A DISTRESSFUL COUNTRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15863, 7 July 1919, Page 4

A DISTRESSFUL COUNTRY.

PBBtr, where another revolution is in progress, has had some experience urns foreign war, and a great deal of inj&vfM nal strife. In fact, the apparent ihVf ability of ’ the Peruvians to get along without fighting among themselves renders them fit subjects for mandatory administration under the league bfsnl“ tions. Peru’p ancient civilisation ' was shattered ]>y the Spaniards under Pi' zairo in -the 16th century, the oooquefor leaving a trail of blood and flame over all the land. Incorporated with... the Spanish dominions, it had then little in the way of warfare beyond the bunting, down and massacre of Indians till the beginning of the 19th century, when it revolted from Spanish rule, being the last South American State to do so. Its liberation was not accomplished without a great deal of sanguinary fighting, but finally the Peruvians won independence and self-government. This* however, so far from ending war, caused more of it than ever. There have been struggles with neighbouring States anti European Powers, mostly little wars, but civil strife has been constant. The conflicting interests and ambitions of rival factions and adventurous individuals have continually put an end to short intervals of peace, and president has followed president in quick succession. In fact Peru's conception of selfgovernment is a farce, it is a country where the strong arm and the cunning head gets to power, and where the best aimed faction rules, repeating in this age the conditions which obtained in Europe in mediaeval times. The country itself is rich in resources, and while some of its various samples of climate arc trying, it has great possibilities, ">Vhat it chiefly wants is a new breed of people.