The old and the new Peru

by Marie Robinson Wright

Public health receives greater consideration and attention than formerly, Congress having voted large sums for the purpose of carrying out sanitary works in the centres of population throughout the republic, especially in the ports. Commissions, composed of medical men and engineers, have undertaken the improvement of sanitary and hygienic conditions, and this important reform is now far advanced, many cities already enjoying its benefits.

PATIO OF THE POST OFFICE, LIMA.

President Pardo has been ably assisted in his administration by the members of his cabinet, who have carried out the policy of their chief with unfailing judgment. When elected, he selected the following well-known statesmen to form his ministerial council: Dr. Javier Prado y Ugarteche, Foreign Affairs; Dr. Augusto Leguia, Finance; Dr. Eulogio Romero, Government and Home Affairs; General Muñiz, War and Marine; Dr. Jorge Polar, Justice, Public Instruction and Worship; Dr. José Balta, Public Works. The Minister of Public Works is also Minister of Fomento, having in charge the patronage, or promotion, of public enterprises. Under the direction of this cabinet the affairs of the administration were conducted with eminent success, and when it was succeeded by the present executive council, the progressive policy that had been so well interpreted was continued, and still reigns. The members of the cabinet at present are: Dr. Solón Polo, Foreign Affairs; Dr. Carlos Washburn, Justice, Public Instruction and Worship; Dr. German Schreiber, Finance; Dr. German Arenas, Government and Home Affairs; General Juan N. Eléspuru, War and Marine; Dr. Delfin Vidalón, Fomento and Public Works.

Dr. Solón Polo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, enjoys the distinction of being one of the best informed statesmen of Peru regarding diplomatic questions between his country and foreign powers. He has had large experience in the affairs of government, and, added to this advantage, he has the gift of diplomacy, these two factors accounting for the prestige the Foreign Office enjoys under his administration. Since his appointment as Foreign Minister, the question of boundaries,—which constitutes the chief element of discord between South American countries,—has approached nearer its final solution so far as Peru is concerned, and friendly relations exist between that country and her neighbors; though Chile still postpones the settlement of the Tacna and Arica question, the plebiscite which was to have been held some years ago not yet having taken place. The dependencies of the Foreign Office in Europe and America have maintained the utmost concord with the Ministerio, and the foreign diplomatic corps has cordially reciprocated its friendly attitude. The Peruvian Minister to Washington, Dr. Felipe Pardo, has been active in promoting good feeling between his country and the United States; in conveying the invitation from the Foreign Office to Mr. Root to visit Peru, in 1906, he did so in such pleasing language that the great statesman referred to its gracious character more than once, with evident appreciation.

THE PRESIDENT’S COACH LEAVING THE GOVERNMENT PALACE FOR THE HOUSE OF CONGRESS.

Dr. Carlos Washburn, the Minister of Justice, Public Instruction and Worship, is President of the cabinet. His department supervises the various judicial institutions, the plan of national education, and the ecclesiastical government of the country. Dr. Washburn is a jurist of eminent talent and has had a distinguished career in the administration of justice. He was Judge of the Superior Court of Lima when called to the higher post. During the present term, the department of justice has established a superior court in Iquitos, and has instituted various reforms. The publication of the judicial annals and the adoption of regulations governing judicial statistics have been accomplished to facilitate the public administration. Dr. Cavero, first vice-president of the republic, and magistrate of the supreme court, with the coöperation of a committee on legislative procedure, is occupied in the preparation of a project for the reform of the penal code, a work for which his great experience and superior knowledge particularly qualify this learned statesman. The penitentiary and the boys’ correctional school are conducted under the supervision of the Minister of Justice. Improvements have been effected in both these institutions, the former having been enlarged and modern accommodations added during the present administration, while the latter has extended its beneficent influence more widely than ever, giving to a class of boys most lacking in training the advantages of learning a trade and becoming worthy citizens. The school provides manual work for its inmates, who, as a rule, are apt and diligent; the average “bad boy” is usually possessed of extraordinary energy, and it is the aim of this school to direct it to a worthy purpose. It is one of the most successful reformatories of South America, and the work done in carpentry, tailoring, shoemaking, and other trades is creditable to the intelligence of the boys and to the discipline of the school authorities.

One of the most important charges of the department under Dr. Washburn’s administration is the national education, which has made remarkable progress. In ecclesiastical matters, as pertaining to public worship, this ministry has rendered valuable services to the established church, apostolic prefectures, under instructions from this office, fulfilling the requirements of ecclesiastical authority in the various departments. On the death of Monseñor Tovar, Archbishop of Lima, Archbishop Naranjo was appointed to the metropolitan See. The late archbishop was greatly beloved by the nation and his death was an occasion of mourning throughout the republic. Archbishop Naranjo, the illustrious prelate who governs the archdiocese at present, is revered for his exemplary virtues and highly esteemed for his scholarship.

Dr. German Schreiber, who succeeded Dr. Augusto Leguia as Minister of Finance, is well equipped for the duties of his important office, having had exceptional experience in financial administration previous to his appointment to the post. This department of the government supervises the national budget. Orders issued by the Ministers of State on the national treasury can be paid only with a warrant drawn on the Minister of Finance, this document showing the number of the corresponding item in the budget, or containing the supreme decree authorizing the payment. Each Departamento keeps its own accounts, which assures regularity in the expenses of the different prefectures. The reorganization of the custom house service has received the especial attention of the Finance Minister, with satisfactory results.