws
4 emphasis on some Of the unusual
features of the Chilean constitu-
ton and government.
The old Chilean constitution existed
from 1888 until 1925 and was the old
est constitution of republic in the
western hemisphere except that of the
United States. 1t was an intimate
mixture of the governmental princi-
pies of the United States and those Of
Europe. While 1t was not designed
with such an idea in view, develop
ments seemed to be steering Chile to-
ward real parliamentary system.
Then came the new constitution of
1925 which modified this trend.
Under the Chilean constitution Of
1888 the American system of three
separate functions-executive legisla-
tive and judicial-was adopted; but
unlike the United States, Chile incor-
porated system of federal centrali-
cation which was probably more ex-
IRENE than in any other republic. This
president appoints the sixteen intend
ants, who correspond roughly to our
governors. With the intendants nomi-
mating them, he also appoints the six
ty-five governors who rule over re-
gions such as might be formed by
groups of counties in the United
States, and the alcaldes of municipali-
ties with more than 10000 population.
The governors appoint subdelegates to
administer the smaller municipalities
roughly corresponding to townships,
and the subdelegates in turn appoint
Inspectors for small precincts. The
whole elaborate civil hierarchy centers
in the president and is ruled from the
national capital.
Direct Election Adopted.
The constitution of 1888 provided
for the indirect election of the presi-
dent for five years through sort of
electoral college; the indirect election
of senator's in the provinces for six
year terms; and the direct election Of
members of the lower house from the
districts. This has all been changed.
The president is now directly elected
for six years, but is ineligible for re-
election. The forty-fiye senators are
elected by direct vote in their groups
of provinces. for terms of eight years,
with half the seats newly filled every
of va
house are also elected by direct popu-
lar votes in their departments or
groups of departments. AS in the Unit
ed States. cabinet is appointed by
the president and is responsible to
him.
The old constitution established the
Roman Catholic church and prohibited
other forms of public worship. The
new constitution separated the church
and state and did away with property
qualifications for voters All citizens
over twenty-one years Of age who can
read and write and who register, may
vote.
An unusual feature of the Chilean
government is its tribunal calificador
which must pass on the validity of all
elections of president, senators and
deputies. 1t consists of five members
chosen by lot. one chosen from past
presidents and vice presidents of the
senate; one from past presidents and
vice presidents of the lower chamber !;
two from ministers of the Supreme
court, and one from the ministers Of
the Court of Appeals of the city where
congress meets.
Chile may he specifically compared
10 California with directions reversed.
1t stretches in a narrow strip with the
Pacific on one side and mountain
range on the other and embraces dry
desert, a productive temperate region,
and an area of moisture and cold
Whereas California is only 800 miles
long, however. Chile is 300 miles in
length
Great Ethnic Differences.
Chile differs as much ethnically from
the rest of South America as it does
politically. 1t has had greater pro-
portion of northern European immigra-
ton than it's sister states, largely Ger.
man and British. The predominant