WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1107, 29 July 1879, Page 3

WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA.

The war now raging between Chili and the allied forces of Bolivia and Peru threatens to bring great disaster on these countries and to the west coast of South America generally. The dispute is for the possession of the desert of Atacuraa, which has been found to contain vast beds of nitrate and guano, mines of copper and other metals, and the great silver mines of Caracoles The principal ports of this territory are Antologasta, Mejillones and Cobija. The Bay of Mejillones is a splendid harbour, but the others are open roadsteads. From these ports several roads and railroads lead to the interior. The discovery of the resources of this desert made its possession an object of importance, and it was claimed by both Governments. A boundary was agreed upon for each, and a strip of territory between them was declared common ground. This was ten years ago, and the Chilian Government have kept a man-o'-war always stationed in the port of Mejillones to protect their interests. In the nature of things the arrangoments could not be permanent, and constant squabbles arose between the two countries. These disputes afr last culminated in Cliili's taking complete possession of tho distrct. This was in ! February last. The inhabitant?, mostly Chilians, rose against tho 3olivian authorities, who were taken prisoners. The Chillians sent a force to Antofogasta, which marched to the interior and has now full possession of the country. The Bolivian General and staff and others of note have been sent prisoners to Santiago. All this caused great indignation in Bolivia. Meetings were held, and volunteers came forward to mareh to the seat of war. The Chilians in Bolivia have had a rough time of it. The President has connsoatcd all their real estate and other property, giving them only ten days to leave the country with their personal effects. The only available route for the Belivian army to reach the enemy leads over Peruvian territory. The Chilian Government called upon Peru to remain neutral and prevent the passage of Bolivian troops. But it soon appeared that a sscret treaty hal been made between Peru and Bolivia in 1573 in anticipation of this trouble. This was immediately followed by a declaration of war on the part of Chilli against Peru and by active hostilities. The chief nitrate ports of Peru, Iwuiqui, Pdsagua, Mollendo, Pavellon del Pico, have been blockaded and, bombarded. Pisagua is saidfjto ho utterly destroyed. The inhabitants of these places must now bo in a pitiable plight. Living, as they do, in a desert, they are depending for all supplies, even water itself, on the outer world, and must soon fall an easy prey to

famine. Water for drinking is obtained by distilling sea water, for which purpose there are large condensers erected on the beach, which might be destroyed by an. enemy. The Chilian fleet consists of two large iron-clad line of battle ships and several armored corvette, besides some few wooden yessels. The navy of Peru is, if anything, more powerful, and comprises two turret ships of very heavy armor plating, one of which the Huascar,. fought the] British ships Amethyst and Shah about a year and a half ago. Rumors have come that Valparaiso is threatened by the Peruvian fleet. It is to be hoped that the Peruvians will refrain from bombarding an open port. Since the attack in 1866 by the Spaniards, Valparaiso has been fiortified by earthen forts on the beach. But these would prove but a poor defence to the many fine buildings which crown the ridges and cling to the sides of the lofty hills which surround the bay. Together Bolivia and Peru far outnumber Chili in population, but Chili seems to have the best quality of men, and holds possession of the disputed territory. Chili also.has the advantage of being the wealthiest country. ''. Rich as Peru" has long been a glaring misnomer, and Bolivia is steeped in poverty. With the possession of this territory, Chili will no doubt recuperate her finances. Whatever the result may be politically, the war must be regarded as a calamity to commerce. All trade between Chili and Peru is stopped, the wheat trade of this season will be greatly injured, and businoss generally depredsed. Considering the great interests of British and German subjects in these countries, it would become those Governments and the Government of the United States to come forward as intercessors and prevent the Work of destruction.—San Francisco ' News Letter.'

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