ARGENTINE REPUBLIC

federal republic, 8. America (22° 40’-54° 10’ S., width, c. 800 m.; area, 1,135,840 sq. m.; bounded N. by Bolivia, N.E. by ParaW. by Chile. Surface slopes gradually from foothills of Andes on W. towards E., and almost whole consists of great plains. Of flat ground, northern part is densely wooded, central pampas portion has great stretches of treele pasture, and southern portion contains expanses of stony desert with patches of stunted thorn bush. Drainage of N. and centre is carried off by Parana (with tribs. guay, which forms boundary with republic of Uruguay; farther S. are rivers of Colorado, Negro, Chubut, Chico, and Santa Cruz; and in interior numerous streams end in marshes, Nahuel Huapi is largest lake. Rainfall over great part of the country is from 30 to 40 in., but diminishes in San Juan to ec. 2 in. History.—Aborigines found only in History begins with coming of Spaniards to River Plate in 16th cent. First explorer, Juan Diaz de Solis, was killed and devoured by natives (1515); Cabot’s expedition in 1526-7, though more succe ful, had no permanent effect. Mendoza in 1535 founded first town at Buenos Aires, which was continually beleaguered by Indians and abandoned soon afterwards. Other explorers followed, but not until 1580 was permanent town built at Buenos Aires by Juan de Garay, who had already founded Santa Fé at junction of Parana and Paraguay. In 1818 River Plate country was divided snto two provinces, marking beginning of Argentine, which then included Buenos Aires, Santa Fé, Entre Rios, Corrientes, Uruguay; whole remained under viceroyalty of Peru. Governor at this time was Saavedra, founder of Argentine prosperity, and one of great heroes of Argentine history. In 17838 Argentine became a viceroyalty, and under Cevallos, first viceroy, trade was greatly expanded. During Fr. revolutionary wars Great Britain, considering Spain’s consent to a financial subsidy of France an act of hostility, sent two expeditions against Buenos Aires, both of which were repulsed by Argentines unaided by mother country. This led to formation of patriotic party. Spain’s authority was set aside and independent government formed (May 25, 1810); struggle ensued; independence formally declared (1816). After several victories gained by San Martin (great national hero) over Span. troops, congre met at Buenos Aires after tyrannical despotism of Rosas (1835-52). New constitution was formed in 1853, which, with modifications introduced in 1862 and 1898, still exists. Since establishment of autonomy principal events have been war against Brazil (1825-7); against Paraguay (1865-70); various revolts and revolutions, after one of which, in 1890, there occurred a great financial crisis, a notable feature of which was the embarra ment of the London bankers, Baring Brothers. There have also been boundary disputes with Brazil and Chile, settled respectively in 1895 and 1902, and arbitration treaties with Italy (1907) and Brazil (1908). Government. — Republic consists of fourteen provinces and ten territories. Of former, four—Buenos Aires, Santa San Juan, Mendoza—along Andes; three—Cordoba, San Luis, Santiago del Estero — in centre; three — Tucuman, Salta, Jujuy—in N. Territories are Negro, Neuquen, Chubut, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego, Constitution (1853) is based on U.S. President is elected for six years by specially chosen representatives of provinces, National Congre comprises senate (thirty.members) and house of deputies (number of members varies according to population; in 1910, 120). Vice-president acts as chairman of senate. Ministry consists of eight secretaries of state. Each province has its own legislature and local self-government; territories are under federal governors. Chief towns are Buenos Aires (cap.), Rosario, Cordoba, La Plata, Tucuman. Buenos Aires and Bahia’ Blanca are best harbors. lLanguage is Spanish. Primary and secondary education are free; former obligatory for children from six to fourteen. Army is a national militia; service compulsory. There is a small navy. Roman Catholicism is the state religion; all others tolerated. Communications.—There is a coastline of about 2,700 m.; Parana and Uruguay are navigable for many hundred miles. Railways open c. 22,000 m. Trans-Andine railway (opened 1910) connects Argentine with Chile by Us pall at a Pa . Road communication is difficult owing to lack of road metal. Resources and Production.—In N. are forests of hardwood, invaluable for railway sleepers, and quebracho, used in tanning; here are produced tobacco, jute, ramie, sugar, cotton, castor oil, fruits. In Andes regions are magnificent pine forests. In extreme S. seal hunting and ice-collecting are carried on. There are many fibre-producing plants. Most economic minerals occur but await development; coal is found. Agriculture and pasture are chief sources of wealth. Large numbers of sheep and cattle are raised; dairying important. Argentine is second wool-producing country in world. Horses, mules, a es, goats, and pigs also raised in large numbers. hief crops are wheat, linseed, oats, barley, alfalfa, rye, maize; sugarcane and fruits also cultivated. Imports include cottons, linens, coal, machinery, iron, beer, silk, cement, motor cars, ments, etc.; exports, animals, wool, hides, frozen meat, butter, sugar, wheat, corn, etc. About one-third of import and one-sixth of export trade is with Great Britain. Pop. 1921, 8,698,516. Immigrants are chiefly Spaniards and Italians; also French, British, and other nationalities. According to a census taken in 1921. the population of Argentina was then held April 2, 1922, amid much popular disorder, resulting in the election of Dr. the Radical Party, and _ previously Minister to France, who was inaugurated as President the following October. Ramon Gomez was appointed Premier. Trade with the United States had fallen off considerably, the imports in 1922 amounting to a little over $80,000,000, as compared to $200,000,000, in 1921, while exports in 1922 were $60,700,000. See Mar SourH America, (So. Part).