The Chilian commercial marine consisted, 1883, of 131 vessels, of 53,071 tons. In 1882, 1,482, of 1,367,849 tons, entered, and 1,428, of 1,431,028 tons, cleared, the various ports of Chili.
One of the first states in South America to construct railways; length of line in 1883, 1,378 miles, of which 600 miles belonged to the state; cost of state lines, $42,141,686. In 1883 there were 6,840 miles of telegraph line, property of the state. By a law of 1884 the strength of the army can not exceed 12,410; at the same date the National Guard numbered 51,826, of whom 17,408 were on duty. Navy consists of over 20 war vessels.
State religion is the Roman Catholic; all creeds are protected; clergy is subsidized by the state; civil marriage is acknowledged by law. Besides the National Institute at Santiago, there are many colleges of different kinds; many agricultural and other special schools. There were, in 1883, 5,042 students attending universities and colleges. The attendance at the 724 public primary schools was 60541
PARAGUAY.Pa-ra-gwā´.
A republic of South America, entirely inland. Area 91,970 square miles. Population, 346,048. Became independent in 1811; was ruled by Dr. Francis for 25 years. The government is entrusted to a President and Congress. Capital, Asuncion; pop., 16,000.
Soil and forests are very great sources of wealth. Manufactures are few and crude. The country is well watered by numerous streams and lakes. Three crops of tobacco per year are grown; home consumption, 15,000,000 lbs.; export, about 7,500,000 lbs. Sugar cane yields well; in 1882 there were 37,500,000 pounds of sugar produced. Maize returns one hundred and forty fold; rice, two hundred and fifty fold. Maté, or Paraguayan tea, the most important product. Imports, 1881, $1,278,000; exports, $1,928,500. The state owes Brazil and allies $236,000,000; Foreign debt, $17,315,000.
Army numbers 607 men, lately reduced in order to diminish expenses. Railway, 45 miles; telegraph, 45 miles.
