OCR Text |
Show THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR.<br><br> The old world is now enjoying a comparative peace, with the exception of the troubles the English are having in Asia, and the only war now in progress is in the new world where the South American republics are engaged in a conflict. The result of the recent engagements between Chili [Chile] and the allied forces of Peru and Bolivia have been so disastrous to the allies that a break in the coalition has been threatened, but it now looks as though the allies may receive assistance from another quarter, and Chili [Chile] may have to renew the contest against the two other republics who may be reinforced by the army of the Argentine Republic. Chili [Chile] is probably the most advanced of the South American republics, and has made further progress in the arts of war, as well as of peace, than any of her neighbors. She has lately been ambitious to extend her borders, and has laid claim to the section of country known on the maps as Patagonia. In this she came in conflict with the Argentine Republic which also claims the same territory. The country is a bleak, barren domain, inhabited by only a limited number of aboriginal tribes. The straits of Magellan seem to be the desirable point to own, and the republic of Chili [Chile] has established a colony there for the purpose of retaining control of that section. She also wishes to establish a port as far north as possible on the Atlantic side, and the encroachments are creating uneasiness in the government of the Argentine Republic. The quarrel between Chili [Chile] and the Argentine Republic is in fact older than that which caused the war between the other republics, but negotiations prevented any hostilities at the time; but it looks at present as though was is inevitable. If the Argentine Republic joins the allies they will be very materially strengthened and encouraged to renew the war both on sea and land. She has lately purchased two of the best class of iron-clads from the Italian government and besides has some vessels in her navy that will make her no contemptible antagonist. Some of her vessels are English-built turreted iron-clads armed with 300-pound Armstrong guns. There are also some smaller iron-clads and wooden ships that will aid considerably in resuscitating the navy of the allies. If the Argentine Republic is bent on the humiliation of Chili [Chile], war is inevitable; but if she only wishes to enforce her Patagonian claims, she may do this without war, as Chili [Chile] has shown a willingness to buy a neutrality, and may forego a portion of her claims. Should she do this, the war in South America may soon be terminated as the allies seem to have about as much war as they care for.-Hawkeye. |