Littell's Living Age Volume 294 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 Excerpt: ...characteristics of the different Republics. Three years ago South America concerned herself but little with Europe, except as the market where her products were sold, and where she could obtain the luxuries with which the rich South American loves to adorn his life. It seemed then that half a century at least must pass before even the wealthiest of the Republics could influence or wish to influence European affairs. Internal questions--consolidation, electoral and educational reform, immigration, development of resources, communications, irrigation--these were the matters on which the attention of the Republics was of necessity concentrated. The general attitude towards Europe was shown in the phrase--half proud, half deprecating--which one so often heard: "We are a new country, barely a century old; a few years ago the Indians were at our doors; we cannot be expected to have anything good of our own yet"--an apology which could but bring the obvious disclaimer, when one contemplated the crowded harbors, the miles of docks, the thronged streets, the palaces of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. If the truth be told, many Englishmen are inclined to put all the Republics into one category: they associate them vaguely with great wealth and love of display, with frequent revolutions, and armies in which everyone is at least a colonel. Such a picture is strangely inadequate and inaccurate. The mentality and general character of the several Republics differ widely, but all who have lived in South America cannot but be impressed by the solidity of the basis on which the countries are being built up--almost everywhere--and by the seriousness of purpose and dignity of those who govern them. An attempt to describe the three great Republics which are most likel...