HF
3212
P19B21
Ballivián
Bolivia
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
Pan American Financial Conference.
BOLIVIA
MEMORIAL
From the
Government Delegate and
Representative of the National Chambers of
Commerce and Banking Institutions.
1915.
Pan American Financial Conference.
BOLIVIA
MEMORIAL
By
ADOLFO BALLIVIAN
Government Delegate and Representative of the
National Chambers of Commerce and Banking Institutions
1915.
HP ■
32-15-
MEMORIAL
^502937
BOLR^IA, in response to the invitation extended to her
by the United States Government to be represented at
the "Pan American Financial Conference" to be held
on May 24th, 1915, has appointed to act as her delegation the
Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary at Washing-ton and the
Consul General in New York who also has been nominated
to represent the Bolivian Chambers of Commerce and Bank-
ing Institutions.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Julio Zamora, being
unable to attend personally, for the purpose of elucidating
the subjects and problems to be discussed at the said Con-
vention, and undoubtedly of the most preeminent importance
for the economic interests of the American Continents, has
graciously consented to suggest in rough outlines "a few
conceptions relating to such fundamental rec|uirements as
may justly be considered as the basis for practical measures
that will result in the perpetuation and the reliable and
constant development of the commercial, industrial and
financial relations between Bolivia and the United States, an
ultimate purpose for the accomplishment of which, with
respect to each and every Pan-American country, the said
Convention is no doubt destined to take the initiative."
As it appears expedient to record in its original form
the true sentiment of the Government of Bolivia, as expressed
with marked accuracy by her Minister of Finance, we shall
give an unabridged transcription of the same, in pursuance
of the above quotation :
"Since no statement of concrete subjects for discussion is
attached to the Note of hivitation, it may logically be presumed
that the United States of America primarily intends to avail
herself of this Convention for recording the truthful expression
of the aims and requirements of each country, as well as data
relating to the industrial and financial possil)ilities it affords, for
the purpose of using them as a hasis for steadfastly pursuing
the development of the channels of trade and industry which,
while already existent, have not as yet assumed the desired
importance.
"W'e dare hope, nevertheless, that initiative measures, to
be adopted in support and furtherance of the reciprocal commer-
cial relations between North, Central and South America, will
l)e sul)mitted to the Convention as a ijcneral subject for discussion
in the interest of all concerned which, after all, is essentially
the purpose for which it is held, as well as other subjects and
projects tending to secure for the x\merican Continents the
greatest possible degree of independence in their economic life.
In view of such a program, we can only give our support to any
and all such propositions as embody a practical idea and will
redound to the common benefit, and in this connection we might
suggest to the United States — as one of the efficient means
for establishing more active business relations between the differ-
ent countries — the necessity of increasing her merchant marine
to such an extent that it will facilitate an ample interchange of
domestic products.
"With particular reference to the wants of Bolivia, it may
be stated that, in the opinion of the Government, they consist
essentially in two ]:)rimary requirements which must necessarily
be made manifest, to wit : In the first place, supplies of capital
for developing her industries, and in the second place, the open-
ing up of markets for her products.
"Commencing with the mining industry, irrefutably the most
prosperous and comparatively the most largely developed source
of production in the country, it may safely be said that every
enterprise in this line is in need of the fruitful impulse imparted
by capital, when supplied on terms that are in accordance with
the peculiar character or nature of such enterprises, in so far as
they will allow of such gradual development as they require.
While the production of tin and copper has undoubtedly ad-
vanced during the past few years, until the outputs now represent
quite considerable figures, being the two largest items of our
export trade, these results are to be attributed to the few enter-
prises organized on a solid basis, and it nevertheless remains a
fact that there are a large number of small producers who are
prevented, by lack of financial resources, from actively devel-
oping their workings. In this connection it is at once evident
that the general economic situation would be more largely bene-
fited by the relatively satisfactory earnings of the innumerable
small enterprises, than by the affluence of three or four mines.
"But if copper and tin offer a large field for the investment
of foreign capital in our country, it behooves us for still better
reasons to mention and urf^e the workiii!^ of our deposits of silver,
bismuth, tungsten and antimony, which metals are now being
produced on a small scale only, notwithstanding the abundant
supplies.
"With regard to agriculture in general, the conditions sur-
rounding this field of endeavor are such as to allow of the state-
ment — paradoxical as it may appear at first glance — that it
offers far better chances of success by private initiative, inas-
much as agriculture is not based on the set principles of modern
industrial organization and is less dependent on scientific progress,
both of which are factors for whose application the investment
of large amounts of capital from which no immediate returns are
expected, is an essential necessity.
"It may readily be acknowledged that our agriculture is
still in an embryonic state, and that it is being carried on with
no other object in view, than that of obtaining from nature
what she will readily give. This applies not only to foodstuffs
and cattle breeding, but also to the production of rubber by a
system that absolutely requires reorganization, with a view to
establishing plantations that will in future be capable of com-
peting against the scientifically devised East Indian rubber
plantations.
"The field of arts and manufactures still remains virgin
soil. The country may be said to be devoid of manufacturing
enterprises in any of the manifold and profitable lines, this
leaving an untilled field for private initiative and for the invest-
ment of capital, with the assurance of general good will to afford
protection to such enterprises.
"In the opinion of the Government of Bolivia, the main
efforts of its delegates should be directed towards giving the
capitalists and banking concerns in the United States an insight
into the future of our industries, and into the safeguards pro-
vided by our Constitution, so as to induce them to organize enter-
prises of every description, and to supply capital.
"Meanwhile, and independently of such initiative measures
as their own judgment and due appreciation of existing condi-
tions may induce them to take, it will in the judgment of the
Government, be expedient to suggest, asa concrete and practical
proposition, the necessity of establishing in Bolivia Mining and
Agricultural Banks, or at least an agency of one of the large
American banking institutions, for the purpose of making them
available as a financial body or center, capable of examining into
and reporting on any and all economic wants and requirements,
whose satisfaction and fulfilment may be made mutually pro-
fitable.
"With reference to the United States as a market for our
principal products which, for the time being, may be restricted
to tin and copper, the Government considers it expedient to de-
clare that without absolutely withdrawing from the present
European markets as an Í7tdispensable requirement, the country
would be willing to supply the United States with such quantities
of crude material as her industries may require, for which pur-
pose it would be primarily necessary for the U. S. A. to place
herself on an equal footing with her competitors, with respect
to operating conditions and to her capacity as a consignee, by
means of the erection and installation of adequate smelting works.
"With respect to the purely commercial field, the further
i suggestion might be submitted to organize a general association
of American manufacturers, for the exclusive purpose of main-
taining information agencies in the capitals of the Central and
South American countries so as to give the trade an opportunity
to examine the samples, prices and catalogs of the goods they
require, before ordering them from Europe, thereby affording
them an opportunity of securing such advantages as may be
gained by giving the preference to manufacturers and dealers
in the United States."
This plain and frank statement, emanating- from so
authoritative a source, shows that the financial and com-
mercial crisis now prevailing in our country can readily be
overcome by the internal measures already in force, and that
this may be accomplished with results insuring mutual be-
nefits and permanent connections, if the United States, by
exerting the powerful influence of her Goverment, will secure
the beneficial cooperation of her financial and commercial
centers.
This is likewise borne out by the fact that the invitation
to send representatives to the Washington Convention has
met in pursuance of the wishes expressed by our Government,
with so favorable a reception on the part of the banking and
other commercial interests of Bolivia, who have even gone
so far as to submit valuable suggestions to their represent-
ative. We, therefore, beg leave to make known the various
points which Mr. Jorge Saenz, President of the Chamber of
8
Commerce of La Paz, urges us, in behalf of the bankino-
institutions and other interests of our country, to set forth
before the Convention :
I. "To make known the fact that there have been estabhshed
in the cities of La Paz, Sucre, Oruro, Cochabamba, Potosi,
Tarija, Santa Cruz and RiberaUa, properly organized Chambers
of Commerce, in which all the Banking and prominent com-
mercial interests are represented, and that these Chambers of
Commerce are at all times prepared to furnish on request any
required information regarding commercial and industrial
matters.
II. "To make every possible effort to induce the New York
Exchange to establish a system of daily quotations of the market
prices of Bolivian export products, such as tin, silver, copper,
tungsten, antimony, bismuth, rubber and cinchona bark, and to
have such quotations transmitted, through the agency of some
information bureau, to the Bolivian Government, so as to enable
the latter to communicate the same to the Chambers of Com-
merce throughout the Republic of Bolivia.
III. "To inform the business interests of the United States
with regard to the basis on which Bolivian importers do business
with European concerns, particularly with reference to the terms
of payment for orders, or, in other words, to make known to
them that such business is done on the basis of payment at the
end of ninety days from date of receipt of the goods. To impress
upon them, in short, the necessity of opening credits in favor of
Bolivian firms of acknowledged financial and commercial stand-
ing, so they may pay for the goods ordered against drafts made
out to the order of Bolivian Banks, and payable at the end of
ninety days as a minimum term.
"The system now generally adopted by business concerns
in the United States, under which they demand payment in
advance for orders given them, is most unsuitable for the fur-
therance of the development of commercial relations.
IV. "To call the attention of the North American com-
mercial interests to the necessity of reestablishing steamship
traffic over a route which, starting from San Francisco,
California, is to embrace the entire Western coast line of South
America, for the purpose of facilitating and developing the
trade in flour, lumber, fruit and other products of the soil, etc.
V. "To suggest the proposition of establishing an American
Bank in some of the cities of lioHvia, or else Branch Offices in
some of the Departmental capitals. The National City Bank
has already estal)lishcd a branch in T>uenos Aires, and an
available Branch Office of an American 15ank would prove to
be an imi)ortant factor in furtherance of the development of
commercial intercourse.
VI. "To secure special quotations on P.olivian rubber
vi^hich, with respect to its vises in the arts and manufactures, pos-
sesses the same qualities as the grade of rubber known as "Hard
Fine Para." The export prices of Bolivian rubber are based
at the present time under the "Moliendo" designation and it
is thus being confounded w^ith the rubber exported from Perú
v^^hich is of inferior quality. This is a highly important matter,
by which our exporters will benefit to the extent of several
hundred thousand dollars Bolivian Currency.
Vn. "To call the attention of the Convention to the neces-
sity of making the teaching of the Spanish language obligatory
in the commercial schools and colleges of the United States, with
a view to facilitating the development of commercial intercourse.
VI IL "To point out to North American manufacturers
the necessity of establishing in the United States tin smelting
works on a large scale, as the only means for competing against
the European smelting works, and for diverting the exports of
this material into the American market.
IX. "To impress upon the export trade of the United
States the further necessity of adopting a different method of
packing in the case of merchandise and machinery for shipment
to Bolivia, since all such shipments, without exception, now
arrive in exceedingly bad condition. They require a special
method of packing, both solid and strong, so it wall be able to
withstand the numerous trans-shipments to which such goods
must generally be subjected.
The economic conditions prevailing- in Bolivia having
thus been outlined, with a snecification of the measures re-
quired for the betterment of the same, and for opening- up
new channels for her commerce and industry, in close con-
nection with the United States of America, the delegates,
vested with due authority, will be capable of handling- these
and other subjects, and of amplifiying the same, in such
manner as they may consider expedient in view of their
experience and knowledge of this country.
10
In view of the fact that the proceedings of the Conven-
tion will presiiniahly be confined to the discussion of matters
of a general character, since it can scarcely be expected to
enter into an examination and discussion of affairs directly
and exclusively concerning each individual country, we have
decided to prepare this present memorial which we shall
strive to make as concise as possible, since we have reason
to presume that the representatives of the other countries
will have recourse to similar means of communication, thereby
providing a collection of reference records that will be
available for following up the initial suggestions which it
will undoubtedly not be possible to convert into resolutions
insuring immediate results.
Our statement will be confined to demonstrations essen-
tially of an economic and financial character, supported by
specific data and statistical tal)les, without entering upon geo-
graphical descriptions, etc., with respect to which it will be
sufficient to refer to the valuable store of information
gathered and supplied by the "Pan American Union" of
Washington, on whose premises the Convention is to hold
its sessions and to which all American coimtries are indebted
for its efficent and persevering cooperation.
We consider it opportune to transcribe on this occasion
the ideas recently expressed by us in an article printed in
"The Nation's Business," published in Washington, D. C. :
"Bolivia, as well as all countries in the world, has been
affected by the European war, in the depression, for the mo-
ment, of her economical situation.
it is time to point out how inaccurate it is to include
under the common designation of South America (this being
so frequently the case), all of the nationalities south iof
Panama, especially as each one of them possesses its own
peculiar characteristics, particularly with respect to natural
resources and economic and trade conditions.
In this way Bolivia, being so far, a country without
seaports, all her energies have been employed in establishing
a complete railway net of communication and developing her
mineral resources — the agricultural products have been insuf-
ficient to meet the demand of her domestic consumption —
consequently the crisis in Bolivia is not so intense and the
remedy for the actual economical problem is easier to achieve
than in other countries with a more complicated economical
organization.
11
Bolivian trade lias been mostly carried on with the
German and lin^-lish markets, which are now shut up, so
that we are unable to sell them those i)roducts, or use credits
from those sources in order to divert trade in our natural
dilemma towards the united States of America.
There are two princi])al articles of exportation from
Bolivia, wherefrom in reciprocation, the demand of articles
of importation are obtained, i. e. India rubber and minerals
— principally, tin and copper.
INDIA RUBBER.
Bolivia, and Brazil, produce the best quality of rubber
obtained from the trees of the "Hevea or Syphonia Elástica"
known in the market as Para Rubber, but owing to the fore-
sight and persevering endeavors of the English Government
to acclimatize those trees in their Asiatic dominions, seeds
were carefully collected from Brazil since 1865 where with
economical and scientific methods, plantations have spread
all through the Orient causing deadly competition against
the South American Rubber Industry, in spite of the superior
quality of its product.
Nevertheless, it seems to me, that in prevision of the
prolongation of the war, and perhaps of future comphcations
which may extend their devastations to the rubber regions
in the Orient, it would be wise for the United States capi-
talists to look forward and undertake, without delay, similar
well organized plantations in the Jiabitat of the rubber tree
in Bolivia and Brazil, where now^ on account of the depressed
situation lands can easily be acquired as well as estates where
already exist great quantities of fully matured rubber trees
ready for immediate exploitation of the article.
Furthermore, there are other most important consider-
ations to be borne in mind if the people of this country care
to be, once for all, free from subserviency to the English
market with respect to this indispensable article for the in-
dustrial world. I accordingly refer to the authoritative
views of Mr. Henry C. Pearson, Editor of "The Indian
Rubber ^^^orld" in which he calls attention to the possibility
that in the near future, the closely planted areas of rubber
trees in the Orient, will be subjected to different natural
12
perils producing the devastation that may perhaps wipe out
those plantations entirely, as happened with the coffee in
Ceylon :
THE FUTURE OF RUBBERS
As to the future, if the ratio of increase in producing and
planting remains the same, the production of plantation of rubber
in the next five years should reach 500,000,000 pounds. Such
an output would probably mean a drop in price to at least
5 cents a pound. It would also mean a wonderful expansion of
the rubber manufacturing industry in new and unimagined lines,
as w^ell as in the old. But will nature allow such areas of one
growth to supplant others? Will not rubber have its boll weevil,
its scale, its bud rot? The planters have from the beginning
fought white ants, canker, caterpillars ; and the entomologists
and mycologists of the world are on the alert to defend these
new plantations. Will it not happen that these closely planted
areas will suffer and perhaps be wiped out as coffee was wiped
out in Ceylon? And will it therefore not come about that a wider
distribution of planted areas will be a necessary one that will
include tropical Central and South America, Africa and our
own Philippines, and thus assure the permanence of this most
valuable product?"
In Bolivia, there are great opportunities and new induce-
ments for these plantations on account of the recent instal-
lation of the "Madera Mamore Railway" built with American
capital in connection at Porto Velho with ocean steamers of
4,000 tons admitting navigation during four months, and
of 2,000 tons all year round.
TIN AND COPPER.
The output of tin in P)olivia represents 45,000 long tons
of ore of 60% grade which has all been shipped to smelters
in Germany and England, which on account of the war
are now closed, so that Bolivia, notwithstanding being
next to the Strait Settlements as producer of tin, is unable
to obtain a market for her ore in this country as there does
not exist any smelter here for that purpose; the one built
12 years ago in Bayonne, N. J. was never in operation and
is now dismantled, since the English Government in view
13
of protecting their own output imposed a heavy duty on all
ores exported from the Straits to smelters out of the British
Dominions.
The building of a smelter in this country to treat Boli-
vian tin ores would be a solution offering mutual advantages.
Amongst these advantages it is evident that in recipro-
cation, which is the basis in which all legitimate commerce
rests, this country will obtain the pig tin much cheaper than
when imported from Europe by avoiding the ocean freight
of $12 per ton on the metal from Europe to New York; in
addition, it must be considered that the representative value
of this new importation to this country means some
$20,000,000 (thus increasing tenfold the actual imports of
this country to Bolivia^ that would be invested in the pur-
chase of x-Xmerican goods to be exported to Bolivia, and in
this way, placing in this country the interchange of trade
which existed between the European nations at war.
These are some of the most essential features of the
trade of my country to which I call the attention of the
business people of the United States.
I may as well mention that the Bolivian copper mines
produce a higher qualit}^ of ore than any other South Ame-
rican countries, consequently it would only require a simple
form of metallurgical plant, that could easily be adapted
alongfside the tin smelter.
^fc>^
PETROLEUM FIELDS.
Recently vast extensions of petroleum fields have been
discovered in the southern region of Bolivia, and the news-
papers announce that a French Company with a capital of
$4,000,000 has been organized to exploit those wells ; this,
seems to me, another good opportunity to interest the Amer-
ican capital in my country.
As countless publications have been made with unprac-
tical generalities emphasizing the opportunities for this coun-
try to supplant the South American trade with Europe, it
is well to remember that the general commercial situation
is embarassed everywhere by financial stringency, in order
to proceed with careful investigation and in a spirit of mutual
help in preparing fields to meet future competition success-
fully.
14
With these premises I may mention the goods and arti-
cles that were imported from Eng-land, France, Germany,
Belgium, etc., and which perhaps could be permanently im-
ported in future from the United States: Rifles, revolvers,
cartridges, cotton goods, chintz, watches, medicines and
drugs, chemicals, cars and wagons, rails, carriages, auto-
mobiles, electrical a])pliances, canned goods, meats, fish, fruits
and vegetables, coal, hardware, glassware, earthenware, min-
ing and agricultural machinery, champagne, wines and
liquors, tin plate, plumbers' appliances, condensed milk,
extract of meat, hams and bacon, musical instruments, pianos,
pianolas, and gramophones, printing paper, and ink, station-
ery, furniture, cement, hats, underwear, rubber goods, boots
and shoes, soap and perfumery, etc."
Both for individuals and nations, probity, an honorable
record and reliable resources are endowments that constitute
assets establishing their standing and credit, as a basis for
sound financial operation and connections.
BOLR^IA thus stands before the world of finance with
an unstained record of exceptionally favorable description .
FACTS AND DATA CONSTITUTING DISTINCTIVE
FEATURES OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN BOLIVIA
I. Bolivia may be said to have maintained peace and
order in her domain for 40 years past, the last shortlived
disturbance having occured 20 years ago.
II. Having no sea ports, she has devoted all her energy
to the task of spreading a network of railways over her vast
territory, admirably blessed with the gifts of Nature.
III. The delicate problems arising in connection with
the marking out of her boundaries, have practically all been
solved by Bolivia in harmonious agreement with her ad-
joining sister republics.
IV. On a few occasions, as in the case of Brazil, for
instance, where it became necessary to cede sections of her
territory, the consideration for the same, amounting to
$10,000,000, was wholly and entirely applied to the construc-
tion of railways, without the misappropriation of a single
penny.
V. Bolivia has punctually paid the interest on its public
15
delít, incliuling- both inland and foreií^n loans, and attended
to their redemption.
VI. She has never failed to fulfil her oblis^ations, or
refused to allow just claims, whether presented by her citizens,
or by aliens.
VTT. The life of aliens and foreig'n capital have always
been amply protected, and there is no recollection of any
claims having been presented for attacks on the same.
VII. The foreii^n debt of Bolivia amounts to scarcely
$15,000,000 and has now been reduced to $14,335,312, or
actually to $9,383,812, inasmuch as the balance of the last
loan of $4,951,500, made in 1913 by the Credit Mobilier de
Paris, has not as yet been expended and is drawing- interest
at the rate of 3% per annum in the country, until a decision
shall have been arrived at with regard to the proposals for
the construction of the Tupiza and La Quiaca railway (on
the Argentine border), for which the said loan was exclu-
sively appropriated.
IX. The firm confidence and good credit which Bolivia
enjoys in Europe are proven by the fact that the loan in
question was placed on even more favorable terms than prior
loans, viz. at 90%, with interest at the rate of 5% per annum
and an annual redemption of 1%, under the supplementary
obligation to buy the materials for the permanent way and
the rolling stock for the said railway in France.
X. The Bolivian constitution ranks among the most
liberal, and the Mining Code as well as the Laws governing
land concessions offer exceptional safeguards and other
attractive features.
XL The population of Bolivia is only 2,500,000, while
the country covers an area of 708,195 square miles, the aver-
age population per square mile being consequently 3.53,
leaving an enormous field for the development of agriculture
and for cattle raising, for both of which large sections of the
country are splendidly adapted.
XII. The different branches of arts and manufactures
are still in a practically embryonic state, and likewise afford
special advantages for all who are willing to establish the
same, the Government having taken efficient and sagacious
measures for the protection of infant industries.
XIII. Bolivia, jointly with the Argentine Republic,
Chile and Peru, constitutes a group exceptionally favored
16
with respect to its geogTaphical location, inasmuch as the
immense area covered by these countries, affording ample
room for hundreds of millions of future settlers, produces
and contains in the depths of its soil all the natural products
of the globe. With the productive aid of adequate capital,
innumerable industrial enterprises can there derive ample
vitality from mutual interchange alone.
XIV. This territory, the greater part of which is
within the temperate zone, is exempt from tropical diseases,
and it may safely be expected that its present population of
20,000,000 will increase to over 50,000,000 inhabitants within
a quarter of a century.
STATISTICAL TABLES
At the nominal rate of exchange in Bolivia, 12.50 Boli-
vian dollars ("pesos bolivianos") are equal to 1 pound
sterling, the value of the Bolivian dollar being consequently
$0.40 U. S. Gold Cy. The present crisis has caused various
declines in these exchange values.
DEVELOPMENT OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
DURING THE PERIOD 1902-1913.
Year
Exports
Imports
Total amounts
1902
Bs. 28.041,537
Bs. 14.143,342
Bs. 42.184,919
1903
25.169,148
16.252,885
41.422,033
1904
31.465,026
16.909,586
48.374,612
1905
41.795,937
20.298,772
62.094,709
1906
55.654,516
35.087,325
90.741,901
1907
50.331,548
37.897,611
88.229,159
1908
47.138,320
40.732,543
87.870,863
1909
63.764,467
34.224,764
97.989,231
1910
75,622.147
48.802,394
124.424,541
1911
82.631,172
58. 371. 409
141.002,581
1912
90.122,987
49.508,990
139.631,977
1913
93.721,513
54.762,834
148.484,347
The figures for the year 1914 are not as yet available.
The foregoing Table shows that the exports exceeded
the imports by 71.14% in the year 1913.
The growth in the volume of business (imports and ex-
ports) during the last decade, i.e. from 1904 to 1913, is
represented by the difference between 48,374,612 and
148,484,347 Bolivianos, equal to an increase of 301%.
17
GENERAL STATEMENTS OF EXPORTS, TABULATED
ACCORDING TO COUNTRIES.
SPECIFICATION
COUNTRIES
I
Live
Stock
II
Foodstuffs
and
beverages
III
Crude and
roughly pre-
pared mater-
ials
IV
Manu-
factured
articles
V
Gold and sil-
ver not manu-
factured and
gold and silver
coin
TOTAL
AMOUNTS
A lilts, in
Bolivianos
A ints. in
Bolivianos
A lilts, ill
Bolivianos
A mts. in
Bolivianos
A mts. in
Bolivianos
A mts. in
Bolivianos
Great Britain,
280.00
820.74
60.00
74.428,267.57
6.180,079.65
4.513,870.63
3.169,456.00
869,193.20
152.343.76
548,596.51
96,536.52
10.422.20
24,728.00
5,347.00
1,956.80
1,949.00
25,929.00
1,088.00
2,780.00
30,411.10
1.333,830.34
7 5 7fi4 .^7fi 01
1.766,909 96 7.973 73Q 3Í
56,820.00
4 571 838 63
3.172 236 00
14,242.68
10,867.27
150.00
913,846.98
590,517.19
559,475.51
98,136.52
32,621.40
24,728.00
13,637.40
Chile
117,310.00
171,870.00
10,729.00
1,600.00
138,126.16
411.20
3,038.00
18,750.00
Brazil
828.ÓÓ
100.00
7,462.40
2,056.80
1,680.00
1,450.00
612.80
1,680.00
1,450.00
612.80
600.00
:::::::::: ::::;::::
Italy
600.00
10.00
10 00
Totals
117,310.00' 27.759.89
90.000,807.84
261,199.30
3.314,436.46
93.721,513.49
EXPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES TO BOLIVIA IN 1913:
From New York Bs. 2,958,523.97
From San Francisco 952,620.00
From New Orleans 191,872.15
Bs. 4,103,016.12
leaving a balance of Bs. 50,659,818.00
for exports from Europe.
NATIONAL REVENUES DURING THE LAST DECADE 1904-1913.
Year
Revenues
Year
Revenues
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
Bs. 6.838,576
7.854,698
10.401,512
13.166,684
11.604,063
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
Bs. 11.847,231
12.583,232
16.913,512
20.164,602
22.018,874
The above Table shows an increase of 23 0% during the said decade.
The annual departmental revenues may be estimated at 3,000,000 Boli-
vianos.
AMOUNTS REQUIRED FOR THE PAYMENT OF INTERESTS ON ALL DEBTS
AND FOR THEIR REDEMPTION.
Guarantee of "Bolivia Railway" Bonds Bs. 750,000
Guarantee of "Cochabamba Light & Power" Bonds 225,000
For interest on, and redemption of other loans 3,360,620
Total Bs. 4,335,620
As the national revenues amount to a total of 22,018,874 Bolivianos,
the above e.xpenditure represents less than 20'^f of the same, which is
certainly a very significant proportion.
18
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19
The floating debt invested in various public works and
for public service purposes, consists of loans made by the
national banks, amountinj^ to Bs. 5,687,154,80 and loans
obtained from various other parties, amounting to Bs. 1,014,-
973,82, making a total of 6,702,128.62.
BANKS OF ISSUE
On December 31st, 1913, four Banks of issue were in
operation, with an authorized capital stock of Bs. 75,000,000
of which 40,962,500 where paid up, divided as follows:
Banco de la Nación Boliviana Bs. 25.000,000
Banco Mercantil 25.000.000
Banco Nacional de Bolivia 12.500,000
Banco Francisco Argadoña 12.500,000
Total Bs. 75.000,000
The paid up capital is as follows:
Banco de la Nación Boliviana Bs. 18.962.500
Banco Mercantil 10.000,000
Banco Nacional de Bolivia 8.000,000
Banco Francisco Argandoña 4.000,000
Total Bs. 40.962,500
The profits for the half yearlv term expiring December
31st, 1913, amounted to Bs. 1,527,371,06.
The right vouchsafed by Law to issue notes for a
maximum amount of 150 per cent of the paid up capital stock
of the four Banks, represents a total of Bs. 61,443,750, only
Bs. 32,321,305 of which have been issued by the said Banks.
The gold reserve amounted to Bs. 15,587,912.50 and the
amount of coined gold on hand was consequently in excess
of the 40% required by Law.
Under an Act recently passed and relating to the organ-
ization of the Banco de la Nación Boliviana, the said Bank
has been granted the exclusive right to issue notes, the Banco
Nacional de Bolivia, Banco Mercantil and Banco Francisco
Argandoña having been deprived of such right, with the
provision that they must redeem the notes issued by them
within five terms of six months each, commencing on January
1st, 1913.
20
The only foreign Bank established in the country at the
present time (but not empowered to issue notes) is the Banco
Alemán Transatlántico, having a capital of Bs. 5,278,557.
The annual dividends declared by the Banks vary
between 10% and 20%;.
MORTAGE BANKS
Four institutions doing business in the country confine
themselves exclusively to loans on real estate, against which
they issue mortgage bonds. The Banks in question are the
following:
Crédito Hipotecario de Bolivia.
Banco Hipotecario Nacional.
Banco Hipotecario Garantizador de Valores.
Banco Hipotecario Mercantil.
Their total capital stock amounted on June 30th, 1913,
to Bs. 11,597,628, and the paid up capital stock to Bs. 865,000.
The amount of the profits on June 30th, 1914, was Bs.
87,322.22 divided as follows: The first mentioned Bank,
31,801.84; the second, Bs. 35,109.10; the third, Bs. 16,272.02,
and the last mentioned Bank, 4,139.26.
CURRENCY SYSTEM
The gold standard was adopted by Law on December
5th, 1908, and the English sovereign and the Peruvian pound
are legal tender for the payment of debts at the fixed rate
of exchange of Bs. 12.50 each.
The plan prepared by the Executive for the coining of
national currency of various denominations, is subject to the
decision of the next legislature.
TIN
The production of Tin in Bolivia has constantly in-
creased, and is bound to increase further on a large scale.
At the present time it amounts to about one fourth of the
total output of the world, being surpassed only by the produc-
tion of the Straits Settlements which has remained stationary
for several years, with an evident tendency to decrease.
The following Table shows the production in metric
tons of 2,204,6 lbs. and the average market price per ton in
London.
21
Bolivia
Straits
World i
Average
Years
Settlements
Production '
Price
1904
13,750
61,838
103,100
£126.14. 8
1905
15,023
59.500
102,400
143. 1. 8
1906
17,447
59,375
104.400
180.12.11
1907
16.858
56,550
102.400
172.12. 9
1908
19.077
63,690
113.400
133. 2. 6
1909
20.890
61.540
113,100
134.15. 6
1910
24,539
57,490
114,800
156. 6. 2
1911
25,628
57,944
117,600
192. 7. I
1912
25,100
61,528
124.700
209. 8. 5
1913
28,500
65,640
128,900
201.13. 7
The consumption in the United States in metric tons and
the average price during the same period, has been :
Years
U. S.
Cy.
1904
37,400
27.96
cents
per
pound
1905
40.800
31.36
(
1906
43,700
39.82
'
1907
39,700
38.17
'
1908
32.800
29.46
'
1909
42.800
29.72
'
1910
49,900
44.25
'
1911
48,000
34.12
'
1912
51,700
42.28
'
1913
45,000
46.10
'
The official statistics of Bolivia give the following figures
for the exports of ''barrilla", the term commonly applied to
tin concentrates for export, containing from 50% to 70% Tin:
Years
Metric Tons
1897
3,749.5
1898
4,396.0
■ 1899
9,279.4
1900
16,234.2
1901
21,915.9
1902
17,608.3
1903
28,131.4
1904
20,691.9
1905
26,912.0
1906
39.526.1
1907
31,323.7
1908
32.541.6
1909
35.566.4
1910
38.548.1
1911
39.840.6
1912
38.614.0
1913
44.594.0
22
GENERAL TABLE SHOWING THE OUTPUT OF THE BOLIVIAN MINING
INDUSTRY FR THE YEAR 1913.
Metals
Tin
Silver . . .
Copper . .
Bismuth .
Tungsten
Zinc . . . .
Lead . . . .
Antimony
tr.i Value in
^ Bolivianos
44,596.749 67.784,377
81,289 2,784.354
4.019,635 2.773.546
422.484 ' 2.092,925
282.597 \ 415,417
7.367,463 I 223,150
1,765.296 I 353,059
62,050 1 12,410
RUBBER
We reprint below a few interesting: paragraphs from the
official report for 1914 of the General Collector of Customs:
"This vaulable export article which for many years has been
one of the largest sources of revenue for the Treasury, as well
as a contributory factor towards the development of the north-
western and eastern districts of our country, has suffered — more
particularly since 1912 — a complete setback with respect to the
ruling market prices in Europe, their decline being exclusively
due to the baneful competition of the similar product now being
imported from the plantations established many years ago, princi-
pally by English manufacturers, in the British Colonies in Asia
and Africa.
"The oldest statistical figures relating to the Bolivian export
trade in this article, date from the year 1890, and it appears
from the available data, carefully verified by the corresponding
section of this Office, that the shipments during the said year
amounted to 294,000 kilograms. The exports of this product
subsequently increased gradually until 1910, when they reached
a total of 3,465,063 kilograms. This was followed by a decrease
in shipments, continuing until 1905, for which year the minimum
figures of 1,468,233 kilograms were recorded. Beginning with
the year 1906, however, the tide turned and exports increased
again until 1913, when they attained the enormous amount of
5,143 metric tons, the highest figure recorded during the 24 years
covered by our statistical data".
Rubber being one of our principal export products, I consider
it of the utmost importance to record in the following table the
trade fluctuations to which this article has been subject during
23
the aforesaid term of 24 years, and which tend to confirm the
foregoing statements.
Year
1
Kilograms 1
Year
Kilograms
Year
Kilograms
1890
294.000
1898
3.155,955
1906
1.929.608
1891
345.000
1899
2.664,091
1907
1.830,513
1892
363,430
1900
3.496,240
1908
2.606.591
1893
394.418
1901
3.465.063
1909
3.052,453
1894
632,500
1902
1.092.993
1910
3.117,650
1895
820,410
1903
1.745,324
1911
3.645,551
1896
1.140,712 i
1904
1.571,128
1912
4.079,828
1897
1.674,716 !
1905
1 1.468,233
1913
5.143,214
ARTS AND MANUFACTURES
As previously stated, mining is the only industry that
has been developed on any considerable scale. In a primitive
way, there is, in truth, some manufacturing of products for
domestic consumption, such as wines, beer, spirituous liquors,
cigarettes, matches, stearine candles, soap, boots and shoes,
domestic wares, chocolate, crackers and biscuits, etc., but
there still remains ample room for improvement in enterprises
of this description.
Agriculture and cattle raising offer great inducements
to capitalists. The lands are now lying waste in consequence
of the small local population, resulting in insignificant
consumption.
For the encouragement of settlers, the legislature of
Bolivia enacted the law of October 13th, 1905, providing that
all vacant lands are Government property and may be ac-
quired by purchase or otherwise, in accordance with special
regulations. The unit of land measurement is one hectare
(2.47 acres). All individuals or parties are entitled to
acquire land up to a maximum area of 20,000 hectares,
against payment in cash of 10 cents Bolivian Currency (4c.
U. S. Cy.) per hectare for ordinary land, and of one Boliviano
(40c. U. S. Gold Cy.) for lands on which rubber trees are
found. The purchaser is under obligation to settle at least
one family on each area of one thousand hectares.
24
CRUDE OIL
The oil wells of Bolivia, supplying a splendid fuel, are
one of her most productive, if not most immense sources of
wealth, in view of the increasing demand for this material.
The reports of competent engineers, commissioned by foreign
capitalists, show that there are enormous stores of crude oil,
extending from Brazil through Bolivia to the Argentine, so
vast and productive that they describe them as "the largest
in the world." With respect to this industry as well as
agriculture, development is dependent on the construction of
railways that will provide convenient access to the Atlantic
coast. To this end, the construction of the planned railway
line between Santa Cruz and Puerto Suárez on the Paraguay
river, may be considered as one of the most urgent necessities.
RAILWAYS
Kilometres
Miles
Actually in operation (1913) ....
1,284
803
In course of construction
613
383
Projected, with plans completed . .
116
485
Projected, plans in preparation . .
2,123
1,327
Proposed lines, plans not as yet
commenced
450
281
Total
5,246
3,279
25
ROUTES TO BOLIVIA
{Rcjviiit [rum a pciiiiphlct f^iiblislicd by llie Legation of Bolivia
in U'iishi¡i}¡toii).
By ¡Vay of Moliendo :
From Moliendo to Puno (Pern) by railway, 324 miles,
time 22 honrs ; from Pnno to Gnayaqui (Bolivia) by steamer
crossing- Lake Titacaca at an elevation of 12,000 feet al)ove
sea level, 180 miles., time 16 hours ; from Guayaqui to La Paz,
59 miles by railway, time 3 hours, l)eino- a total distance of
563 miles, covered in three and one half days.
By Way of Arica ^
From Arica (Chile) to La Paz, a distance of 337 miles,
covered by railway in 18 hours, but the time of travel on the
down grade from La Paz to Arica will shortly be reduced
to 12 hours, and to 14 hours on the up grade in the opposite
direction. This line is equipped with coaches of the American
Pullman car type, while European sleeping cars are in service
on all the other lines.
By Way of Anfofai:;asfa.
The total distance of 573 miles between Antofagasta
(Chile) and Oruro (Bolivia) is covered in two nights and
one day.
^3' Way of flic Argentine Republic.
From Buenos Aires by railway to the Bolivian border
town of La Guiaca. A railway having its terminal at that
city and extending through Tupiza to Uyuni, a station on the
Antofagasta-Oruro line, is now in course of construction
and will make it possible to travel from Buenos Aires to La
Paz in about four days.
Bolivia is blessed with exceptionally extensive, river
navigation facilities, which immensely enhance her means of
transportation and communication, the total length of her
navigable rivers being about 12,000 miles.
27
Bv íf'av of Aiuarjoiias.
The distance from Para (Brazil) to Villa Bella is 2,152
miles, and to Puerto Cobija (on the Acra Eiver) 2,533 miles,
the time of travel over each of these routes being- 216 and
244 hours respectively. Practically the entire journey is
made by steamer, but on the trip to Villa Bella the steamer
stops at Porto Velho, and passenj^ers and goods are trans-
ferred to the Madeira-Mamoré railway, for transportation
over a distance of 200 miles.
^3' Way of the Farcii^iiay River.
Ascending the Paraguay river from Buenos Aires.
Puerto Pacheco is reached after travelling a distance of 1553
miles The journey is then continued to Puerto Suarez, 188
miles distant, and thence to La Gaiba, 167 miles further
up stream.
Another route of travel from Buenos Aires is on the
Bermejo River, on which steamers navigate between Esquina
Grande (Bolivia) and Rivadavia (Argentina).
MOST DIRECT ROUTES
FROM THE UNITED STATES TO BOLIVIA,
AND EXPENSE OF TRAVEL.
First class steamer passage:
From New York to Panama, 7 days $75.00
From New Orleans to Panama, 5 days 55.00
From San Francisco to Panama, 25 days 120.00
Te second part of the journey is made l)y stramer from
Panama to Arica, fare $120. — this distance being covered
in 9 days by the fast steamer service connecting with the
New York and New Orleans steamers.
The final section of the trip is made by railway from
Arica in 14 hours, the fare being $18. — inclusive of Pull-
man berth.
28
IMMIGRATION LAW.
All persons not over 60 years of age and establishing
their good moral character, are vouchsafed the following
privileges under the Law: The rigth of admittance to the
country and of transportation to their place of destination
over the roads and railways of the country. These privileges
also extend to the wife and children of any such person, and
include free transportation of their baggage, the right to
occupy public lands for agricultural purposes and cattle
raising, as well as for any other useful industrial purposes.
Each immigrant may secure 50 hectares (about 120
acres) of land, the price of w^hich is fixed by law at 10
centavos (4 cents Gold Cy.) per hectare. Children over
14 years of age may secure an additional area of 25 hectares
(about 60 acres). Immigrants may at their option pay
either in cash or in annual instalments extending over 5 years,
in which latter case interest on the purchase price of the land
is charged at the rate of 5% per annum. Immigrants may
select within the designated district the land they desire to
purchase. Children over 18 years of age are entitled to
purchase separate sections of land. No immigrant may
become the owner of more than three parcels or sections,
either by purchase or otherwise. In case immigrants acquire
land against payment in instalments, they are prohibited
from selling or otherwise transferring such property and
from mortgaging the same, the State being the holder oí
a first mortgage on such land.
PATENT LAWS.
All inventors are vouchsafed the full and undisturbed
enjoyment of the benefits of their invention, provided the
same are not contrary to public order and good morals.
The discovery of any novel methods or processes for
the improvement of any art or industry, is likewise considered
to constitute an invention.
Contrivances devised merely for the purpose of modi-
fying the propositions of known devices, or the production
of articles of merely ornamental character, will not be
considered to constitute inventions.
29
The Government reserves the ri^'ht to acquire 1w pur-
chase the secret of any useful invention, as a measure of
pulilic utility.
Patents will he i^ranted for a term of fifteen years onl)'-.
TRADE-MARKS.
The right of exclusive use of a trade-mark may he
secured by application to the Department of Agriculture,
Commerce, Industry, Development, etc. (Ministerio de
Fomento), against an annual payment of 5 Bolivianos.
Trade-mark rights may be secured on cuts or engravings,
monograms, vignettes, embossed prints, letters and numbers
with special designs, labels and wrappers for merchandise
and any and all other marks intended to distinguish the same
from other manufactured articles. The trade-mark, when
duly secured, becomes the exclusive property of the manufac-
turer or merchant who obtained it, in whom is vested the
right to oppose its use by other parties. The owner of a
trade-mark is entitled to appeal to the courts of Law for
protection in the exercise of his right of exclusive use, and
to assign such trade-mark to third parties.
Assignments of trade-marks must be recorded in the
proper office. The Treasury receipt proving the payment
of the tax must be attached to all applications.
Specimens of the marks or designs are filed with the
records of the Notarial Office of the Treasury. The in-
fringement or imitation of trade-marks is punishable by the
penalty of a fine of 20 to 200 Bolivianos ($8 to $80), in
addition to the penalties provided for in Art. 302 of the
Penal Code.
MINING CODE.
The Bolivian mining laws are exceedingly liberal, as
they vouchsafe to all aliens the same rights and privileges
enjoyed by citizens of the country. Any person legally
capable of contracting obligations may apply for any number
of mining claims, not exceeding thirty. The area of each
claim is fixed by law at one hectare or 10,000 square metres,
equal to about two and one half acres, measured in anv
30
direction at the option of the applicant, and the claim extends
to an unlimited depth.
The mode of proceeding prescribed by Law is as follows :
Any person discovering deposits, placers, lodes or veins,
must file the proper application with the Prefect of the
Department in which the claim or claims a])plied for
is or are located, and attach to such ap])lication a sketch
or map plainly showing the location of the boundaries of the
claim or claims, to which the application refers, as well as
the location of the same with regard to adjoining mining
claims. The application must be made out on stamped paper
of the denomination of 10 Bolivianos ($4.00).
The Prefect, after having caused the application to be
published in the newspapers during a stated period, for the
purpose of ascertaining whether opposition to the same is
entered by third parties, shall issue decree of concession,
and the ownership of the mining claims shall pass to the
applicant, subject to an annual payment of 5 Bolivianos
($2.00) for each claim.
Applications for mining claims are considered as having
been abandoned in case of failure to have such claims
surveyed and staked out within a term of 70 days from the
date of first publication. Any person may file a denouncement
of the abandonment of an application for mining claims,
requesting that the same be adjudicated, whenever the owner
has failed to comply with the provisions of the law governing
such matter, in case of failure of such owner to pay the
corresponding annual tax or license fee.
No special permit is required for preliminary prospec-
ting operations, and any one is at liberty to undertake the
same, upon giving due notice to the authorities of the
District in which such prospecting is to be done. Mining
machinery and implements may be imported into the country
free of import duty.
CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
Although Bolivia has at the present time no outlet on
any sea in her own dominion, she has entered into various
treaties with the surrounding countries, for the purpose of
being able to exercise her right of free transit through
foreign territory. In view of the ample facilities afforded
31
by these international agreements, the disadvantages re-
sulting from the lack of a seaport have been remedied as far
as possible.
For the purpose of providing the commercial interests
of the country with the most diversified means for the trans-
action of foreign trade, the Government has established
Customs Agencies at the ports of Moliendo, Antofagasta
and Arica, the first named being in Peruvian and the two
last mentioned on Chilean territory, and has placed the
Bolivian Consuls in charge of similar agencies in Para,
Rosario, Puerto Velho and Corumbá.
The following list shows plainly the distribution of the
Bolivian Custom Houses over the different sections of the
country :
Custom Houses for the:
Northern District La Paz
Central '' Oruro
Southwestern " Uyuni
Southern " Villazón (La Quiaca)
Southeastern " Yacuiba
Eastern " Puerto Suárez
Northeastern " Villa Bella, Cobija & Manoa, (Abuná)
Consular Invoices.
The amounts to be collected as Consular Fees for the
certification of invoices, are as follows:
Consular invoices amounting to less than $200. . .$3.00
" $200 and over 2%
Bills of Lading are certified free of charge.
The Bolivian consulates are the only offices authorized
to sell Consular Invoice Blanks, and they are issued -Jo
applicants at the following rates:
Per set of 4 copies $0.75
" 5 '' 0.90
The name of the Custom House through which the
goods are to pass must be stated in the Consular invoice.
32
Five copies are required for shipments via Moliendo,
and four copies for such as are to pass through any of the
other Custom Houses.
Fire arms, cartridges, etc. may be shipped wihtout
special permit issued by the Consul or Consular Agent.
The Consular Invoice must be made out in the Spanish
language as a necessary requirement.
Furthermore, all Consular Invoices must contain the
following declarations :
1. The name of the port of destination of the mer-
chandise.
2. The name of the person, firm or corporation to whom
the merchandise is consigned.
3. The gross and net weights in kilograms ( 1 kilogram
=2.2046 lbs.)
4. The contents of the packages, to be authenticated by
the presentation of commercial invoices.
5. An affirmation of the shippers that the contents as
stated in the invoices are identical with the actual
contents of the packages.
In order to avoid the possibility of customs duty being
collected twice on the same goods, each package must bear
in large letters the inscription "EN TRÁNSITO A BO-
LIVIA".
COMMERCIAL TRAVELLING AGENTS.
(Travelling salesmen)
Commercial Agents of this description are subject to
the payment of municipal taxes in all the cities in which they
do business, in accordance with their respective tax rates.
The tax in La Paz varies between 200 and 300 Bolivianos
($80.00 and $120.00); in Cochabamba it amounts to LOOO
Bolivianos (S400.00) ; in Oruro to 250 Bolivianos ($100.00) ;
in Potosi to 200 Bolivianos ($80.00) ; in Sucre to 300 Boli-
vianos ($120.00) ; in Uyuni to 250 Bolivianos ($100.00) ;
in Santa Cruz it varies between 400 and 800 Bolivianos
($160 to $320), and the tax in Tarija is 200 Bolivianos
($80.00). As these taxes are paid in to the exchequer of
33
holders of concessions for the collection of taxes, they are
inclined to offer inducements to commercial agents who
merely furnish security and deposit with the Custom Houses
for the amount of the samples they succeed in selling.
MONOPOLIES.
Bolivia has monopolies on alcohol, tobacco and matches.
The first mentioned monopoly has reduced the sale of spirit-
uous liquors, while those on the two last mentioned articles
have resulted in the establishment of new national industries.
The revenues derived by the Treasury from the alcohol and
tobacco monopolies amount to over 2,000,000 Bolivianos.
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR AGENTS
OF BOLIVIA IN THE UNITED STATES.
Hon. Ignacio Calderón, Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington.
Cónsul General: Adolfo Balltvián.
Consuls :
Wilfred Schoff Esq Philadelphia, Pa.
Edwin H. Heath Esq Kansas City
Federico Harmwel Esq Chicago, 111.
Raymond M. Glaken Esq Baltimore, Md.
Arthur P. Cushing Esq Boston, Mass.
Carlos Sanjinés Esq San Francisco, Cal.
Juan Argote Esq New Orleans, La.
Vice Consuls'.
Tohn D. Leitch Esq Norfolk, Va.
T. G. Gonigal Mobile, Ala.
The Hon. John D. O. Rear is accredited to the Bolivian
Government in La Paz in the capacity of Envoy Extraordi-
nary and jNIinister Plenipotentiary of The United States.
34
With the exception of the Secretary of Legation in La
Paz, who also exercises the Consular functions, the United
States has no Consular Agent in any other part of Bolivia.
PAN AMERICAN CURRENCY.
The interesting proposition to create a Pan American
currency has been mentioned in the Bulletins of the Pan
American Union, and the realization of this plan appears
desiderable to us. The report states that the Hon. Horatio
G. Knowles, Ex-Minister of the United States to Bolivia,
has suggested the idea to have all the American countries
undertake the coinage of gold currency of uniform fineness,
for the purpose of making it legal tender in all the different
states of the western hemisphere. He proposed that the
coins in question should bear on one face two images, repre-
senting the native race and American womanhood, and on
the reverse the arms of each of the American Republics, and
that they be made to replace the British Sovereign, now so
generally used.
In the issue of the Bulletin of the said Union for the
current month, this idea is amplified by Mr. Horatio Cassel-
berry of Philadelphia, who suggests that the said coin, while
identical in shape and design for all these countries, should
not represent the same value in all of them, because in his
opinion difficulties would be apt to arise with regard to the
exchange of the said currency which would be legal tender
in 21 countries, in each of which the legal provisions relating
to the currency are different, unless all of them should previ-
ously agree upon the adoption of a uniform system. But
however this may be, we think it would be worth while to
make the foregoing suggestions a subject of debate on this
present occasion.
METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
It may be expedient to recall in this connection the
suggestions made to adopt the metric system of measurements
and weights in the United States, in order to facilitate cal-
culations and business transactions, and to conform to the
system generally adopted by the American countries.
35
A FEW GENERAL SUGGESTIONS REGARDING
THE NATURE OF THE ENTERPRISES IN
WHICH TFIE UNITED STATES CAPITAL
MIGHT BE INVESTED TO GOOD
ADVANTAGE IN BOLIVIA.
United States Banks in Bolivia.
Notwithstanding" the fact that there is a general demand
for the estabhshnient of such banks in all the Latin American
countries, and while fully aware that response to this demand
would prove theoretically beneficial, .we still adhere to our
personal opinion, that even under the most favorable condi-
tions the volume of transactions constituting banking opera-
tions in the proper sense of the term, such as loans, the
discounting of commercial paper, deposits, etc. (i. e. the bank-
ing business as now conducted by similar national institu-
tions) would not be sufficient to constitute a decisive factor
in favor of their organization. In our judgment the actual
requirements of Latin America call for an extension of the
present banking connections on an efficient basis, and this
present convention offers a favorable opportunity for pro-
moting the extension of such reciprocal relations between
American banks.
Men prominent in the financial world of this country
have expressed the opinion that "Banks are not established
in the natural order of things for the purpose of creating
business, but for managing, developing and extending such
business as has been previously established." This opinion
is based on the methods followed by British, German and
Belgian capital in South America, where the financiers of
these European countries began by investing their funds
in railways, manufacturing and other enterprises, while
their banking interests only established South American
branches later on, and practically merely for attending to
the foreign business of their own countries. The principal
and i)rimary requirement of South America is the liberal
investment of United States capital, and when that has been
fulfilled, a vast and profitable field of operations will have
been opened up for the banking interests of this country.
36
Among concurring opinions regarding these matters we
may quote the following statement of Mr. F. Abbot Goodhue
of Boston:
The wisest plan at the present time is to make more
loans to South America, instead of opening branches of bank-
ing institutions. Mone}^ expended for loans will be pro-
fitabh' invested, business will become prosperous, and we
shall thus open the way for the establishment of banks."
Similar opinions are now being adopted and maintained by
financial authorities, and the conviction is gaining ground
that it is an absolutely necessary requirement for the South
American countries and business interests to obtain credits
which will enable them to pay for the supplies which this
countrv sells them. This was actually the method followed
by the European countries, which until recently were given
the preference. 1)ecause the Old World money markets were
loaning at cheaper rates and were in a position to compete to
good advantage against the delivery charges, rates of interest,
etc. demanded in the United States. This may be explained
by the fact that the European countries are much older, and
that the mass of their population has been able to accumulate
ample savings, such as are practically unheard of in the
United States, with the result that they have an abundance
of available funds to lend. Moreover, the necessary invest-
ments for railways and other public enterprises have already
been made in the countries of Europe, and as no further funds
are required for such purposes, their people are naturally
induced to look aliroad for chances to invest their unproduc-
tive capital, and consequently satisfied to get moderate
returns from the same.
The present change in the direction in which South
America must look for her supplies, makes it imperative,
that 1)usiness be conducted on the above indicated basis, and
in this connection it becomes necessary of course to provide
sufficient security for the capital to be invested — by giving
the proper guarantees which Bolivia is fortunately in a posi-
tion to offer to a satisfactory extent.
What we need, most of all, are financial organizations
that will uplift our mining industry, agriculture, arts, manu-
factures, immigration, etc., by establishing several special
banks, as well as factories, an agricultural loan and credit
system, and similar institutions, all of which require through
37
investigation, while we are compelled to confine ourselves on
this occasion to a few superficial remarks.
TIN AND COPPER SMELTING WORKS.
When the European war broke out, and Bolivia was
prevented from exporting" these ores to Europe through the
usual channels, the Bolivian Government made the most stre-
nuous efforts to solve this exceedingly important problem.
The ores could not be shipped to this country, because
there were no smelting works in the United States available
for the purpose. To have them smelted and refined by
private concerns would have been a risky undertaking, as
it might reasonably be excepted that the temporarily sus-
pended relations Ijetween the mine owners and the British
and German smelting works would be resumed upon the
conclusion of the war.
In view of this emergency the Consulate General of Bo-
livia in New York suceeded in interesting capitalists in
this country in the matter. These parties submitted to the
Bolivian Government a proposition based on the suggestion
that a smelting works for the purposes in question should
be erected and installed in the United States, for account of
the Government of Bolivia, as being the only available means
for making sure that supplies of ore W'Ould continue to be
shipped to these Government w^orks, even after the termina-
tion of the war, by giving the Bolivian mine owners an
interest in the proportional quantity of ore supplied by them
to the Smelting Works, following the cooperative plan
adopted in Austria and other countries. The bankers offered
to advance the funds required for the erection and complete
installation of the plant, and to take part in the management,
under the strict supervision that was to be exercised by the
Bolivian Government. Among other matters, which it would'
be idle to mention on this occasion, it was planned that the
Smelting Works were to supply this country wnth about
30,000 tons of block tin, representing an amount two thirds
of its annual consumption, and that Bolivia was thus to
provide a sum in excess of 20,000,000, to be used for sub-
stituting New^ York exchange for London exchange, and
eventually to be invested in export goods.
The Bolivian Government arrived at the conclusion that
38
the proposition should not be accepted, on the i^round that
"it would induce the State to transgress beyond the scope
of its proper functions, and thus to become an operator en-
gaged in the metallurgical industry,"
On the other hand, our Government, responding to an
evident national desire, has for some time been considering
the erection and installation of an electric smelting works
in its own territory, in consideration of the fact, that while
there is an abundance of available hydraulic power, the supply
of coal is scarce, and its importation would place a plant
operated by fuel combustion at a disadvantage.
In support of these plans on our part, we have caused
tests to be made in this country, with the following results :
Bolivian tin concentrates ("barrilla") tested in New Jersey,
produced an output of 66.96%, and when smelted at the
Pittsburgh Electric Smelting Works, the product was block
tin 98.75% pure (capable of being further refined), with a
residue of 1.89% slag.
These recently obtained data have been transmitted, so
as to make them available in case they are considered of
sufficient importance.
This matter has meanwhile aroused very great interest,
and it appears from press reports that the "Compañía Esta-
ñífera de Llallagua," owned by Chilean capitalists, but
having its property in Bolivia, has organized a company
for the erection and installation of a smelting works on the
Pacific Coast, at the port of Arica or Mejillones.
We beg to call the attention of parties in the United
States, interested in such enterprises, to the foregoing
particulars. In case any of them should be inclined to take
up this proposition, the only practical way to proceed would
be, in our judgment, to acquire the ownership of tin mines
in Bolivia, by means of an efficiently constituted organization,
and in such manner that the Bolivian owners would still
retain an interest in the enterprise. In this manner (provided
of course it should for some reason or other prove impractic-
able to instal an electric smelting w^orks in Bolivia) a plant
could easily be erected and installed in the United States,
as it would have the output of the Company's own mines
to work on, and therefore be on a solid basis, without any
risk of the supplies of material being turned back into their
former channels, upon the conclusion of the European war.
39
THE MADEIRA-MAMORÉ RAILWAY.
Although on Brazilian soil, this means of communication
is of preeminent importance for Bolivia, as it provides her
with a means of access to, and egress from the Atlantic,
and has opened up to human enterprise vast territories
abounding in natural wealth seldom equalled. In this con-
nection it will be sufficient to point out, that the highest
grade rubber known is gathered in these districts, which
also supply many other products that are now being gradually
discovered and worked.
The fondest hopes and expectations of Bolivia have for
time immemorial been centered in this railway, and it was
for this reason that she consented to cede to Brazil her
extensive and luxuriant territory in El Acre, placing the
fullest confidence in the material advance and other benefits
which the country would derive from this railway, which
Brazil bound herself to construct. She has loyally fulfilled
this obligation, nowithstanding excessive financial sacrifices,
far surpassing the estimated cost.
The Company that undertook the construction of the
railway was incorporated under the laws of Maine, and
became involved in financial difficulties which do not call for
discussion at this time, with the result that the administration
of its affairs has recently been placed in the hands of
Trustees.
Inasmuch as both Brazil and Bolivia have interests of
the utmost importance that are closely connected with the
successful operation of the said railway, we venture to point
out, that it will be expedient for both countries to exert every
possible effort, to the limit of their capacity, with a view to
saving the situation and imparting new life to the enterprise,
by adequate reorganization, either by interesting capitalists
in the United States in an arrangement to be based on a long
term lease, or by reorganizing the Company in some way
which it is not incumbent upon us to discuss.
THE YUNGAS RAILWAY.
The Yungas Provinces, located at a short distance from
La Paz, present not only some of the most beautiful landscape
panoramas in the world, but also contain an exuberant wealth
40
of natural products, such as different kinds of wood, fruit,
cocoa, etc. For the purpose of opening up an outlet for
these products, and of increasing the output, the Bolivian
Government is now endeavoring to interest United States
capital in the construction of a railway which is to connect
the Bolivian metropolis wnth these virgin territories and all
their natural wealth. The estimated cost of the railway is
only 2,500.000, to be secured by ample guaranties.
BOLIVIAN p:nterprises
CROWDING EACH OTHER IN SEEKING THE
COOPERATION OF UNITED STATES
CAPITAL.
Since the European war unexepectedly cast its shadow
over the earth, all nations have apparently lived in the hope
of being able to redeem at least some of the losses they have
suffered, by appealing to this country as the successor in
the great financial mission, the burden of which has here-
tofore rested on the shoulders of Europe.
Applicants in ever increasing niunbers have meanwhile
presented themselves at the Consulate General of Bolivia in
New York, with the request to be placed in touch with
capitalists interested in such propositions, for the purpose
of calling upon them to undertake various enterprises in
the field of mining, agriculture, arts, industries etc. and the
proposition has even been made to establish Bolivian business
agencies in this city.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION BUREAUS.
In ^•iew of this forward movement, it will in our opinion
be expedient to establish such sources of reliable information,
for the purpose of guiding the judgment of others and pro-
tecting to a certain extent the interests of Bolivian business
men and manufacturers, as well as of the capitalists of this
country, who are in quest of connections and combinations,,
that will prove mutually beneficial and profitable.
41
CONCLUSION.
Commercial intercourse having- been established for
many years between Bolivia and Great Britain, Germany and
France, all of which countries preeminently adapted them-
selves to existing conditions, by facilitating business inter-
change, it was a foregone conclusion that the channels of
trade, if guided into different directions, would naturally
take their course towards the United States, where they might
be expected to meet with a favorable reception.
In this connection, however, we are confronted by the
following problems:
I. Bolivian commerce, whose funds were either out-
standing in F.uro.pe, or derived from liberal European credits,
was suddlenly prevented from recovering the former, or from
availing itself of the latter in this country.
II. On the other hand. North American capitalists,
commanding abundant funds, for which their own country
offered exceedingly profitable chances for investment, and
not satisfied wnth the moderate profits which European Capi-
tal was content to accept, hesitated to open credits, partly in
consequence of ignorance of the conditions and requirements
that are the foundation of Bolivian trade. North American
manufacturers, while desirous of opening up new markets
for their products, do not venture to engage in trials in this
direction, for which they have not prepared themselves by
prior inquiries into existing conditions, and by a thorough
knowledge of the territories in question.
In my opinion, it is on the basis of these two factors
that the difficult task of solving this complicated problem
will have to be undertaken.
A great has been deal said about the practical utility
of establishing in South America a system of Banks owned
by U. S. capital, a necessity to w^hich this country has re-
sponded by authorizing the organization of foreign branches,
such as have already been opened in Buenos Aires and Rio
de Janeiro. However, while this measure does afford obvious
advantages, by facilitating direct commercial interchange on
a more economical basis, its adoption will by no means solve
43
the probelm as such, unless these Banks are wihins^- to come to
the rescue of merchants and prockicers, by advancin^^ them
funds to tide them over the present crisis, which is undoubt-
edly merely transitory.
Referring- once more to the two principal sources of
supply for the Bolivian export trade, I am firmly convinced
that the Government of Bolivia will not shrink from any
sacrifices required for the advancement and possibly for the
regeneration of the rubber extracting industry, whose field
is irrefutably the richest and most liberally endowed territory
in the world.
The present decline of this industry is due to the per-
severing efforts of the British to uproot it in the Amazon
countries, and to transplant it to their possessions in the Far
East, which have proven successful in consequence of the
application of scientific and economical methods, and there
is no reason why they should not likewise be applied to our
rubber producing districts with the same determination that
will undoubtedly insure good results. To this end it will be
imperative to decide on a system for the consolidation of
priA'ate property, while avoiding the accumulation of large
estates and offering inducements to settlers.
A further urgent necessity is a reduction in the cost
of transportation over the Madeira-Mamoré railway, and the
subsidizing of a steamship line to provide a direct steamer
service to Porto Velho, one of the terminals of the said
railway and a point up to which the river is ready navigable
for ocean steamers of a tonnage of three to four thousand
tons, thereby establishing a direct traffic route between the
said port and those on the western Pacific coast, by way of
the Panama canal.
The foregoing propositions provide a safe and reliable
basis for the investment of North American capital for the
promotion of rubber tree plantation enterprises which just
now — more than at any other time — are a subject well worth
careful study and consideration on the part of the practical
minds of farsighted men, in view of the serious complications
liable to result from the present tremendous clash of arms,
whose devastating consequences may even deal a serious
blow to the similar industrial enterprises in Asia, to which
we have had reference.
In considering these matters, we must not overlook the
44
fact that in Bolivia as well as in the other South American
countries, it was British, French and Belgian capital that
supplied the loans and built the railways, in view of the
moderate rates of interest charged and the liberal terms
allowed, neither of which appear to satisfy the capitalists of
the United States.
It will be well to bear in mind, moreover, that Bolivia
can unfortunately not expect to draw^ immigration from Great
Britain, France and the United States, since these countries
offer to their population greater inducements at home than
could possible be offered them abroad. The Germans, on the
other hand, are spreading everywhere, creating industrial
centers and commercial associations, admirabh^ organized,
which they thus succeed in rendering profitable both for
themselves and for the country in which they establish them.
Overpopulation of their own country and the consequent dif-
ficulty of earning a living at home, cause the Italian and
Spanish people to emigrate, and they constitute an element
that always meets with a good reception.
In Bolivia, the increase of her population is a necessity
overshadowing all other considerations, and in this connec-
tion it w^ill be well to bear in mind the saying that immigration
"is not attracted," but "attracts itself." Only with an
increased population will she be able to increase her produc-
tion, and consequently her imports, thereby providing traffic
and revenue for the comparatively extensive railway system
which Bolivia now has at her service.
It may not be out of place, perhaps, to state on this
occasion, as an expression of our personal conviction, that,
while admiring and honoring the United States for its gi-
gantic enterprise in joining the two Oceans by the construc-
tion of the Panama Canal, from which posterity wall derive
such benefits as it would be difficult for our minds to foretell,
we do not think that it will bestow on countries like Bolivia
such immediate and tangible benefits as have generally been
expected. The Canal as such cannot effect an increase either
in the production or imports of the country, and before it
will be able to exert an influence on the same, it will be
indispensable to increase both the producing and consuming
population, and all efforts to that end must necessarily be
centered in the Government and in instutions interested in
the furtherance of immigration.
NEW YORK, MAY 20th, 1915.
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