A GLANCE AT CHILI, ITS POLITICS, AND ITS PROGRESS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 600, 3 May 1851, Page 4

A GLANCE AT CHILI, ITS POLITICS, AND ITS PROGRESS.

(From the Valparaiso Mercantile Reporter, of Sept. 25.] During the past month the political sky has been obscured by seversl threatening clouds, which, however, have passed away without a storm. In the capital political clubs, called “ Egalite Clubs,” a meagre imitation of those in the French capital, have been formed by a hundred young men, who, inflamed by their leaders’ intemperate speeches, have manifested a disposition to make an attack upon the government. They have effected nothing. The very ■stability and integrity of the party to whom they were opposed ensured their silence, and defeated their opposition. We are still of opinion, as we have been, and as we have repeatedly expressed during the pastmonths, that there are no real grounds of apprehension for the safety of the country, and are confident, from the decisive measures already taken by the government to suppress these tumultuary spirits, that the presidential election, an event so much dreaded by many, will pass without a revolution. On 20th May, 1850, there was a law passed under ArtT) of the Constitution, prohibiting all persons from carrying arms, and this law has been rigidly enforced by the Intendente of Santiago* Furthermore, two of the principal leaders of the above mentioned clubs have been arrested in Santiago for-smuggling powder and cartridges into the piovince of Aconcagua, for the purpose of exciting a revolution there.

The regular sessions of.the congress terminated on the last day of August. The President will, however, convoke an extra session for :the purpose of deliberating upon isome matters of importance. One of the questions upon which some activity is anticipated, is that relating to the continuance of the privileges of the Pacific Steam Navigation - Company, by which company it is proposed to extend their line to the southern ports, viz., Talcahuano, Valdivia, and Chiloe. In the Araucano, or organ of the government, &c., there appeared an article advocating the construction of a railroad from this city to Santiago, Now, in the capital there are 80,000 inhabitants, and here a population of more than 50,000, and between these two extremities there are several small towns containing a considerable population. The whole length of the road is 120 miles, and the estimated cost will be about 60,000 dols. per,mile.. None can doubt that advantages would result from so,speedy,a mode of communication as a railroad would afford. Respecting the means of raising funds for this purpose, there is a,diversity of opinion. Some maintain the impossibility of commanding so large an amount of money in this country, but the majority of native capitalists having, the support of the government, : feel confident of being able to command even-a larger sum than referred to,if required,, and,they deprecate any intention of applying for,the said ,-of foreign capital. They: know, from experience ? that there are great disadvantages attending -suchenlerpri-

ses, where there are native and foreign capi-; [ talists co-operating, in consequence of their differences of opinion 'and disparity of their: views. The future result of the brie or'other, plan will decide which view is correct. The railroad between the port and city of: Copiapo is progressing rapidly; ; ’and iu ! th'ei course of two’ months the enginedr ! is etpected, from there to survey this road, after which: survey has taken place, we 1 will have further views to express relative to this most : important of all works of internal improvement.

The opposition'party stilbkeep'thSir can-i didate, Senor ! D. Ramon Errazuris, in the field, and seemed determined to do so; this statement we feel it to beour duty to'make in contradiction 1 to that which'we 'published in our number of August 27. The Intendente of the province of Aconcagua, against whom a charge was preferred for having caused to be closed a printing office, has been honourably acquitted’of all infringement upon’the constitution. In corroboration of the -accuracy of the views which we have from time'-to time ex-, pressed respecting :the'prosperity bf’the country, its safety, arid the stability of the government, we ! subjoin a translation frdm’the Tribune of-Santiago : — “ -The principal cause of aggrandizement of Chili during the last forty years, must be ascribed to the high opinion entertained bf her by foreign ‘powers ; an opinion farmed upon the basis of-arjust observance of her laws and institutions, which afford protection to the persons and property of those subject to her rule.

“ Any serious deviation from this course would destroy the faith of all foreigners in our stability, and all Europewould view us in the same light in which it does not less fortunate neighbours ; the stranger would shun our shores, and the preconceived idea would be in some degree verified, viz., that the-Spanish American race is incapable of sustaining a true republican system.

“ Our fears for the continuance of such a policy are not the result of a morbid imagination ; they are the consequences of the slight confidence which our political position at present inspires. Isolated as we are amidst an immense space of devastation, truly we may be termed an oasis in the desert. “Ours is the only portion saved froth the mighty republican wreck of Spanish America, and scarcely has this poor portion a secure footing when it is surroundedby waves threatening its destruction. “ We are, however, an exception to the neighbouring republics, and we stand in need of some proof of more than ordinary force to doubt the strength of our political stability. The slightest false step on our part, which in other countries would be looked upon as'a mere matter of would be viewed in us as a vice inherent to our system. “ We require thirty years more of peace and power ere we can assume a position amongst the nations of the earth. The present crisis over, we shall have greater resources at command for the maintenance of order in future contests. But can we rest assured that the present administration will fulfil .its mission without compromising the fate of the nation ? We do believe it. “ When ancient Rome saw her existence threatened, a dictator was named to control her destinies. We require no dictator, but I the government should assume the Tull extent of power sanctioned by law. “ The>question at tissue is the candidateship for the Presidency. Why does not the ministry declare its candidate ? “ In the approaching Contest they will require their whole forces then why not!cast off those subaltern agents who have proved themselves false to .the cause.; if they fear to proceed'whilst supported by the laws, let them refuse the combat in which, acting thus, they will surely be defeated ; but if they possess sufficient valour to maintain themselves with dignity and corresponding energy, the means of triumph will not be wanting. “ The government should by no means follow a Quixotic 'system, and in this case they ought to use every precaution to insure themselves against the responsibility of the result.’’