The old and the new Peru

by Marie Robinson Wright

Mr. Root’s visit to Peru was an occasion of great interest to the North American statesman, who had an opportunity to become acquainted with the various important institutions of the country. A special session of the Senate, under the presidency of Dr. Manuel Barrios, was held to receive Mr. Root. On the day preceding his visit to the Senate, Secretary Root was elected an honorary member of the Faculty of Political and Administrative Sciences of the University, founded by President Pardo’s father. This impressive ceremony was performed in the presence of the entire University, presided over by its president, Dr. Villarán, and the Deans of the Faculties, and attended by the President of the Republic, the Cabinet Ministers, and the Military Staff of his Excellency. To a statesman and scholar of Mr. Root’s experience and knowledge, it was both a pleasure and a profit to receive the many gracious assurances of appreciation which were extended to him in Peru; and in return, the Peruvian people had the satisfaction of learning the opinion of an eminent foreigner regarding their political and educational advancement. Mr. Root found the evidences of progress most creditable to the nation, and said that the difference between the country to-day and what it was a generation ago was as great as the difference marked by centuries in the history of European countries. The cordial relations existing between the two countries, more firmly united than ever by the visit of Secretary Root, were still further strengthened when the American Squadron arrived at Callao. Its officers and crew were received by the citizens of that port and of the capital with the heartiest demonstrations of welcome. The entertainment of the fleet devolved upon the Foreign Office, and Dr. Polo interpreted the wishes of the president and of the nation by extending to Admiral Evans and his officers every courtesy and attention that an appreciative host could bestow on a welcome guest.

The secret of the sympathy existing between Peru and the United States lies largely in the similarity of the national ideals, which in both countries are centred in liberal principles of civil government. The Civil party which elected President Pardo stands for the most progressive politics of Peru. The illustrious statesman who presides over its councils at present, Dr. Augusto Leguia, has just received the highest proof of the nation’s esteem for his genius and patriotism, in the announcement of his election to succeed Dr. Pardo as President of Peru. The election took place in May, 1908, and the successful candidate is to be inaugurated on the 24th of September, 1908. The president-elect is one of Peru’s greatest men, his name being especially identified, as Finance Minister, with the successful financial operations of the present government during the first three years of Dr. Pardo’s term; his knowledge of all that pertains to this important branch of the government is unequalled by that of any other Peruvian statesman. A gentleman of distinguished family and most attractive personality, as well as a statesman of extraordinary ability, Dr. Leguia is a worthy successor of President Pardo, who by his admirable qualities of mind and heart has endeared himself to all Peruvians and won the respect and esteem of all foreigners in his country.

THE PERUVIAN IRONCLAD GRAU, IN THE HARBOR OF CALLAO.

THE UNVEILING OF BOLOGNESI’S STATUE IN LIMA.

CHAPTER XI
THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLIC

A REVIEW OF THE TROOPS, LIMA.

The national constitution, on which is based the present political organization of Peru, stands a lasting monument to the patriotism and genius of the statesmen in whose hands was placed the responsibility of framing it, and does credit to the democratic principles of the nation whose sovereign will is manifested in its laws and provisions. For nearly half a century, the government of Peru has been building its strength on this solid foundation of broad purpose and practical ideals, and to-day the aspirations of its rulers are being realized with ever-increasing success. The aim of the present administration, admirably expressed by one of the leading statesmen of Peru, is that of a modern people striving to attain their highest welfare and aggrandizement: “To develop the immense resources and wealth with which nature has so wonderfully endowed the land; to render the territory accessible to labor and civilization by opening up means of communication, granting all kinds of facilities and giving security for the life, health, and welfare of the inhabitants, in order to obtain the population that large territories require; to educate and instruct the people, making them understand their personality, their liberty, their duties, and their rights; to develop their faculties and energies, their labor forces, their industrial and commercial capacity and power, elevate their moral dignity, consolidate and strengthen the national unity, insure definitely the government of the people, of justice, of order, and of peace; to attract capital and foreign immigration, develop and give impulse to the commercial relations with other countries, maintain a frank and true harmony and international solidarity, respect all mutual and reciprocal rights, and resolve all disagreements by friendly, just and honorable means; to perform, in short, a work of human civilization.”