THE umVfR^'itY LIRRARf 
 imiVERSli . DIEQO 
 
 INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF AMERICAN REPUBLICS 
 
 JOHN BARRE-TT. D I R E, C T O R 
 
 UNIVERSITi ■ 
 
 3 1822 02352 1412 
 
 CHILE 
 
 GENERAL DESCRIPTIVE DATA 
 
 PREPARED IN JUNE 
 
 1909 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
 
 1909
 
 1^ 
 
 1^1 

 
 INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF AMERICAN REPUBLICS 
 
 '-^ JOHN BARREITT. DIRE.CTOR /^ 
 
 FRANCISCO J. YANES. SECRETARY 
 
 CHILE 
 
 GENERAL DESCRIPTIVE DATA 
 
 PREPARED IN JUNE 
 
 1909 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
 
 1409
 
 T-'^^STTr] 
 
 fe^via 
 
 riif Kt'|)iil)lir of (hilc i'Mciid- oNcr iiioiT tliaii tliiiM y-fi«;lit c|«'<i[i-ws 
 • if ladtiiilc, Iroiii 17 ."»"' tt» 't't^ 50' south, stretching from the Samu 
 Kivci- lo ('iijx' Horn. occiipN iii*r a long. iiarn»\v -tiMii of laiul l)ftwe<Mi 
 the Andean mountain rangt- and the Pacific Ocean, with a coast line 
 of nearly 3,000 miles and an average width of only 1>0 miles, Tiie 
 K<'j)ul)lic has a total ait-a of -J'.U.riOO -cpiarc niilf-, with a jjopuhition 
 of :5.-J iy,'J7i). 
 
 By reason of its j)ec»diar -hajic ca-y arros i-; alVorded to the entire 
 territory, and the exploitation of its vast mincial and other resources 
 is both easy and prolitaltlc. A> a mineral-producing country (^hilc 
 is best known for her va>l nitrate fields, from which tiic excellent 
 fci'tili/.cr known as nitrate (»f soda is procured. Copper, gold, silver, 
 and iron are also found. In the central and southern divisions of 
 the Ivepublic. agriculture, viticulture, apiculture, and li^heries thrive, 
 while extensi\e forest- I'uiiii-h \ariou- kinds of cabinet and <»ther 
 woods. 
 
 HISTORICAL SKKTCH. 
 
 Fra.\( is((i Pi/Aiujo having conquered Peru. I)ik(;() dk Ai.mamm. 
 one of his lieutenants, was dispatched with an army to the south to 
 explore the country and take possession of it in the name of the King 
 of S|)ain. He cro>sed the desert, which is now the great nitrate dis- 
 trict, and after considerable <lillicidty manag«'d to advance as far as 
 the river .Matde. 'I'lu're, howe\er. he encountered the warlike Indian 
 trilx; of Araucanians and was obliged to retreat. Another expedi- 
 tion was sent by PiZAiuto in the year i.MO. commanded by his (piarter- 
 master. Pkdko dk \'\i.i)i\i a. who wa- more successful than \\\< jtrede- 
 cessor, .Vi-MA(i!{o. and although continually haras>ed by the Indians, 
 was able to advance as far south a-- the pre-ent ^ite of Santiago. 
 Here he founded the city which i> to-day the capital of the Republic. 
 
 Although Sj)ani>h colonists in nmnbers came to Chile, but little 
 progress was made, owing to the continual attacks to which the settle- 
 ments were subjectetl from the indomitabh' Araucaidans. The.se 
 attack- continued until lli(> year 1<">I0 when the .*>pani-h governor con- 
 ( luded a treaty with the Indians. liy this treaty the river Hio-Hjo 
 was recogni/e<l as the boundary line ln'twet»n the white< and the 
 Indians, and the aid of the latter was enli>ted in defending the coun- 
 try against the invasions of the Kngli^h and Dutch buccan«H»rs.
 
 CHILE. 
 
 'When, in the early part of the nineteenth century, the spirit of 
 independence aroused the South American Continent. Chile in re- 
 sponse, on September IS, 1810, deposed the Spanish authorities and 
 created a provisional government. 
 
 Spain, however, was not willing thus easily to be deprived of its 
 South American colonies and poured troops into Chile from Peru, 
 the royalist stronghold. Finally, through the aid of the Argentine 
 patriot and soldier, (Jenei-al Sax Maktin, the Spaniards were de- 
 feated at the battle of Maipii on April 5. ISIS, thus practically ending 
 the Spanish power in Chile. 
 
 General O'TIiocins. who had distinguished 
 himself in the war for independence, was a[)- 
 pointed supreme dictator of the Chilean 
 nation, and on Oetober '23, 1S18, a constitu- 
 tion which had l)een drafted by a committee 
 appointed by ()'IIh;(;ins was formally adopted 
 by the people. 
 
 Among the great men who t'ontributed In 
 the final molding of the Republic in its pres- 
 ent shape one of the greatest is Don Dir.co 
 PoRTALEs, who was Minister of Stat<' under 
 President Prieto (1831-1841). Portales set 
 the national finances in order and was largely 
 responsible for the present constitution. The present incumbenl. 
 Sefior Don Pedro Montt, was inaugurated on Septeinlh-r 1"^. ll>00, 
 for a term expiring in 1011. 
 
 SB. Oox PEDRO MONTT. PBMiDIhT or 
 Chilc. 
 
 coxsTrri TioN and government. 
 
 The Constitution of the Republic of Chile was formally adojited on 
 May 25, 1833. Under it Chile has a single, rcpul^lican form i f iroxeru- 
 ment, with the custonuiry division into legislative, executive, and 
 judicial branches. 
 
 The President, whose term of ojliee is five yeais, is cho-en by 
 electors, who. in their turn, are elected by direct vote. The Pre-ident 
 can not serve for two consecutive term-, and lie may noi Icaxc the 
 country during his term of ollice or for one year after liie t'xpii'aiion 
 of the same, except with the consent of the Congress. 
 
 He is assisted by a Council of .-^tate, consisting oi 11 member-. ''> 
 of whom are appointed by Congress and 5 by the President, and who 
 are directly responsible to the Congress. He is further as-i-ted by a 
 Cabinet of ministers or secretaries, who, although appointed by the 
 President, are lik<Mvise respcmsible to Congress, and may at any time 
 be forced to resign, if Congress passes a vote of lacU of conlideiu'e. 
 
 The legislative power is vesti'd in the national Congress, consisting 
 of a vS(>nate and Chambei' of I )c|>nt ie-. the former com |io-e(l of ;^_' and
 
 6 CHILE. 
 
 the latter of 94 members. Senators are elected b}'^ direct accumulative 
 vote, in the proportion of one for every three deputies, for a term of 
 six years, but the Senate is partially renewed every three years. 
 Deputies are elected by direct vote, one for every 30,000 inhabitants 
 or fraction thereof not less than 15.000, for a period of three years. 
 
 During the recess of Congress a standing committee consisting of 
 14 members, of which 7 are Senators and 7 Deputies, acts for the 
 Congress and is consulted by the President upon all matters of 
 importance. 
 
 The judiciary of the country consists of a national Supreme Court 
 of 7 members, convening at the city of Santiago, 6 courts of appeals 
 located at Santiago, Valparaiso, Tacna, Serena, Talca, and Conccp- 
 cion, consisting of 5 members each, with the exception of those at 
 Concepcion and Santiago, which have 8 and 12 members, respectively. 
 There are also a number of minor courts located in the different 
 provinces and districts. 
 
 The Republic of Chile is divided into 23 provinces and 1 national 
 territory, which are again divided into departments, districts, and 
 municiiDalities, The provinces are governed by an intendente ap- 
 pointed by the President of the Republic, while the departments are 
 governed by a governor and the districts by inspectors. The popular 
 eleuient is represented by municipal councils elected by direct vote 
 in each municipality. 
 
 Following are the provinces of Chile with their respective capitals: 
 
 Province. i Capital. Province. i Capital. 
 
 Antofagasta .\ntofag:astn. ; Malleco Angol. 
 
 Aconcagua San Felipe. ' Maiilo Caiiqucnes. 
 
 Atacainu Copiapo. Nuble Chilian. 
 
 Araiico Lebu. O'lliggins Rancagua. 
 
 Bio-Hio Los /Vngelcs. Santiago Santiago (also caj)i- 
 
 Caniiii Temuco. tal of the Republic). 
 
 Chiloe Ancud. 'I'acua Tacna. 
 
 Colchagua San Fernando. Talcn Talca. 
 
 Concepcion Concepcion. Tarapaca Ifiui<|ue. 
 
 ('oi|uimbo La Serena. | Valdivia Valdivia. 
 
 Curico Curico. ; Valparaiso Valpiiraiso. 
 
 Linares Linares. Magallanes (Territory) Punta Arenas. 
 
 Llamiuihuc Puerto Montt. 
 
 President, Sefior Pedro Montt. 
 
 Minister of Interior, Senor Eduardo Charme. 
 
 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seiior Rafael Balmaceda. 
 
 Minister of Justice and Public Instruction, Scfior Jorge 
 
 HUNEEIS. 
 
 Minister of the Treasury, Sefior Luis Devoto. 
 Minister of War and Marine. Sefior Zario Danartu. 
 Minister of Industry and Public Works, Seiior Manuel Espi- 
 NOSA Jar A. 
 The President is allowed a salary of $6,750 per annum and an allot- 
 ment of $3,500 for expenses.
 
 ><•:;(;() — ini-
 
 8 CHILE. 
 
 CHILE IX 1908. 
 
 Xo better evidence eli:u:K'teri>tic of Cliileaii eiiero^v can be offered 
 tlian the activity prevailintr in the construction of comnumication 
 facilities durin«r the year 11)08. The award of the contract for the 
 completion of the Arica-La Paz Kaihvay. the construction of the 
 Chilean section of the Trans-Andine line t(» the niouili of the Cunibres 
 tunnel, and the anticipated junction with the Arireiitine section in the 
 near future, with its possilile inau<j:uration in I'.MO. as well as the 
 activity iHi'vailiuir in lesser construction work in the Republic, all 
 foreshadow the national |)urpose to meet the increased oppoi'tunities 
 to be otlered the western coast of South America throu<;h the com- 
 pletion of the Panama Canal. Commercial transactions show a <2:ain 
 of more than $4,000,000 in 1008 over those of the j)recedin<j: year, for 
 although importations declined, mineral and ve<^etable ])r()duction 
 notably advanced, with corresponding increased exportation. 
 The harvest yield in the wheat-producing sections for 1900 is esti- 
 mated at from "JO to 2.") j^er cent increase over the i)receding year. 
 The crops of the country are being improved both in (juantity and 
 quality by the general application of modern methods of culture and 
 irrigation, while greater interest than ever before is being manifested 
 in the development of industrial life, and the manufacture of articles 
 hitherto imported will be a develoi)ment of the future. 
 
 Progress is being made on the port works of Valdivia, Corral, and 
 Valparaiso. The government projects adopted for colonizing the 
 un-ettled sections of the Republic are giving satisfactory results. 
 
 The nitrate association, a continuation of the combination of pro- 
 ducers entered into in 1900 and renewed in 1906, w'as dissolved on 
 March 31. 4909, and its renewal for a further period was adversely 
 decided upon. 
 
 FOREIGN AFFAIRS. 
 
 At the opening of the Chilean Congress on June 1, 1909, President 
 MoNTT addressed the National Assembly felicitating the Republic on 
 the conditions prevailing throughout the country, stating that the 
 efforts of the Government would be directed toward the maintenance 
 of peaceful relations with other nations. 
 
 Pending questions with Peru are tending toward a final adjustment^ 
 various conventions having been signed in Lima for the reciprocal 
 benefit of the two countries, while the construction of the Arica-La 
 Paz Railroad, in consequence of an arrangement with the Bolivian 
 Government, is progressing as a national enterprise. With Ecuador 
 the long-standing friendly relations are maintained, and since the set- 
 tlement of the boundary question with the Argentine Republic the 
 common interests of both countries are being advanced in a spirit of
 
 A ita-w'f 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 ^^^^^B 
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^* 
 

 
 10 CHILE. 
 
 concord and fraternity. A commercial treaty for the furtherance of 
 these ends is under eonsidoration between tlie two Republics. 
 
 The traditional friendship with Brazil continues inibroken, while 
 intercourse with the other nations of Latin America is proceeding 
 aloii<r lines of mutual esteem and fellowshij). 
 
 With the United States an arbitration treaty has been signed, and 
 relations with that country are maintained on a most cordial basis. 
 
 Possibly the most prominent event in the history of the year was 
 the assembling of the Pan-American Scientific Congress at Santiago 
 in December. The cordial welcome tendered the delegates from the 
 countries of South America and the Great Republic of the North was 
 an indication of the international spirit of comity which will control 
 the relations of the Republic. This spirit is further manifested in 
 the appointment by the Chilean Government of the Pan-American 
 Committee to prepare for participation in the Fourth International 
 Conference of American States, to be held at Buenos Aires in 1910. 
 
 • FINANCE. 
 
 Notwithstanding adverse exchange conditions, the financial posi- 
 tion of Chile continued satisfactory during 1908. This was largely 
 due to the fact that duties and revenue are mostly collected on a fixed 
 exchange value, so that the Government does not feel the brunt of the 
 decline in exchange. The recent issue of $15,000,000 of 5 per cent 
 bonds, underwritten by Messrs. Rothschild, may be taken as a fair 
 indication of the rapid readjustment of the financial status of the 
 Republic. 
 
 The revenues of the Government for 1908 were $51,108,000 and the 
 ordinary expenditures amounted to $48,825,000, a margin of receipts 
 over expenditures of $2,283,000 being shown. The duty on nitrate 
 19 the largest single item in the list of revenues. 
 
 Extraordinary expenditures comprised in the rebuilding of Val- 
 paraiso, railway construction, etc., were met by the loan for $15,- 
 000,000. from which a balance of over $8,000,000 was reported on 
 liand at the close of the year. 
 
 Many notable changes have been made in the rates levied on im- 
 ports by the Chilean Government. Sugar, boots and shoes, and 
 various articles of textile manufacture are included in this tariff-rate 
 reduction, which began to take effect progressively on July 1, 1908. 
 
 Duties collected on exports for the year are given at $0,888,431.15 
 Chilean gold (18d.) and $6,079,581.22 currency; import duties being 
 reckoned as $19,859 Chilean gold and $5,895,404.41 currency. 
 
 The external debt on June 1, 1909, amounted to $101,900,000 gold. 
 The internal debt is represented by paper currency issued by the 
 Chilean Government, which, if redeemed at its face value, would
 
 12 chill:. 
 
 inejin $48,077,308 Uniti'd Stales jiold in excess of the value of the 
 redemption bonds held to cover a portion of the currency, and uould 
 increase the i)ublic debt by $'24,038,G54, To redeem the paper cur- 
 rency of Chile there is now on deposit in European and American 
 i)anks about $'2r),000.000 United States <rold. These deposits are draw- 
 ing interest and will be available for the purpose specified on and 
 after January 1, 11>10. On Au<riist 13. 1908, a law was promulgated 
 imposing an export dutv of 40 per cent on silver bullion assaying 0.5 
 <.r le>s. 
 
 At the beginning of the year, the savings banks of Chile held de- 
 posits aggregating $11),1H"»1), 774.01, representing 174.75)1 accounts, 
 while on June 30, 1908, the number of depositors had increased to 
 r.»S.ll!>. antl the dep-jsits to $-2-2.870.141.()r), a gain during a period of 
 .six months of 23,0-28 dejiositors and $2,909,307.04 in deposits. 
 
 tO.M.Ml'RCE. 
 
 The foreign commerce of Chile in 1908 amounted to $214,040,832 
 gold, an increase of $4,017,489 over 1907. Of this amount imports 
 figured to the extent of $97,551,421, a loss of $9,642,456, and exports 
 $110,489,411. a gain of $14,259,945. The figures for 1907 are: Total 
 trade. $209,423,343; imports, $107,193,887; and exports, $102,229,406. 
 
 'Jhe principal articles of import that decreased in 1908, as compared 
 with 1907. were, in the order of their imjiortaiiciN textiles, mineral, 
 vegetable, and animal products, arms, ammunition, and explosives, 
 perfumes, pharmaceutical and chemical products. rii(> decrease in 
 textiles was $4,591,533: in mineral products. $4,203,341; in vegetable 
 products. $3,159,535; and in animal products, $858,470. The prin- 
 cipal articles of import that increased in 1908, as compared with 1907. 
 were petroleum, fuel, machinery, paper, and paper products. Oil and 
 fuel increased to the amount of $2,039,780. and machinery, tools, and 
 apparatus $1,912,427. 
 
 The exports for 1908 comprised mineral products, $99,082,573; 
 vegetable products. $8,930,729; animal products, $0,091,551; sundry 
 products. $473,004; wines and liquors, $71,702; and coin, $53,704. 
 
 The nidy item of export which decreased in 1908, as compared with 
 1907, was coin, $548,485. Mineral products increased to the extent of 
 $10,741,533. and vegetable products to the amount of $4,077,<t90. 
 
 The largest class of exports was mineral product^, the ])rincipal 
 items of which were: Nitrates. 20.330.122 quintals valued at $85.- 
 350,882; copper bullion and bars. 29,539.235 kilos. $C),409,132 ; copper 
 ore, 04.084,579 kilos, $2,508,590; borate of lime, 31,740,050 kilos. 
 $1,021,947: iodine. 330,090 kilos, $1,433,745; and 1.102.913 kilos of 
 "old and silver ores valued at $923,353.
 
 14 chili:. 
 
 The countries of origin of Cliilcan iniporls were, in tlie order of 
 values, Great Britain, Germany, United States, France, Belgium, 
 and the Argentine Republic, and of destination of exports Great 
 Britain, Germany. United States, France, Holland, and Belgium. 
 
 Important as the progress of the last few decades has been, Chile 
 is a country with a still greater commercial future. The United 
 States is recognized as England's foremost competitor for Chilian 
 trade, notwithstanding the fact that Germany last year exported to 
 Chile about two and one-half times more than did the United States. 
 American goods are well received, and with the more progressive 
 methods adopted by American exporters the coming decade may see 
 gains as marvelous as those of the past ten years, which showed an 
 increase of American imports into Chile of more than 430 per cent. 
 For 1908. however. United States statistics note receipts of Chilean 
 merchandise to the value of $12,494,122, and exports to that country 
 valued at $5,373,911. the decline in both branches of trade being 
 very great. 
 
 PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIES. 
 
 Mining, due to the extensive working of the great nitrate of soda 
 deposits, takes first place among the industries of the republic. The 
 association which for many years has controlled the output and export 
 of Chilean nitrate, the ranking product of the country, decided to 
 discontinue operations as a company from April 1. 1909. The year's 
 production was slightly in excess of the 2,000.000 tons fixed as the ex- 
 ploitable quota, being 42.847,267 Spanish quintals of 101 pounds, 
 while exports also exceeded the estimate, figuring for 2,250.000 tons. 
 The Government has appointed a commission for the collection and 
 distribution of information bearing upon this industry so important 
 to the national life, and will carry on an active propaganda in its 
 behalf at home and abroad. 
 
 The official board of engineers has reported to the Chilean Govern- 
 ment that there are undeniably in sight 4.483,000.000 quintals of 
 nitrate in the deposits of the country. Antofagasta is credited with 
 4,103.000,000 and Tarapaca with 740.000,000 quintals. With an an- 
 nual exportation of 35.000,000 quintals, this shows sufficient to supply 
 the entire world's consumption for one hundred and thirty years. A 
 previous estimate had fixed the amount at 1.003,000,000 quintals. 
 The nitrate fields of South America exported in 1830, the first year 
 they were worked. 8,348 tons of crude mineral. 
 
 Borate production is placed at 28,000 tons annually, with a valua- 
 tion of $4,000,000, and so extensive are the deposits that Chile could 
 easily sup{>ly the whole world. 
 
 Sulphur j)roduction does not meet the necessities of the home mar- 
 ket, although large deposits are known to oxi-t in the Pi-ovinces of
 
 16 CHILE. 
 
 I'acna and Coquimbo. Extensive deposits of sodiiim chloride are 
 iiniler development, notably those of Taiapaca. where a bed with a 
 depth of 20 meters extends over a lar«re area. 
 
 Guano has been preserved to satisfy national consuinption. and 
 the deposits are beino; worked in accortlance with a^iicultiiral re- 
 quirements. 
 
 Sulphuric acid is ]")roduccd in ihc (iuayacaii factoi'v. the catali|»tic 
 system beino; employed, and ihc pro(hicl l>i'inii' lai'jjely used for 
 metal lurijical purj^oses. 
 
 Coal mininir. with a pi-oduction ot" UOO.OOO tons, does not meet the 
 country's requirement, and there is consequently a yearly importa- 
 tion of about 1.500.000 tons, mainly from Australia and Kn«rljind. A 
 strong effort is being made to open uj) the very extensive coal fields of 
 the Province of Arauco. south of Coronel. A much better grade of 
 coal is found in the interior of that Province that has hitherto i)een 
 mined in Chile for commercial purposes. It is said to be very good 
 coking coal and suitable for use in the Chilean navy. The state rail- 
 ways of Chile consume annually from 350.000 to 400,000 tons of coal, 
 of which about one-half is imported. 
 
 Gold mining is less actively carried on in late years than was form- 
 erly the case, although the exploitation of placer gold is increasing. 
 These deposits have a great future, particularly in Cautin, Valdivia, 
 and Magellan in the southern part of the Republic. Hydraulic 
 and dredge systems have recently been installed, but as the work 
 has been largely experimental the best results have not yet been 
 attained. In 1907 the total output of gold was 1,500.000 grams, 
 amounting in value to nearly $1,000,000. Near Vallenar a gold de- 
 posit has lately been discovered assaying nearly 200 ounces of i)ure 
 gold per ton. This is the old gold mining region of Chile. 
 
 Silver ])roduction. although it showed a slight advance in 1907, 
 when the output amounted to 10.433 kilograms, does not receive the 
 attention warranted by the known value of the deposits. 
 
 The mining energies of the country have been directed largely to 
 copper, the production of which for 1908 was given as 35,000 tons of 
 refined metal, as compared with 28.854 tons in 11>07, The mean copper 
 percentage of ores worked in Chile during 1907 was 9i, a portion of 
 which, with an average percentage of 20 per cent, is sent abroad as ore 
 for treatment. The old mines of Teniente are being successfully 
 worked and the development of workings in Collahuasi, Calama, and 
 Chiquicamata. as well as the exploitation of certain lower-grade de- 
 posits, have occasioned a greater activity in copper mining. The 
 o-reatest de|)tli arrived at in the Kepnblic i- about 1.000 meters at the 
 Dulcinea mine in Copia[)0. but as a ride the o])erations are not carried 
 on below 200 to 500 meters. Large copper mines and smelting estab- 
 lishments are located at Cerro Blanco. Carizal Alto. Jarilla, and As-
 
 3 j
 
 18 
 
 CHILE. 
 
 tilla and other smeltinor works have recently been established at 
 Chanarcillo in the iK-partnieiit of Copiapo, giving considerable im- 
 pnlse to copper mining in that district. All of these districts have 
 rail connection with the nearest ports, thus atfording easy means of 
 transpoi'talion and coiiiiiiiinicatioii. 
 
 PetroK'iini and natural ^as have been discovered in the township 
 of Carelniapn. in the Province (»f LhuKiuihiic. al)ou( .'»()() miles south 
 of \'alparaiso. This discovery was made in the vicinity of a fairly 
 rich gold mining district and not very fai' from the -ite of the ex- 
 tensive steel works l)eing built near Corral. 
 
 The production of noniut'taiiic substances, such :i~ lime cement, 
 chalks, marble, clav, etc. is sulKcienl for national need-, and earthen- 
 
 u;ehkhg in magkllan strait. 
 
 The niiitf traviT.scil l>> the inms-AUiiiitic liners iiicliulcs tliv Strait of MuKi'llaii propor, Smyth 
 Chamal. Victoria. Snriiiiiiitn. Los nmcentv-. Com (.•jKioti fhaiiiiL'iK. Canal Aiuhn, ami Mo.«ssifr 
 Chaniu-I. coveniiK in ail :«^'> miles in length, the width varyiUK fnim J to 'J-') iniles, and being 
 one of tlie most pieturesciiii- maritime routi's in the \\<irl<l. 
 
 ware factories are in operation at Lota, and cement factories are suc- 
 cessfully operated at La Calera and El Melon. 
 
 In accordance with the law of July 16, 1908, the Chilean mining 
 code establishes three classes of mines, viz, (1) gold, silver, copper, 
 and similar mines, the acquisition of which is free; (2) coal mines 
 and mines containing similar fossils; and (3) mines containing min- 
 erals situated on uncultivated state or mimicipal lands. Gold, silver, 
 copper, and similar mines pay a tax of $^.50 per hectare, and coal 
 mines and mines containing similar substances which formerly paid 
 a ta.x of $1.75 per hectare now pay $0.07 per hectare. 
 
 Stock faiining. and agriculture generally, represent important 
 liraiiche- of ('liilean iinlustry. and thoiiirh |)!imitive iiietiiod'^ are
 
 CHILE. 1 9 
 
 employed on the average haciendas, modern machinery is coming 
 into very general use in most districts. The United States supplier 
 the greater part of this, the liglit, ornately linished implements of 
 that country heing regarded as exactly suited to Chilean conditions, 
 but when strong and heavy machines, such as mowers, are required, 
 they are generally obtained from (treat Britain. During 1J»07 farm 
 and dairy machinery to the value of $1,55G,884 was imported, of 
 which the United States furnished $l)"J5,i>12. The lumlx'r industry in 
 the far south of Chile also merits special attention at this time, as it 
 is in an active stage of development. 
 
 Recent estinuites by reliable authorities place the number of farm- 
 in Chile at about 50,000 and :in assessed valuation of $3<)i5,000,000 
 United States gold. 
 
 The harvest for l'.K).s was, in general. «|iiite satisfactory. The north 
 central portion suffered, but farther south the crops were better than 
 usual, owing to the lighter rainfall, for as a usual thing that portion 
 of the country has too much rain to produce the best rasults. 
 
 The wheat yield of over 25,000,000 bushels was about the same as 
 for last year, when there was a surplus of about 5.000,000 bushels, 
 and the (juality in the main was superior. The barhiy crop was a 
 little short of average, 5,500,000. l)nt will be suflicient to meet houje 
 demands, while the fruit croj) wa- good and the yield more than 
 sufficient t<j meet the denunul. Wine production was greater than 
 in 1907. The vineyards of the Republic yield more than enough to 
 supply the home needs, and the winc> «»f the country, if properlv 
 exploited, have a l)right future abroad. 
 
 The cultivation of flax is being encouraged by the (iovernment 
 and will, it is anticipated, form a valuable source of wealth for the 
 mition. Some tobacco of very good <|uality is also grown in the 
 country, but it will be some years before the supply will U' ecpud to 
 the demand for this article. 
 
 The future looks j)romi>ing for the de\elopment <if agriculture, a.- 
 the Government is doing much to open up heretofore undeveloiHul 
 sections of the country by building railways, assisting irrigation 
 enterprises, bettering wagon roads, and encouraging immigration. 
 The soil of Chile is very fertile, but its yield could Ih' increased from 
 200 to 300 per cent by th(> application of more modern methotls and 
 the use of up-to-date machinery. 
 
 The pastoral industry of the country, as a re-nit t>f better irati-- 
 portation facilities, is being developed. The Territory of Magellan, 
 the southernmost political division of the Republic, is an excvllent 
 field for stock raising. This extensive territory, comprising al)out 
 one-fointh of the lo(;il area of Chile, contains appr«)ximately 
 48,000,000 acres of land and owes its present prosperity principally 
 to sheep raising and the working of its placer nune<. .'^ome idea
 
 20 
 
 CHILE. 
 
 of the fortunes obtained from the fornuT induct ly may \)v had when 
 it is ivmeinl)eivd that peixins i'n<.Mij;in<; in this (Kcupation ten or 
 fifteen years ago with a capital of from $0,000 to $10,000 are now the 
 owners of flocks ranging from GO.OOO to 90.000 sheep. 
 
 It is estimated that there were 1.87:^709 head of sheep, 37,804 
 head of horned cattle. '23.888 hor.-es. and about 1.000 hogs, mules, and 
 goats in tiie Territory df Magellan in 1907. The wool exported from 
 Punta Arenas in 1!>0() amounted to Kl.oOO.OOO pounds, valued at 
 $3.00I>.371. l^ractically all of the wool and hides shippetl from 
 soutlicni ("liilc in I'.hm". went to Great Britain. Germany, and Bel- 
 
 LNlillNS U.N ,-A.\ I 
 
 MAl; 
 
 Snntrt Martii. »i small isliind in the Strait of Magellan, a short distlln(•^■ from Punta .\rena.«, is one 
 of the islands on which is found the |>eii>,'nin, a bird peculiar to the souUiern e.xlremity of the 
 .\meriean Continent and in the .\ntaretic regions. .Antarctic e.\plorersha\e frequently .subsisted 
 on the flesh of lhe.se birds fur months, when their su|>|>ly of food had been exhausted. 
 
 gium. the former country receiving about four-fifths of the entire 
 output of these two products. 
 
 The raising of horses is also a profitable industry in the Territory 
 of Magellan. The native horse is descended from Andalusian stock 
 and is hardy, docile, intelligent, and vigorous and, it is said, is capa- 
 ble of doing more work with less food and care than the European or 
 American horse. During the last twenty years the native stock 
 has been considerably improved by the introduction of stallions from 
 England, Germany, and France. 
 
 More attention is now oeing given to manufacturing industries in 
 Chile than ever before. During the year 1908 shops and factories 
 to the number of •2.8-29 were in operation in the 10 leading prov-
 
 CHILE. 21 
 
 incos, aside from that of Valparaiso. Invested capital amounted to 
 $40,114,424 gold, and employment was given to .')1.8o8 persons, of 
 whom 32,71);") were men. 14.114 women, and 4.114 children. The 
 value of raw material consumed by these plants during the year was 
 $:34.4(;4,7(*)(;.r>0. of which $2r>,GS2.8r,4.50 was domestic and $8,781,902 
 imported. 'I'he output of the factories was valued at $«»2..'>00,000. 
 leaving a >urphi> ;iji]ili(;il)Ii' tn ImIku-. otlier expenses, and profits of 
 
 $28,o;iG,2;i:5.:)(). 
 
 The motive |io\vtT cnijjloycd rc|)resented an eijuivalfut of 20,000 
 horsepower, of wiiicii 10.000 horsepower wa.s hydraulic. Water 
 power commands mucli attention in the country hy reason of the high 
 price of coal and other fuel. The imj)ort duty on mo<t mainifacture«l 
 articles, willi ihc t'\(t|ii i<iii (»f machiucry. i-ange- fioui .''0 to 0(0 ]>cr 
 cent. 
 
 The manufactme of >h(»es l»y machinery is increasing rapidly in 
 Chile. A short time ago the first shoe factory employing machinery 
 was opened at Vahlivia. and now there are 22 well-eipiippcd factories 
 of various sizes located in dillerent cities of the country. A large 
 percentage of the shoe machinery in use in Chile is from the United 
 States. France comes ne.xt. followed by Kngland. 
 
 Several iiuhistrie.^ closely allied with and depending uj)<»n stock 
 raising are now being cxpldited in the li'iTilory of Magdhin. In 
 lOOCt there were seven tallow factories in the territory, having a 
 capital of $ I "),■). 12.") and an annual output valued at $70l.40.">. There 
 arc (wo refrigerating |il;int>. one ui which, in I'.xi". exported li'O.OOO 
 fro/en wethers. The {)lant at Punta Delgada is the only meat- 
 canning establishment now in oj)eration in the territory. The capital 
 invested is $225,000. There are al.-o stearin. >oap. and salted-meat 
 factories in successful ojieration. 
 
 Salmon is being introduced into the ri\-er- in the southern parts of 
 the country with veiy good results, bin this new industry will not 
 sht)w any results for some years, and at present large <iuantitie< are 
 being brought in direct from California and sold at n-a-onable 
 prices, the customs duties on this article being about half what it is 
 on lobsters. The latter are |)acked at tiie island of Jinin Fernaiuhv, 
 ami are sold at very high prices, owing to the |)rohibitive duties levieil 
 to protect this so-called native industry. Fresh lish. of which there 
 is an abundance, is daily olleietl in the mairk«'ts. ami oysters arc 
 plentiftd in the sonthi-rn part of the country, where tlu'V are canned 
 for shipment to tlu- noithern j)iovinces. 
 
 If.MLW.W A NO STKAMSIIir LINKS. 
 
 riu' railway> of the Kepiiblic in actual operation, inider construc- 
 tion, or in contemplation on January 1. 11>08. represented a total of 
 3,040i mile-, of which l.-^OO were in actual ojteratiou. 0.12 under con-
 
 22 CHILE. 
 
 struction, and 1,444 miles projected. During 1908, 648 miles of gov- 
 ernment railways were constructed, of which 482 miles were built 
 under government supervision anil 1(;5 miles by contractors employed 
 by the Government. The construction of these lines represented an 
 outlay of $9,837,180. 
 
 According to the latest iiit'oi luation I'runi the most autheutic 
 sources, the entire Trans- Andine Railway system is to be completed 
 and open to through i^ublic traffic not later than March, 1911, With 
 reference to other important lines the following developments are 
 reported : 
 
 On February 1, 1909, bids for the construction of the section of 
 the lonii:itudinal railwav between Cabildo and San Marcos, covorine: 
 a distance of 127.38 miles, were opened in the capital of the Republic 
 and in the legations of Chile in Europe and the United States. The 
 only bid received in Chile was that of a London company, the amount 
 being £1.900,000 and the time required for the construction three 
 years. 
 
 Tenders for the construction of the remainder of the railway from 
 Arica to La Paz, a distance of 350 miles, were opened in the Depart- 
 ment of Industry and Public Works, at Santiago, on March 1, 1909, 
 the award being made to a British firm. 
 
 Owing to its Pacific coast line of nearly 3,000 miles, every part of 
 Chile can be easily reached by water, there being no less than 59 
 ports in the country, 14 of which arc the so-called major ports, which 
 are ports of entry with custom-houses, and upon which the minor 
 ports are dependent. The major ports are Pisagua, Iquique, Toco- 
 pilla, Antofagasta, Taltal, Caldera, Carrizal Bajo, Coquimbo, Val- 
 paraiso, Talcahuano, Coronel, Valdivia, Puerto Montt, and Ancud. 
 
 Punta Arenas, in the Straits of Magellan, is a free port, where 
 merchandise may be imported and exported free of duty. 
 
 There are a number of navigable rivers, among which the Bueno, 
 the Maule, the Cautin, the Bio-bio, and the Valdivia are the most 
 important, being navigable for distances var3'ing from 23 to 150 
 miles, the total navigable length of the Chilean rivers being 972 miles. 
 
 Chile can be reached either directly from New York by one of 
 the three steamship companies maintaining direct lines: via Buenos 
 Aires and the Cordillera, via Panama and the west coast, or via San 
 Francisco and the west coast. 
 
 The New York and Pacific Steamship Company, the West Coast 
 Line, and the Barber Line run steamers between New York and 
 Chilean ports, employing from 41 to 55 days to Valparaiso, but hav- 
 ing limited accommodations for passengers. 
 
 By way of Panama the trip is made with the Panama Railroad 
 Company's vessels, having regular weekly sailings from New York, 
 thence across the Isthmus, and from Panama by one of the lines ply-
 
 CHILE. 
 
 23 
 
 ii)<^ on the west coast, it being possible to make the trip l)y this route 
 
 in 35 days, at a cost of $204 for fir-t -class passage. 
 
 The steamship lines plying regularly along the Pacitic coast are: 
 The Pacific St<'am Navigation Company, calling at all the major 
 
 A MOUNTAIN Sl'KNK ON THi: ri:\\-\M'lM: KAILWAY. 
 
 The 8<'i'nery nloiii? thi" liiu- nf ilu- imiiiiitaiiuuis M-itii.iis of tlli^ rmlroinl is us linr a-i ran U- fomxl any- 
 whi-re Intlu- worM. Tlio IiIkIht juaks of tin- sii(>w-cov»tih> lonlilUTa ar»- consiaiillv in viow an'l 
 ail cviT-cluinK'inK iiaiiorania nf nxnintaln, valU-y, and Kor^i' Im presontt-ii lo ilu- travt-KT. 
 
 ports of Chile; the Compania Sii/d-Anwrirdiia fie Vapoir/i, call- 
 ing at all the Chilean ports; the Kosmos Line, plying between San 
 Francisco. California, and Hamburg, (iermany. calling at all the 
 more important ports of the west coast, and the Compailia d*> Xave-
 
 24 CHILE. 
 
 gacion y Diques Secos Piruanon, which has ivoently inaiiguiatoil a 
 fast service between Panama ami Valparaist). Chile. By a decree of 
 September 25, li)08. the C'hik'an Steamsliip Comj^any was authorized 
 to operate in the Republic. This company has a capital of $()2r).000, 
 with headquarters at Val|)arais(). 
 
 Maritime transport increase is indicated by the addition of 35 
 vessels, with 17.740 tons burden, during; the year, the total merchant 
 marine now consistinfj of 172 ships and 08.7'J'2 reo;istered tons. 
 
 During the year 1008 steamers to the number of 387 and 18 ships 
 touched at Valparaiso, discharging 715.304 packages and loading 
 7(>2.i)00. Packages to the number of 2.500 were reembarked and 1,874 
 sold to pay storage charges. 
 
 The Government has 28 bridges of ditterent types under construc- 
 tion, at a total cost of $1,017,510 United States gold, with 31 more 
 under consideration at a cost of $1,3U0,103 United States gold. 
 
 POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS. 
 
 The postal movement for 1007 covered 78.010,171) pieces of mail 
 matter which, although less than the estimate made, is greater by 
 nearly 1,000,000 pieces than the year preceding. Parcels post values 
 were $1,000,750. Of the 323 telegraph offices in the Republic, 10 were 
 added during the year. The telegraph offices transmitted 2,035,291 
 messages for domestic and 83,547 for foreign service. During the 
 year the line between Iquique and Zaj)iga was opened and a new com- 
 munication between ()h>ra and Santiago. Telegraph and telephone 
 lines are respectively about 11.830 and 8,000 miles in extent. 
 
 The Government has erected wireless stations on the island of Juan 
 Fernandez, over 400 miles from the coast, and at Valparaiso, which 
 have been most satisfactorily operated. Plans for wireless connec- 
 tion witji the Territory of Magellan were completed. 
 
 At the beginning of 1009 there were 15 industrial schools, giving 
 instruction to about 3,300 pupils. Of these schools 8 w-ere located in 
 Santiago and the others in the various provinces. Much interest is 
 being taken in these schools and their work is telling for good in the 
 industrial development of the country. They are well equipped with 
 up-to-date apj)liances. much of which is from the United States. 
 
 There are only three foreign life insurance companies doing busi- 
 ness in Chile, two from the United States and one from Canada. In 
 1007 the United States companies did a business of $203,433 and paid 
 losses amounting to $127,440, showing a profit of $105,003. 
 
 PUBLIC WORKS. 
 
 The Government has under construction buildings valued at 
 $4,805,273 United States gold, all of which are scheduled for comple- 
 tion before the close of 1009.
 
 CHILE. 
 
 25 
 
 In a special message to tlic Federal Congi*ess the President of the 
 Republic of Chile ha> ivconmiended that ii^SOO.OOO be appropriated 
 for the piirj)ose of celebrating the centennial of Chilean independence 
 in li)10. 'i'he committee appointed to draft a programme recom- 
 mends that the exhibit of art- and crafts Ix' held in the new Palace 
 of Fine Arts: that the agiicultural exhibit take place at the Quinta 
 Nacional: and that the exhibit of industry, commerce, and education 
 be held in a building to be constructed for the Sciiool of Mines in the 
 Quinta N'onnal. The coniniittee recommends the erection in Cou.>-ino 
 Park, Santiago, of the Centennial Building, in which the exhibition 
 of the IIi>torical Museum of the Rej)ublic will Im> held. 
 
 In honor of the occasion the opening of several new streets and 
 avenues is recommended, as is also the erection of a statue to Camilo 
 IIknhic^i'ez, the founder of Chilean journalism. In addition to the 
 foregoing celebration and erection of buildings, to take place in the 
 capital, the committee recommends construction of public buildings 
 in various sections.
 
 llllliniliniilMIIIMIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIMHI 
 
 AA 001 001 33: