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Speech File Backup Files
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Uruguayan Congress 12/4/90
[OA 8320]
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26
21
2
2
McNally/Simon
November 26, 1990
Draft Two (B: :URUGUAY)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ADDRESS TO URUGUAYAN CONGRESS
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
Jurecky
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1990
Jack Uruguay
Mr. Vice President, distinguished Members of the Congress,
ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Uruguay:
Barbara and I have been deeply touched by your warm welcome.
You've made us feel at home. And indeed, Montevideo is graced by
images that were once familiar features in our own nation's fron-
Unuquay in Pictures
tier tradition -- the dramatic statues of Belloni and Zorrilla
Fodor's p.24 S. America
p.521, 530 depicting covered wagons, a stage coach, and the Gaucho himself.
For a moment there, I thought we were back home in Texas! \\\\
The peoples of our two countries have long been linked by
bonds of tradition and belief. Both emphasize equality. Both
place their trust in the individual. Both are deeply rooted to
the land. Indeed, Uruguay is blessed with some of the best
farmland in the world -- and, flying over it this morning - it
reminded me of the fertile heartland of the United States. III
But the truth is, there is no place quite like Uruguay --
this heart-shaped country that's not only at the heart of the
South ern Cone -- but at the heart of South America's exciting new
movement towards free markets and free ideas. III
Uruguay appears small on the map, but looms large in real
life -- large in land, large in character, large in heritage and
illian
dreams. More than a century ago, W.H. Hudson crossed Uruguay's
The
purple
rolling grasslands and purple banks, and brought them vividly to
Land
1885
life in his epic saga, The Purple Land. The Uruguay he saw was a
2
trackless prairie of vast spaces and limitless horizons. III
Today, the horizons of Uruguay once again open up to a
for
future without limit. Just look around: Behind me you see Jose
Chare description Rep.
Chaml of
Artigas [ar-TEE-gus], father of a modern nation. And before me
you see the Uruguayan Congress -- a new generation of Uruguayan
pioneers, seeking not to tame a land, but to build a country.
Our visit comes at a time when the Western Hemisphere stands
on the threshold of a new era -- what I told your neighbors in
Brazil yesterday marked "a new dawn for the New World."
Together, we've embarked on a journey spurred by profound,
worldwide changes -- political renewal, economic restructuring,
social realignment. And together we are leading the way.
We have a unique chance to realize the dreams and ambitions
of the people who came to the Americas, north and south, seeking
a better life for themselves and for those who followed. Like
Britannica
the States, Uruguay is a nation of immigrants. And the
history of our republics is told in the history of our families.
One such family was Ireland's MacGillycuddy brothers, who
in
last
Carolyn left the shores of Eur
collotion
Mack's great grandfather left
north. One went south
Unuguage
Ireland in 1846 and trame to the
God, learned the langt
Desh
and
U.S.
their grandchildren ai
647-2296
Eduardo's grandfather Name
MacGillycuddy -- Urugi
to Unugnay later.
Mack -- United States
Common dreams. (
Eduardo's grandfather was the
first trip to Uruguay,
son of Mach's Great grandfather.
3
February
KI-yay] well. We met in Washington last April, and again in
October in New York. Not only does your President have a vision
for his country, but he has the rare talent of being able to act
on his vision for the benefit of his people.
Intative
Last June, I announced the Enterprise for the Americas -- an
6027-90
plan
ambitious new initiative to help create a hemispheric free trade
zone. It's a major new step in our shared dream for the world's
bon
first completely democratic hemisphere -- and President Lacalle
Johnson
NSC
was the first head of state to call me to discuss how we could
work together to realize its objectives.
The world is changing faster than anyone believed possible.
Fundamental changes are sweeping Latin America and Uruguay. From
Tierra del Fuego to the Rio Grande, old ways of doing business
are being re-examined and new ideas are on the march. The demo-
cratic form of government has come to be recognized as the embod-
iment of political legitimacy. The democratic ideal has become
irresistible precisely because it is now an indigenous force the
world over, from Poland to Paraguay, from China to Chile.
It has not triumphed everywhere, and, to be sure, not all
men and women today live under freedom and democracy. But we
have reached the point where all are demanding to live under
freedom and democracy as their God-given right.
The Western Hemisphere can take pride in having launched
this worldwide transformation from dictatorship to democracy.
And nowhere has the process been as impressive as in Uruguay,
where your people have demonstrated the courage, cooperation and
4
self-sacrifice necessary to win success. The transition was
difficult, but the potential rewards are great. The conversion
of the hemisphere to representative government and to rational
economic management opens up the possibility of unprecedented
mutual respect and common purpose across the Americas.
Here in Uruguay, President Lacalle has set forth a bold
program to restructure the Uruguayan economy, changes which will
improve Uruguay's overall strength and prosperity. In time, the
economy will produce more goods and services, provide more jobs
for all, and in short, improve Uruguay's very quality of life.
But fundamental changes often involve costs. There are no
easy solutions. No quick fixes. In the U.S., we are grappling
with the budget deficit. Here in Uruguay, President Lacalle has
established a social emergency fund to help the most needy. We
have been pleased to have been able to contribute to this fund.
Changes are also sweeping the United States. There is new
thinking on the Potomac. We will keep our commitments in Central
America, and we are also reaching out a helping hand of
friendship and cooperation to our neighbors in South America.
I know that many in Latin America fear we have become unduly
preoccupied with dramatic developments in the old world. Let me
assure you that we have not. The Enterprise for the Americas
Initiative represents a fundamental shift in our relationship
with Latin America. It recognizes a simple truth, a truth
see
President Lacalle coined last June at the O.A.S., a truth that
file
has now been heard and embraced throughout the Americas. Pros
5
perity in our Hemisphere, he said, depends on trade -- not aid.
In order to promote trade, we have signed a framework agree-
ment with your government that commits us to explore practical
ways to reduce trade barriers. A strong multilateral trading
system is the cornerstone of a healthy, expanding world economy.
And that's why my highest trade priority is the successful
conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT negotiations. It
presents us an extraordinary opportunity for unparalleled
economic growth for all nations, well into the 21st century.
adventurer
193
As the traveler in The Purple Land says: "We lose half our
see
opportunities in life through too much caution." The new dawn is
file
breaking. Let's shake the world. Let's conclude GATT now. \\\
state
At the Houston Summit, we stood with Uruguay and other Latin
Dept.
American nations in insisting that countries stop subsidizing
draft
agricultural products to the detriment of world trade. The land
has historically been at the heart of both our economies. And
from Montevideo to Montana, our farmers and ranchers enjoy shared
traditions, shared interests, and shared concerns.
Improved trade must be bolstered by assistance with invest-
ment and with debt. In order to promote investment, we have
entered into the bilateral investment treaty with your government
State
that will pave the way for new U.S. investments in Uruguay.
Dept.
In order to assist with debt, we have asked Congress to
draft
approve a new package for the relief of official Latin debt.
This will not only allow us to reduce debt, but also to convert
other payments to investment in industry, and to swap "debt-for-
6
nature" to protect Uruguay's natural beauty. Environmental
destruction knows no borders -- and it is our responsibility to
leave future generations not only a more prosperous world, but
also a cleaner and safer world. III
A safer world also means a world free from the scourge of
this hemisphere -- the scourge called cocaine. For the sake of
our kids -- the explosive cycle of drugs, dependency and dollars
must be stopped. 111
And finally, a safer world also means a world safe for
freedom, a world governed by the Rule of Law. And looking out at
Johnechy
DCM
the assembled Supreme Court of this land only serves to remind us
Unsignay
of the importance of the judiciary to the freedom of a democracy
-- and the importance of Rule of Law to the freedom of the world.
What the world faces in the Persian Gulf is fundamental. No
one in Uruguay needs to be told about the sovereignty of nations.
Unuguay
in
Pictures
In 1811, Artigas and his Gauchos led an exodus of free Uruguayans
P.
26-7
who refused to submit to the control of foreign despots. His
see
demand was simple: complete autonomy for Uruguay. III
file
Artigas' dream was not realized overnight. But today many
believe that -- had it not been for Artigas' brave stand --
Uruguay would surely have been absorbed into another nation.
Exactly 30 years ago, President Eisenhower spoke to the
3-2-60
see
people of Uruguay from this very podium. Our message hasn't
file
changed. He said: "The United States does not covet a single
acre of land that belongs to another. We do not wish to control
or dictate to another government
We believe that the people
7
of every nation are endowed with the right of free choice, and
that the most sacred obligation of the world community is to
guarantee such choice to all."
A generation after Artigas, Juan Lavalleja and the "33
in Unuguay Picture Immortals"
completed Uruguay's transition to sovereign freedom.
p.27-8
Today, their legacy has fallen to you -- an inheritance for
Uruguay, and for all the Americas. Today, the new 33 Immortals
are the very nations of this continent -- the 30-some independent
nations now barrelling in confidence towards the new century.
All of us have a stake in working together. Our goal is to
work with Latin America to build a hemisphere where trade and
investment are unfettered, private enterprise can flourish, and
individual rights are respected. I see a hemisphere with strong
democratic institutions and leaders; an ever expanding economic
opportunity for all members of society; a society free of drugs
and crime; a cleaner environment; and a new era of cooperation
between Latin America and the United States. III
Uruguay is a colorful land of spectacular beauty -- from the
lush green expanses outside Salto, to the purple banks of the Yi
River, to the white beaches of Punta del Este. But as a new dawn
p.
538
breaks over the New World, Uruguay, like all of Latin America,
will be searching for its own true colors, as vibrant and diverse
as the continent itself. As you search, we will be watching with
great hopes. And we will be standing with you. III Godspeed
you on this journey. And God bless the people of Uruguay.
#
#
#
McNally/Simon
November 26, 1990
staffed
Draft 3 (B:URUGUAY)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ADDRESS TO URUGUAYAN CONGRESS
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1990
Mr. Vice President, distinguished Members of the Congress,
ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Uruguay:
Barbara and I have been deeply touched by your warm welcome.
You've made us feel at home. And indeed, Montevideo is graced by
images that were once familiar features in our own nation's fron-
tier tradition -- the dramatic statues of Belloni and Zorrilla
depicting covered wagons, a stage coach, and the Gaucho himself.
For a moment there, I thought we were back home in Texas! IIII
The peoples of our two countries have long been linked by
bonds of tradition and belief. Both emphasize equality. Both
place their trust in the individual. Both are deeply rooted to
the land. Indeed, Uruguay is blessed with some of the best
farmland in the world -- and, flying over it this morning -- it
reminded me of the fertile heartland of the United States. III
But the truth is, there is no place quite like Uruguay --
this heart-shaped country that's not only at the heart of the
Southern Cone -- but at the heart of South America's exciting new
movement towards free markets and free ideas. III
Uruguay appears small on the map, but looms large in real
life -- large in land, large in character, large in heritage and
dreams. More than a century ago, W.H. Hudson crossed Uruguay's
rolling grasslands and purple banks, and brought them vividly to
life in his epic saga, The Purple Land. The Uruguay he saw was a
2
trackless prairie of vast spaces and limitless horizons.
Today, the horizons of Uruguay once again open up to a
future without limit. Just look around: Behind me you see Jose
Artigas [ar-TEE-gus], father of a modern nation. And before me
you see the Uruguayan Congress -- a new generation of Uruguayan
pioneers, seeking not to tame a land, but to build a country.
Our visit comes at a time when the Western Hemisphere looks
out upon a new era, an era that -- as I told your neighbors in
Brazil yesterday -- marks "a new dawn for the New World."
Together, we've embarked on a journey spurred by profound,
worldwide changes -- political renewal, economic restructuring,
social realignment. And together we are leading the way.
We have a unique chance to realize the dreams and ambitions
of the people who came to the Americas, north and south, seeking
a better life for themselves and for those who followed. Like
the Unites States, Uruguay is a nation of immigrants. And the
history of our republics is told in the history of our families.
One such family was the MacGillycuddys of Ireland, who left
the shores of Europe in the last century. One went north. One
went south. Both worked hard, prayed to the same God, learned
the language of their adopted countries. And today, their grand-
children are the children of the Americas: Eduardo MacGillycuddy
-- Uruguay's Ambassador to Washington -- and Connie Mack --
United States Senator from the state of Florida.
Common dreams. Common bonds. Common families. This is my
first trip to Uruguay, yet I feel I know President Lacalle [la-
3
KI-yay] well. We met in Washington last February, and again in
October in New York. Not only does your President have a vision
for his country, but he has the rare talent of being able to act
on his vision for the benefit of his people.
Last June, I announced the Enterprise for the Americas
Initiative -- an ambitious new plan to help create a hemispheric
free trade zone. It's a major new step in our shared dream for
the world's first completely democratic hemisphere -- and
President Lacalle was the first head of state to call me to
discuss how we could work together to realize its objectives.
The world is changing faster than anyone believed possible.
Fundamental changes are sweeping Latin America and Uruguay. From
Tierra del Fuego to the Rio Grande, old ways of doing business
are being re-examined and new ideas are on the march. The demo-
cratic form of government has come to be recognized as the embod-
iment of political legitimacy. The democratic ideal has become
irresistible precisely because it is now an indigenous force the
world over, from Poland to Paraguay, from China to Chile.
It has not triumphed everywhere, and, to be sure, not all
men and women today live under freedom and democracy. But we
have reached the point where all are demanding to live under
freedom and democracy as their God-given right.
The Western Hemisphere can take pride in having launched
this worldwide transformation from dictatorship to democracy.
And nowhere has the process been more impressive than in Uruguay,
where your people have demonstrated the courage, cooperation and
4
self-sacrifice necessary to win success. The transition was
difficult, but the potential rewards are great. The conversion
of the hemisphere to representative government and to rational
economic management opens up the possibility of unprecedented
mutual respect and common purpose across the Americas.
Here in Uruguay, President Lacalle has set forth a bold
program to restructure the Uruguayan economy, changes which will
improve Uruguay's overall strength and prosperity. In time, the
economy will produce more goods and services, provide more jobs
for all, and in short, improve Uruguay's very quality of life.
But fundamental changes often involve costs. There are no
easy solutions. No quick fixes. In the U.S., we are grappling
with the budget deficit. Here in Uruguay, President Lacalle has
established a social emergency fund to help the most needy. We
have been pleased to be able to contribute to this new fund.
Changes are also sweeping the United States. There is new
thinking on the Potomac. We will keep our commitments in Central
America, and we are also reaching out a helping hand of
friendship and cooperation to our neighbors in South America.
I know some in Latin America fear we've become preoccupied
with dramatic developments in the old world. Let me assure you
today that we have not -- the Enterprise for the Americas Initia-
tive represents a fundamental shift in our relationship with
Latin America. It recognizes a simple truth, a truth President
Lacalle recognized last June at the O.A.S., a truth that has now
been heard and embraced throughout the Americas. Prosperity in
5
our Hemisphere, he said, depends on trade -- not aid.
In order to promote trade, we have signed a framework agree-
ment with your government that commits us to explore practical
ways to reduce trade barriers. A strong multilateral trading
system is the cornerstone of a healthy, expanding world economy.
And that's why my highest trade priority is the successful
conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT negotiations. It
presents us an extraordinary opportunity for unparalleled
economic growth for all nations, well into the 21st century.
At the Houston Summit, we stood with Uruguay and other Latin
American nations in insisting that countries stop subsidizing
agricultural products to the detriment of world trade. The land
has historically been at the heart of both our economies. And
from Montevideo to Montana, our farmers and ranchers enjoy shared
traditions, shared interests, and shared concerns.
As the traveler in The Purple Land says: "We lose half our
opportunities in life through too much caution." The new dawn is
breaking. Let's shake the world. Let's conclude GATT now. 111
Improved trade must be bolstered by assistance with invest-
ment and with debt. In order to promote investment, we have
entered into the bilateral investment treaty with your government
that will pave the way for new U.S. investments in Uruguay.
In order to assist with debt, we have asked Congress to
approve a new package for the relief of official Latin debt.
This will not only allow us to reduce debt, but also to convert
other payments to investment in industry, and to swap "debt-for-
6
nature" to protect Uruguay's natural beauty. Environmental
destruction knows no borders -- and it is our responsibility to
leave future generations not only a more prosperous world, but
also a cleaner and safer world.
A safer world also means a world free from the scourge of
this hemisphere -- the scourge called cocaine. For the sake of
our kids -- the explosive cycle of drugs, dependency and dollars
must be stopped. III
And finally, a safer world also means a world safe for
freedom, a world governed by the Rule of Law. And looking out at
the assembled Supreme Court of this land only serves to remind us
of the importance of the judiciary to the freedom of a democracy
--- and the importance of Rule of Law to the freedom of the world.
What the world faces in the Persian Gulf is fundamental. No
one in Uruguay needs to be told about the sovereignty of nations.
In 1811, Artigas and his Gauchos led an exodus of free Uruguayans
who refused to submit to the control of foreign despots. His
demand was simple: complete autonomy for Uruguay. 111
Artigas' dream was not realized overnight. But today many
believe that -- had it not been for Artigas' brave stand --
Uruguay would surely have been absorbed into another nation.
Exactly 30 years ago, President Eisenhower spoke to the
people of Uruguay from this very podium. Our message hasn't
changed. He said: "The United States does not covet a single
acre of land that belongs to another. We do not wish to control
or dictate to another government
We believe that the people
7
of every nation are endowed with the right of free choice, and
that the most sacred obligation of the world community is to
guarantee such choice to all."
A generation after Artigas, Juan Lavalleja and the "33
Immortals" completed Uruguay's transition to sovereign freedom.
Today, their legacy has fallen to you -- an inheritance for
Uruguay, and for all the Americas. Today, the new 33 Immortals
are the very nations of this continent -- the O.A.S. nations now
barrelling in confidence towards the new century.
All of us have a stake in working together. Our goal is to
work with Latin America to build a hemisphere where trade and
investment are unfettered, private enterprise can flourish, and
individual rights are respected. I see a hemisphere with strong
democratic institutions and leaders; an ever expanding economic
opportunity for all members of society; a society free of drugs
and crime; a cleaner environment; and a new era of cooperation
between Latin America and the United States.
III
Uruguay is a colorful land of spectacular beauty -- from the
lush green expanses outside Salto, to the purple banks of the Yi
River, to the white beaches of Punta del Este. But as a new dawn
breaks over the New World, Uruguay, like all of Latin America,
will be searching for its own true colors, as vibrant and diverse
as the continent itself. As you search, we will be watching with
great hopes. And we will be standing with you. III Godspeed
you on this journey. And God bless the people of Uruguay.
#
#
#
Nov 4, 90
URUGUAY SPEECH
SETTING
O
I have come to visit your country at a time when we in the
Western Hemisphere are on the threshhold of a new era. We
are witnessing a period of profound changes
worliwide--political renewal, basic restructuring of
economies, and social realignments and here in this
hemisphere we are leading the way.
We have the unique chance in the Americas to finally
realize the dreams and ambitions of the men and women who
came to this hemisphere, north and south, seeking a better
life for themselves and for those who have come after
them. The history of our republics can be told many times
over in the histories of individual families.
-- One such family is that of your Ambassador Eduardo
MacGillycuddy to Washington, and of the United States
Senator Connie Mack from the state of Florida. I am
sure their grandfathers, immigrant brothers from
Ireland, would be proud if they could see their
grandsons today.
This is my first trip to Uruguay, yet I feel that I know
President Lacalle well. We met in Washington last April
and again in October in New York. President Lacalle is a
man of vision.
-- Not only does he have a vision for his country, but he
possesses the rare talent of being able, through his
leadership, to act on his vision for the benefit of his
countrymen.
Last June I made an announcement in the White House that my
administration intended to work together with the other
countries of this hemisphere to initiate a new approach in
our relations which would stimulate growth.
-- President Lacalle was the first head of state to
personally call me to discuss the Enterprise for the
Americas Initiative, and how we could work together to
realize its objectives.
Let me assure you that in the United States, President
Lacalle is recognized as a man who can and will make things
happen. Uruguay, in both the economic and political sense,
is a star performer and an inspirational example for the
region.
I applaud President Lacalle and the Uruguayan people for
your initiative, perseverance and intelligence in dealing
with a world that is changing faster than anyone ever
believed possible.
--
I found much wisdom in the words of President
Lacalle when, at the OAS General Assembly, he
said that our hemisphere is ready to aidress "the
profound transformations of our time: the
exercise of representative democracy, the
expansion of fundamental freedom, and the eclipse
of the old, authoritarian regimes."
THE NEW DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION
Fundamental changes are sweeping Latin America and
Uruguay. From Tierra del Fuego to the Rio Grande, old ways
of doing business are being re-examined and new ideas are
on the march.
The democratic form of government has come to be recognized
as the embodiment of political legitimacy.
--
The democratic ideal has become irresistible
precisely because it is now an indigenous force
the world over, from Poland to Uruguay, and from
China to Chile.
It has not triumphed everywhere, to be sure; not all men
and women today live under freedom and democracy. But we
have reached the point where all are demanding to live
under freedom and democracy as their God-given right.
--
Democracy's ideological foes, on the left and the
right, have been discredited. The political and
economic systems they fashioned stand today in
ruins.
The Western Hemisphere can justly take pride in having
launched the epochal worldwide transition from dictatorship
to democracy, first in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and
Ecuador, and lately in Chile, Panama, and Nicaragua.
0
In a very short time, we have traveled far toward achieving
an unprecedented degree of mutual respect and common
purpose among the nations of this hemisphere.
O
Nowhere has the democratization process been as impressive
as here in Uruguay. Every Uruguayan can be proud of the
transition. It was difficult but Uruguayans have
demonstrated courage and have shown a willingness to work
together and to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve
success.
0
However, two revolutions are taking place in Latin America:
one political, the other economic. The conversion of
almost the entire hemisphere to representative government
and to the principles of rational economic management opens
up the possibility of closer ties than we have ever before
enjoyed with our Latin neighbors.
:
The return to democracy throughout the hemisphere
has paved the way for greater economic
opportunity and cooperation between Latin America
and the United States.
THE NEW ECONOMIC REVOLUTION
The driving force behind this second revolution is the
world's recognition that economic growth and prosperity
derive not from central planning and state enterprises, but
from the dynamism and energy of individuals.
This intellectual revolution commands movement away from
failed statist doctrines; from dictatorships from the left
and right; towards democracy, free government, and free
enterprise; toward the true political and economic
empowerment of the people.
-- As your beloved hero, Jose Artigas, SO correctly
stated, "industry and commerce are the channels
for people's happiness."
Our common goal is to free this economic force: nothing
works better than people who want to work; nothing creates
better than people who want to create; and nothing succeeds
better than people who want to succeed.
Throughout the world people share the same aspirations:
-- A better life for themselves and their children;
rewards for hard work and initiative; recognition
of talent and ideas; and a profound desire for an
economic system that rewards not a select few,
but all those ready and willing to work.
Many countries in Latin America are already walking this
path. In Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Jamaica, Mexico,
Bolivia and here in Uruguay, reforms are taking place to
unleash competition on which efficient productive free
enterprise is based.
Fundamental changes frequently involve costs. In many
countries, economic restructuring will be accompanied by
economic downturn. Some businesses will fail as others
prosper: jobs will be lost in some industries as they are
gained in others.
--
Here in Uruguay President Lacalle has set forth
on a boll program to restructure the Uruguayan
economy, changes which will improve Uruguay's
overall strength and prosperity.
--
Overall and in time, the economy will produce
more goods and services, and provide more jobs
for all. In short, the improving quality of life.
There are no easy solutions. There are no quick fixes. We
are making tough political decisions.
Those who would defend statism and protectionism
as a means to maintain dwindling benefits, will
soon realize that they have been sold empty
promises and that a failing economic system
cannot continue to meet even its minimum needs.
In the United States we are grappling with the
important problem of the budget deficit. Here in
Uruguay, President Lacalle has establishe3 a
social emergency fund to help the most needy. We
have been pleased to have been able to contribute
to this funi.
A NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Changes are also sweeping the United States. There is new
thinking on the Potomac. We will keep our commitments in
Central America, and we are also reaching out a helping
hand of friendship and cooperation to our neighbors in
South America.
I know that many in Latin America fear we have become
uniuly preoccupied with dramatic developments in the old
world. Let me assure you that we have not.
The Enterprise for the Americas Initiative represents a
fundamental shift in our relationship with Latin America.
It recognizes a truth that President Lacalle called to the
attention of the entire Hemisphere last June 4 at the OAS
General Assembly, and reiterated in his October 2 address
to the Special Session of the OAS, that long term economic
growth and prosperity will be accomplished not by aid, but
by trade and investment.
We want to promote investment, and to that end we
have entered into the bilateral investment treaty
with your government that will pave the way for
new U.S. investments in Uruguay.
We also want to assist with the debt burden, and are
pleased by the progress you have made in your debt
negotiations with the commercial banks. We are confident
that Congress will soon approve a legislative package for
relief from official Latin debt.
-- This authority will allow us not only to reduce
the debt, but also to convert payments on the
remainler to investment in injustry and to
programs to protect the environment in Uruguay.
o
We want to promote trade, and to this end we have signed a
framework trade agreement with your government that commits
us to explore practical ways to reduce barriers to trade.
--
of course, our first priority is a successful
conclusion of the Uruguay Round of trade
negotiations in Geneva which will lead to
increased trade for all. We have been pleased to
note Uruguay's positive role in these
negotiations. The framework agreement we have
concluded will allow us to build on the
achievements of the Uruguay Round of trade
commitments, so that Uruguayan textile
manufacturers, and wool and leather producers can
more easily sell their products free of
international barriers.
o
Uruguayans hold dear their agricultural traditions. At the
Houston Summit, we made common cause with Uruguay and other
Latin American nations in insisting that countries stop
subsidizing agricultural products to the detriment of world
trade. We will continue in this endeavor.
o
The initiative should be a collective effort. All of us
have a stake in working together. Our goal is to work with
Latin America to build a hemisphere where traie and
investment are unfettered, private enterprise can flourish,
and individual rights are respected.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
O
Of course, bilateral cooperation goes beyond economics and
trade. The scourge of drugs, for example, which threatens
both our countries, must be stopped so that our greatest
resource, our children, can live vigorous and active lives,
and enjoy the fruits of our labors.
-- While we recognize that we must 10 more in the
United States to eliminate the demand for drugs,
we look forward to working with your government
to assist in controlling narcotics trafficking
and other narcotics-related crimes.
O
Likewise, the degraiation of our environment, a problem
which does not know or recognize national borders, must be
confronted head on. We owe this to our children and
grandchiliren.
-- It is our responsibility to leave future
generations not only a more prosperous world, but
also a safer and cleaner world.
0
I see a hemisphere with:
--
strong, robust democratic institutions and
leaders;
--
an ever expanding economic opportunity for all
members of society;
-- a society free of drugs and not plagued by crime;
-- a cleaner environment; and
--
a new era of cooperation between Latin America
and the United States.
O
I am confident that the spirit of the free and open
societies we represent will serve to pave the way toward
these goals. Working together, we will create a unity of
purpose and action that will benefit both of our societies
and create a partnership not only in the present but for
future generations to come.
Contact : ARA/SC: CAColloton
10-29-90 x72296
SEARASC 7809 Draft 3
IMMEDIATE
INCOMING
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Angela
U
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ACTION
file
in
ARA/NEA REARCS
U. OTRA Bosh
PAGE 01
MONTEV 03286 0921252
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ACTION: WYPA (1)
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09/21002 A2 YC
(TOTAL COPIES: 0071
ACTION ARA-00
INFO
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1002 W
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o 0921252 JUL 90
PM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3135
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE MONTEVIDEO 03286
FOR ARA/SC RICHARD BROWN
E.O. 12356: N/A
TAGS:
AMGT
SUBJECT:
OFFICIAL - INFORMAL
1. PRESIDENT BUSH' S SPEECH COULD INCORPORATE THE
FOLLOWING TWO URUGUAYAN HEROES:
-- JOSE GERVASIO ARTIGAS - ARTIGAS IS KNOWN AS THE
FATHER OF URUGUAYAN INDEPENDENCE. HE BEGAN THE
URUGUAYAN REVOLT AGAINST THE SPANISH IN 1811. ARTIGAS
CHAMPIONED THE PRINCIPLES OF INDEPENDENCE.
REPUBLICANISM. AND CONFEDERATION. ALTHOUGH HE FAILED
IN HIS GOAL OF SECURING URUGUAYAN INDEPENDENCE,
ARTIGAS IS REVERED BY ALL SECTORS OF THE URUGUAYAN
POLITICAL SPECTRUM.
-- JUAN ANTONIO LAVALLEJA - LAVELLEJA LIBERATED
URUGUAY FROM BRAZILIAN OCCUPATION BY LEADING A BAND OF
EXILES BACK TO URUGUAY IN 1825. LAVELLEJA AND HIS
GROUP, WHO ARE KNOWN AS THE "THIRTY-THREE IMMORTALS".
/
There are
IGNITED AN UPRISING WHICH LED TO COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE
33-35 independent
IN 1828.
-
2. WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING PHRASES AS A STARTING
Nations in the
POINT FOR INCORPORATING THE HEROES INTO THE
Western Hemisphere.
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH:
Suggest they are
ARTIGAS
the "new" 33
instructude for
-- LIKE WASHINGTON, BOLIVAR. AND SAN MARTIN, ARTIGAS
STRUGGLED FOR AN AMERICA OF FREE AND INDEPENDENT
being (almost)
REPUBLICS
the first completely
-- AS THE LEADER OF THE FEDERAL LEAGUE. ARTIGAS
FAVORED A POLICY OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AMONG THE
democratic himisphere.
MEMBER PROVINCES.
-- THOUGH THE LEAGUE DID NOT ENDURE. IT SET AN
also, am proposed
EXAMPLE OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION.
free trade
LAVALLEJA
zone makes
it were
-- THE THIRTY THREE IMMORTALS FINISHED THE TRANSITION
more
FROM COLONIAL RULE, AND IN THE SAME BOLD FASHION
WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO BEGIN THE TRANSITION TO INTEGRATED
powerful.
ECONOMIC MARKETS
JURECKY
ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY-ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
71
COOPERATION
he OECD was
for actions that run contrary to its principles.
OAS MEMBERS
r of the Organi-
Cooperation. Its
While the OAU has formally adopted an African
Antigua and Barbuda
Honduras
omic and social
charter on human rights, few states have signed
Argentina
Jamaica
it. If the OAU is to be effective in the future, it
The Bahamas
Mexico
+ Canada
coordinate and
to developing
will have to grapple directly with sensitive ques-
Barbados
Nicaragua
Bolivia
Panama
tions such as the violation of human rights by its
Brazil
Paraguay
members. See also PAN-AFRICANISM.
Chile
Peru
PATRICK O'MEARA, Indiana University
Colombia
Saint Christopher
NITY (OAU). The
Costa Rica
and Nevis
1963, when 30
Guba (suspended)
Saint Lucia
ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS), the
Dominica
Saint Vincent and
its charter at a
pia. The current
intergovernmental organization, established in
Dominican Republic
the Grenadines
1948 under the United Nations Charter, for the
Ecuador
Surinam
occo, white-ruled
EI Salvador
Trinidad and Tobago
t" South African
nations of the Western Hemisphere. Although
Grenada
United States
Canada, as a member of the (British) Common-
Guatemala
Uruguay
Haiti
wealth, rejected an invitation to join, most of the
Venezuela
e declared their
former European colonies in the Caribbean area
ciples: the sover-
that attained independence from 1962 onward
headquarters in Washington, was redesignated
ates; noninterfer-
have opted for OAS membership. Cuba was sus-
the Pan American Union in 1910, and the Wash-
f member states;
territorial integri-
pended from the OAS in 1962.
ington Conference became, in retrospect, the
Pan American Antecedents. Attempts to promote
settlement of dis-
First Pan American Conference. Subsequent Pan
economic, cultural, and military cooperation
American Conferences, held during a period of
n, conciliation, or
among Western Hemisphere nations date from
recurring U.S. military intervention in Mexico
mnation of politi-
the Latin American movements for indepen-
the total emanci-
and the Caribbean, accomplished little.
dence from Spain and Portugal early in the 19th
In 1933, at the seventh conference in Monte-
erritories; and, fi-
century. The United States identified with the
of nonalignment
video, Uruguay, the United States finally agreed
emerging Latin American nations in 1823 in issu-
S. The headquar-
to a Latin American-backed resolution denying
ing the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the
the right of any state to intervene in the affairs of
baba. The organi-
Western Hemisphere closed to further European
another. This cleared the way for greater coop-
g of heads of state,
colonization. Spanish American leaders, while
eration among Western, Hemisphere govern-
every four years.
welcoming U.S. support against Spain and its
ments during the World War II period. Hemi-
;eneral represent
allies, were wary of North American intentions.
d Southern Africa.
spheric solidarity in the face of extracontinental
South American liberator Simón Bolívar envi-
threats was proclaimed in 1938 at the Pan Amer-
ogical differences
sioned a league of Spanish American republics
ican Conference in Lima, Peru. Following the
g its members, the
formed to guard against possible North American
Japanese attack on the United States in 1941,
hreats to peace. It
aggression as well as for defense against the Eu-
most Latin American nations broke diplomatic
Algerian-Moroccan
ropeans. In 1826, Colombia summoned the oth-
and in Somalia's
relations with the Axis powers and, eventually,
er Spanish American nations to a conference in
declared war on them. A postwar conference
ya and Ethiopia in
Panama (then a Colombian province) but, con-
held near Rio de Janeiro in 1947 resulted in the
le to stop the bitter
trary to Bolívar's wishes, also invited the United
Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance
170. The successes
States. The U.S. delegation arrived in Panama
(Rio Treaty), a formal mutual-defense pact that
S support of libera-
after the meeting had adjourned, and the Spanish
was ratified by all 21 American republics.
ica and the cooper-
American states that attended-Mexico, Central
Founding of the OAS. The signatories of the Rio
ored in education,
America, Colombia (including Venezuela and
Treaty convened in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1948 to
technology.
Ecuador), and Peru-failed to ratify the mutual-
establish a comprehensive regional security sys-
es within the OAU
defense treaty signed at the conference.
tem under Article 52 of the Charter of the United
The first critical is-
Repeatedly confronted with armed incursions
Nations. Meeting at the behest of the United
ebruary of the Saha-
by Spain, France, or Britain, Spanish American
States at the onset of the Cold War, in a city
blic (SADR) as the
governments met in several indifferently attend-
racked by leftist-inspired rioting, the delegates
zation. The SADR
ed conferences in the half-century following in-
took a strong stand against "international Com-
76 by leaders of the
dependence but failed to form a mutual-defense
munism," which was declared incompatable
t in Western Sahara,
system. The United States, after ignoring the
aimed and occupied
with inter-American principles. The organiza-
British seizure of the Falkland (Malvinas) Is-
of the SADR funda-
tion launched at Bogotá was the OAS. From its
lands in 1833, reaffirmed the Monroe Doctrine in
IS and led to the col-
beginning it was resolutely anti-Communist,
the 1840's and thereafter sided with Latin Amer-
and, although its charter proclaimed the equality
mmit in Tripoli, Lib-
icans resisting European aggression. The U.S.
of states, the OAS could not escape domination
0 revive the summit
stand precluded further European territorial
by the United States.
the SADR agreed to
gains in the Western Hemisphere but did not
The OAS charter, as amended in 1967, pro-
but by then a new
prevent the United States from seizing nearly
leader, Muammar al-
vides for a General Secretariat, headed by a sec-
half the territory of Mexico in 1846-1848. By
Goukouni Oueddei,
retary-general elected for a five-year term, its
1889, when the United States invited the other
resident of Chad and
headquarters in Washington. Also in Washing-
nations of the hemisphere to a conference in
ent in the north with
ton is the Permanent Council, on which each
Washington, the European threat had receded,
state is represented by an ambassador having one
but Spanish American suspicions of the United
vote. The Council is the provisional organ of
the SADR, the sum-
States remained active.
1983 at Addis Ababa.
consultation in case of a threat to peace. Collec-
Nevertheless, the Washington Conference of
tive action cannot be taken without the approval
d the meeting, the ex-
1889-1890 was attended by representatives of all
eaffirmed. But when
of two thirds of OAS foreign ministers at a formal
the American republics except the Dominican
Meeting of Consultation. Unilateral action by
the November 1984
Republic. While the participants agreed to the
OAU.
one state against another, except in immediate
creation of a permanent bureau for the collection
self-defense, is forbidden.
remains an elusive
and publication of commercial information, they
uted to the stability of
The policy-making body of the OAS is the
would not accept U.S. proposals for a customs
General Assembly, which meets annually, with
ts authority is limited
union and the establishment of machinery for the
members represented by foreign ministers or
riticize member states
settlement of international disputes. The Com-
heads of state. The assembly also controls the
mercial Bureau of the American Republics, with
OAS budget and supervises specialized agencies
W.H.
Hudson
192
THE PURPLE LAND
PASSION VERSUS PATRIOTISM
I93
Before long I began to blame myself bitterly for
had pained and offended Dolores made it impossible
this imprudent outburst. I dared not hope to continue
for me to sleep-I resolved to join Santa Coloma
longer on the old familiar footing. So high-spirited
immediately. That act alone would salve my con-
and sensitive a woman as Dolores would not easily
science, and I only hoped that it would serve to win
be brought to forget or forgive my conduct. She had
back the friendship and esteem of the woman I had
not repelled me, she had even tacitly consented to
learned to love too well. I had no sooner determined
that one first kiss, and was therefore partly to blame
on taking this step than I began to see so many
herself; but her extreme pallor, her silence and cold
advantages in it that it seemed strange I had not
manner had plainly shown me that I had wounded
taken it before; but we lose half our opportunities
her. My passion had overcome me, and I felt that I
in life through too much caution. A few more days
had compromised myself. For that one first kiss I
of adventure, all the pleasanter for being spiced with
had all but promised to do a certain thing, and not
danger, and I would be once more in Montevideo
to do it now seemed very dishonourable, much as
with a host of great and grateful friends to start
I shrank from joining the Blanco rebels. I had pro-
me in some career in the country. Yes, I said to
posed the thing myself; she had silently consented
myself, becoming enthusiastic, once this oppressive,
to the stipulation. I had taken my kiss and much
scandalous, and besotted Colorado party is swept
more, and having now had my delirious evanescent
with bullet and steel out of the country, as of course,
joy, I could not endure the thought of meanly
it will be, I shall go to Santa Coloma to lay down my
skulking off without paying the price.
sword, resuming by that act my own nationality,
I went out full of trouble and paced up and down
and as sole reward of my chivalrous conduct in aiding
in the orchard for two or three hours, hoping that
the rebellion, ask for his interest in getting me placed,
Dolores might come to me there, but I saw no more
say, at the head of some large estancia in the interior.
of her that day. At dinner Doña Mercedes was
There, possibly on one of his own establishments,
excessively affable, showing clearly that she was
I shall be in my element and happy, hunting ostriches,
not in her daughter's confidence. She informed
eating carne con cuero, possessing a tropilla of twenty
me, simple soul! that Dolores was suffering from a
cream-coloured horses for my private use, and build-
grievous headache caused by taking a glass of claret
ing up a modest fortune out of hides, horns, tallow, and
at breakfast after eating a slice of water-melon,
other native products. At break of day I rose and
an imprudence against which she did not omit to
saddled my horse; then finding the dignified Nepo-
caution me.
mucino, who was the early bird (blackbird) of the
Lying awake that night-for the thought that I
blishment, told him to inform his mistress that
considered the
definitive historical novel
about 19th century
Urugnayan
like
November 27, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR ED MCNALLY
FROM:
BOB SIMON Rd
SUBJECT:
URUGUAYAN CONGRESS
AUDIENCE:
130 Senators and Representatives
4 Supreme Court members
about 10 Cabinet members
according to their tradition, President Lacalle
does not attend these sessions
INTRO:
President Bush will be introduced by Vice
President Gonzalo Aguirre. (Thank you, Mr. Vice
President)
TIME:
4:00 pm
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 20, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
PATTY PRESOCK
ANDREW CARD
LINDA CASEY
JAMES CICCONI
WILLIAM KRISTOL
DAVID DEMAREST
BRUCE CAUGHMAN
MARLIN FITZWATER
ROSE ZAMARIA
BOYDEN GRAY
PAUL BATEMAN
EDE HOLIDAY
RICHARD TREFRY
FRED MCCLURE
DAVID VALDEZ
BONNIE NEWMAN
BILLY DALE
ROGER PORTER
LAURA MELILLO
SIG ROGICH
JOHN HERRICK
BRENT SCOWCROFT
LAURIE FIRESTONE
CHASE UNTERMEYER
PEGGY SWIFT
SUSAN PORTER ROSE
CATHERINE COUGHLIN
ED ROGERS
TOM HUFFORD
JOE HAGIN
DEB ANDERSON
DAVID CARNEY
TONY BENEDI
CHRISS WINSTON
USSS/PPD OPS
BOBBIE KILBERG
WHCA AUDIO/VISUAL
SICHAN SIV
WHCA OPERATIONS
WHTV
MEDICAL UNIT
PRESIDENTIAL
DOCUMENTS
AIRLIFT OPS
THROUGH:
SIG ROGICH
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
PUBLIC EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
FROM:
JOHN G. KELLER, JR. JGK
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND
DIRECTOR OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
SUBJECT:
TRIP OF THE PRESIDENT TO SOUTH AMERICA,
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 1990
For your use and planning purposes, the attached is a preliminary
outline schedule for the Trip of the President to South America,
December 2 - 8, 1990. Please keep in mind the following
information has not been finally approved and is subject to
change.
Attachments
PRELIMINARY OUTLINE SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 2, 1990
GUEST AND STAFF INSTRUCTIONS:
4:00 pm
Baggage Call. Please place
all unlocked baggage outside
Room 89 1/2, O.E.O.B, at this
time.
7:40 pm
Vans depart West Basement en
route Andrews Air Force Base.
7:40 pm
Those Guests and Staff with
own transportation and baggage
should arrive Andrews Air Force
Base, Distinguished Visitors'
Lounge, at this time for
check-in.
8:00 pm
Those Guests and Staff with own
transportation and without
baggage should arrive Andrews
Air Force Base, Distinguished
Visitors' Lounge.
8:30 pm
MARINE ONE departs White House en route Andrews
Air Force Base.
(Flying Time: 10 Minutes)
8:40 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Andrews Air Force Base.
8:45 pm
AIR FORCE ONE departs Andrews Air Force
Base en route Brasilia, Brazil.
(Flying Time: 8 Hours 30 Minutes)
(Interchange: Yes)
(Time Change: Ahead 3 Hours)
RON Air Force One
Monday, December 3, 1990
8:15 am
AIR FORCE ONE arrives Brasilia International
Airport, Brasilia, Brazil.
8:20 am
MOTORCADE departs Brasilia International Airport
en route Planalto Palace.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
8:40 am
MOTORCADE arrives Planalto Palace.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Open Press
- 21 Gun Salute
- Anthems
- Review of Troops
(8:40 am - 8:55 am)
*
ONE ON ONE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT COLLOR
- Travel Pool
(9:00 am - 9:30 am)
*
EXPANDED BILATERAL MEETING
- Travel Pool
(9:30 am - 10:30 am)
*
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
- Expanded Pool
(10:35 am - 11:05 am)
11:10 am
MOTORCADE departs Planalto Palace en route
Brazilian Congress Building.
(Drive Time: 3 Minutes)
11:13 am
MOTORCADE arrives Brazilian Congress Building.
*
CEREMONIOUS ARRIVAL
- Open Press
- Review of Troops
- Anthems
- 21 Gun Salute
(11:15 am - 11:30 am)
Page Two
*
ADDRESS JOINT SESSION OF BRAZILIAN
CONGRESS
- Travel Pool
- Remarks
- Teleprompter
- Simultaneous Interpretation
(11:35 am - 12:25 pm)
12:30 pm
MOTORCADE departs Brazilian Congress Building
en route U.S. Embassy.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
12:35 pm
MOTORCADE arrives U.S. Embassy.
*
AMERICAN EMBASSY COMMUNITY GREETING
- Closed Press
- Brief Remarks
(12:40 pm - 1:05 pm)
1:10 pm
MOTORCADE departs U.S. Embassy en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
1:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
LUNCHEON FOR BRAZILIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY
HOSTED BY PRESIDENT BUSH
- Expanded Pool
- Brief Remarks
(1:30 pm - 3:00 pm)
*
PRIVATE TIME: 5 HOURS
(3:05 pm - 8:05 pm)
8:10 pm
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Foreign Ministry.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
8:30 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Foreign Ministry.
Page Three
*
STATE DINNER
- Travel Pool
- Receiving Line
- Brief Remarks
- Toasts
- Dark Business Suit
(8:30 pm - 11:00 pm)
11:05 pm
MOTORCADE departs Foreign Ministry en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
11:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
RON Brasilia, Brazil
Tuesday, December 4, 1990
8:20 am
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Brasilia International Airport.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
8:30 am
MOTORCADE arrives Airport.
*
DEPARTURE CEREMONY
- Open Press
- Honors TBD
(8:35 am - 8:55 am)
9:00 am
AIR FORCE ONE departs Brasilia, Brazil en route
Montevideo, Uruguay.
(Flying Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes)
(Interchange: Yes)
(Time Change: None)
12:30 pm
AIR FORCE ONE arrives Carrasco International
Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
- 21 Gun Salute
- Anthems
- Review of Troops
(12:35 pm - 12:55 pm)
Page Four
1:00 pm
MOTORCADE departs Airport en route Edificio
Libertad.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
1:20 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Edificio Libertad.
*
ONE ON ONE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT LACALLE
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
(1:25 : 25 pm - 1:55 pm)
*
EXPANDED BILATERAL MEETING
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
(2:00 pm - 2:45 pm)
*
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
- Expanded Pool
(2:50 pm - 3:20 pm)
3:25 pm
MOTORCADE departs Edificio Libertad en
route Legislative Palace.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
3:30 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Legislative Palace.
*
CEREMONIOUS ARRIVAL
- Press TBD
- Anthems
(3 (3:35 35 pm - 3:40 pm)
*
PRIVATE TIME: 10 MINUTES
(3:45 pm - 3:55 pm)
*
ADDRESS JOINT SESSION OF URUGUAYAN CONGRESS
- Travel Pool
- Remarks
- Teleprompter
- Simultaneous Interpretation
(4:00 pm - 4:25 pm)
*
PRESENTATION OF KEYS TO THE CITY OF
MONTEVIDEO
- Official Photographer Only
(4:30 pm - 4:40 pm)
4:45 pm
MOTORCADE departs Legislative Palace en route
U.S. Embassy.
Page Five
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
4:55 pm
MOTORCADE arrives U.S. Embassy.
*
AMERICAN EMBASSY COMMUNITY GREETING
- Closed Press
- Brief Remarks
(5:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
5:35 pm
MOTORCADE departs U.S. Embassy en route Embassy
Landing Zone.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
5:40 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Embassy Landing Zone.
5:45 pm
MARINE ONE departs Embassy Landing Zone
en route Punta del Este Landing Zone.
(Flying Time: 30 Minutes)
6:15 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Punta del Este Landing
Zone, Punta del Este, Uruguay.
6:20 pm
MOTORCADE departs Landing Zone en route
Loma Verde.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
6:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Loma Verde.
*
PRIVATE TIME: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
(6:30 pm - 9:00 pm)
9:05 pm
MOTORCADE departs Loma Verde en route Posta
del Cangrejo Restaurant.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
9:15 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Posta del Cangrejo.
Page Six
*
DINNER HOSTED BY PRESIDENT AND
MRS. LACALLE
- Closed Press
(9:20 pm - 10:55 pm)
11:00 pm
MOTORCADE departs Posta del Cangrejo
en route Loma Verde.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
11:10 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Loma Verde.
RON Punta del Este, Uruguay
Wednesday, December 5, 1990
8:15 am
MOTORCADE departs Loma Verde en route L'Auberge
Restaurant.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
8:25 am
MOTORCADE arrives L'Auberge Restaurant.
*
PRIVATE BREAKFAST WITH PRESIDENT AND
MRS. LACALLE
- Closed Press
(8:30 am - 9:30 am)
9:35 am
MOTORCADE departs L'Auberge Restaurant en route
Punta del Este Landing Zone.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
9:45 am
MOTORCADE arrives Punta del Este Landing Zone.
*
DEPARTURE CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
- Honors TBD
(9:50 am - 10:00 am)
10:05 am
MARINE ONE departs Punta del Este, Uruguay en
route Buenos Aires, Argentina.
(Flying Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes)
(Interchange: Yes)
(Time Change: None)
Page Seven
11:45 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Aeroparque Landing Zone,
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
- 21 Gun Salute
- Anthems
- Official Delegations
- Review of Troops
- Presentation of Key to City
(11:50 pm - 12:05 pm)
12:10 pm
MOTORCADE departs Aeroparque en route
Plaza San Martin.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
12:20 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Plaza San Martin.
*
WREATHLAYING CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
(12:25 pm - 12:35 pm)
12:40 pm
MOTORCADE departs Plaza San Martin en
route Casa de Gobierno.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
12:45 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Casa de Gobierno.
*
ONE ON ONE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
MENEM
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
(12:50 pm - 1:30 pm)
*
GREETING OF DIPLOMATIC CORPS
- Closed Press
(1:30 pm - 1:45 pm)
*
WORKING LUNCHEON WITH PRESIDENT MENEM
- Closed Press
- 5 on 5
(1:50 pm - 3:00 pm)
*
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
- Expanded Pool
- Brief Remarks
(3:00 pm - 3:25 pm)
Page Eight
3:30 pm
MOTORCADE departs Casa de Gobierno en route
Palacio del Congreso.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
NOTE:
The actual drive time to the
Casa de Gobierno is 5 minutes,
however, THE PRESIDENT's Limo
will be escorted by Argentine
mounted soldiers (Grenadiers) who
will proceed at a parade pace en route.
3:50 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Palacio del Congreso.
*
ADDRESS JOINT SESSION OF ARGENTINE
CONGRESS
- Expanded Pool
- Remarks
- Teleprompter
- Simultaneous Interpretation
(3:55 pm - 4:45 pm)
4:50 pm
MOTORCADE departs Palacio del Congreso en
route Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
5:05 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
PRIVATE TIME: 2 HOURS 35 MINUTES
(5:10 pm - 7:45 pm)
7:50 pm
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Sociedad Rural.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
7:55 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Sociedad Rural.
*
RODEO AND DEMONSTRATION
- Expanded Pool
(8:00 pm - 8:40 pm)
*
PRIVATE TIME: 15 MINUTES
(8:40 pm - 8:55 pm)
Page Nine
NOTE:
THE PRESIDENT will informally
greet Argentine Supreme Court
Justices at this time.
8:56 pm
MOTORCADE departs Sociedad Rural Holding Room en
route Sociedad Rural Restaurant.
(Drive Time: 2 Minutes)
8:58 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Sociedad Rural Restaurant.
*
STATE DINNER
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
- Brief Remarks
- Toasts
(9:00 pm - 10:35 pm)
10:40 pm
MOTORCADE departs Sociedad Rural en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
10:45 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
RON Buenos Aires, Argentina
Thursday, December 6, 1990
8:20 am
DEPART Suite and proceed to Blue Room.
*
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH C.A.R.I.
DELEGATION
- Closed Press
(8:25 am - 8:35 am)
*
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH U.S./ARGENTINE
FORUM DELEGATION
- Closed Press
(8:35 am - 8:45 am)
*
AMERICAN EMBASSY COMMUNITY GREETING
- Closed Press
(8:50 am - 9:15 am)
9:20 am
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Aeroparque.
Page Ten
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
9:25 am
MOTORCADE arrives Aeroparque.
*
DEPARTURE CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
(9:30 am - 9:40 am)
9:45 am
MARINE ONE departs Aeroparque en route
Ezeiza International Airport.
(Flying Time: 20 Minutes)
10:05 am
MARINE ONE arrives Airport.
10:10 am
AIR FORCE ONE departs Buenos Aires, Argentina
en route Santiago, Chile.
(Flying Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes)
(Interchange: Yes)
(Time Change: Back 1 Hour)
11:30 am
AIR FORCE ONE arrives Arturo Merino
Benitez Airport, Santiago, Chile.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Open Press
- Full Honors
- Official Delegations
(11:30 am - 11:45 am)
11:45 am
MOTORCADE departs Airport en route President
Aylwin's Private Residence.
(Drive Time: 30 Minutes)
12:15 pm
MOTORCADE arrives President Aylwin's Private
Residence.
*
WORKING LUNCHEON WITH PRESIDENT AYLWIN
- Travel Pool
- Five on Five
(12:15 pm - 1:40 pm)
Page Eleven
*
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
- Expanded Pool
- Brief Remarks
(1:45 pm - 2:15 pm)
2:20 pm
MOTORCADE departs President Aylwin's Private
Residence en route Police Academy Landing Zone.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
2:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Police Academy Landing Zone.
2:30 pm
MARINE ONE departs Police Academy Landing Zone en
route Naval School Landing Zone, Valparaiso,
Chile.
(Flying Time: 40 Minutes)
3:10 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Naval School Landing Zone,
Valparaiso.
3:15 pm
MOTORCADE departs Naval School Landing Zone en
route Chilean Congress Building.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
3:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Chilean Congress Building.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Open Press
- Honor Guard
- Anthems
- Review of Troops
(3:30 pm - 3:40 pm)
*
ADDRESS TO JOINT SESSION OF CHILEAN
CONGRESS
- Expanded Pool
- Remarks
- Teleprompter
- Simultaneous Interpretation
(3:45 pm - 4:25 pm)
4:30 pm
MOTORCADE departs Chilean Congress Building
en route Naval School Landing Zone.
Page Twelve
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
4:40 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Naval School Landing Zone.
4:45 pm
MARINE ONE departs Valparaiso, Chile en route
Police Academy Landing Zone, Santiago, Chile.
(Flying Time: 40 Minutes)
5:25 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Police Academy Landing Zone.
5:30 pm
MOTORCADE departs Landing Zone en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
5:50 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
PRIVATE TIME: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES
(5:55 pm - 8:15 pm)
8:20 pm
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route La Moneda Palace.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
8:40 pm
MOTORCADE arrives La Moneda Palace.
*
CEREMONIOUS ARRIVAL
- Open Press
- Honor Guard
- Review of Troops
- Fanfare
(8:40 pm - 8:50 pm)
*
PRIVATE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT
AYLWIN
- Expanded Pool
(8:55 pm - 9:10 pm)
*
STATE DINNER
- Expanded Pool
- Toasts
- Dark Business Suit
(9:15 pm - 11:00 pm)
Page Thirteen
11:05 pm
MOTORCADE departs La Moneda Palace en
route Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
11:25 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
RON Santiago, Chile
Friday, December 7, 1990
7:30 am
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Crowne Plaza Hotel.
(Drive Time: 25 Minutes)
7:55 am
MOTORCADE arrives Crowne Plaza Hotel.
*
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH AMERICAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
- Closed Press
(8:00 am - 8:10 am)
*
BREAKFAST HOSTED BY CHILEAN/AMERICAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- Open Press
- Brief Remarks
- Teleprompter
(8:10 am - 8:55 am)
9:00 am
MOTORCADE departs Crowne Plaza Hotel en
route Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 25 Minutes)
9:25 am
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
AMERICAN EMBASSY COMMUNITY GREETING
- Travel Pool
(9:30 am - 9:55 am)
10:00 am
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Arturo Merino Benitez Airport.
(Drive Time: 30 Minutes)
Page Fourteen
10:30 am
MOTORCADE arrives Airport.
*
DEPARTURE CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
- Honors TBD
(10:35 am - 10:45 am)
10:50 am
AIR FORCE ONE departs Santiago, Chile
en route Caracas, Venezuela.
(Flying Time: 6 Hours 20 Minutes)
(Interchange: Yes)
(Time Change: Back 1 Hour)
4:10 pm
AIR FORCE ONE arrives Caracas, Venezuela.
*
ARRIVAL CEREMONY
- Press TBD
- Anthems
- 21 Gun Salute
- Official Delegations
(4:10 pm - 4:25 pm)
4:30 pm
MARINE ONE departs Simon Bolivar International
Airport en route Miranda Airport Landing Zone.
(Flying Time: 20 Minutes)
4:50 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Miranda Airport Landing Zone.
4:55 pm
MOTORCADE departs Landing Zone en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 20 Minutes)
5:15 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
PRIVATE TIME: 2 HOURS
(5:20 pm - 7:20 pm)
7:25 pm
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route La Casona.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
Page Fifteen
7:40 pm
MOTORCADE arrives La Casona.
*
PRIVATE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT PEREZ
- Closed Press
(7:45 pm - 8:00 pm)
*
STATE DINNER
- Pool Coverage
- Toasts
- Dark Business Suit
(8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
10:05 pm
MOTORCADE departs La Casona en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
10:20 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
RON Caracas, Venezuela
Saturday, December 8, 1990
9:00 am
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence
en route Pantheon.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
9:15 am
MOTORCADE arrives Pantheon.
*
WREATHLAYING CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
(9:20 am - 9:35 am)
9:40 am
MOTORCADE departs Pantheon en route
Miraflores Palace.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
9:55 am
MOTORCADE arrives Miraflores Palace.
*
ONE ON ONE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT PEREZ
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
(10:00 am - 10:30 am)
Page Sixteen
*
EXPANDED BILATERAL MEETING
- Travel Pool (At Beginning Only)
(10:35 am - 11:35 am)
*
JOINT PRESS AVAILABILITY
- Expanded Pool
- Brief Remarks
(11:40 am - 12:10 pm)
12:15 pm
MOTORCADE departs Miraflores Palace en route
Hilton Hotel.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
12:30 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Hilton Hotel.
*
LUNCHEON HOSTED BY VENEZUELAN/AMERICAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- Open Press
- Brief Remarks
- Teleprompter
- Simultaneous Interpretation
(12:35 pm - 2:00 pm)
2:05 pm
MOTORCADE departs Hilton Hotel en route
Ambassador's Residence.
(Drive Time: 15 Minutes)
2:20 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Ambassador's Residence.
*
AMERICAN EMBASSY COMMUNITY GREETING
- Closed Press
- Brief Remarks
(2:25 25 pm - 2:55 pm)
3:00 pm
MOTORCADE departs Ambassador's Residence en route
Miranda Airport Landing Zone.
(Drive Time: 10 Minutes)
3:10 pm
MOTORCADE arrives Miranda Airport Landing Zone.
3:15 pm
MARINE ONE departs Landing Zone en route
Simon Bolivar International Airport.
Page Seventeen
(Flying Time: 20 Minutes)
3:35 pm
MARINE ONE arrives Simon Bolivar International
Airport.
*
DEPARTURE CEREMONY
- Expanded Pool
- Honors TBD
(3:40 pm - 3:55 pm)
4:00 pm
AIR FORCE ONE departs Caracas, Venezuela
en route Andrews Air Force Base.
(Flying Time: 4 Hours 5 Minutes)
(Interchange: No)
(Time Change: Back 1 Hour)
7:05 pm
AIR FORCE ONE arrives Andrews Air Force Base.
(E.S.T.)
7:10 pm
MARINE ONE departs Andrews Air Force Base en
route White House.
(Flying Time: 10 Minutes)
7:20 pm
MARINE ONE arrives White House.
Page Eighteen
URUGUAY
517
but averages about 58°F. Summers-December through February-
average about 85°F, and are tempered by Atlantic breezes. Along the
coast, people wear light sweaters in the evenings, even on days when it
has been very hot. Well-distributed rainfall is about 40 inches yearly at
Montevideo and 10 more inches in the north.
Uruguay means "River of Birds." The country's vast prairies are often
covered with purple flowers and a dark soil rich in potash that grows the
world's most superior grasses for cattle and sheep. Only 8 percent of the
land is farmed, while 90 percent is used for grazing. There are some sierras,
none very high, and no mountains. Of note along Highway 5 entering the
department of Rivera are some completely flattop hills or sierras, which
were cemeteries of the Chana and Charrua Indians that lived in Uruguay
before colonial days. Uruguay's spectacular beauty comes from her 200-
mile coastline of famed beaches-the site of some outstanding resorts like
Punta del Este.
Montevideo, the southernmost point of the nation, fans out from the
center into the hinterland. All roads lead to or from Montevideo. It has
the nation's largest university, about half the secondary schools, half the
newspapers, with 90 percent of the circulation, half the radio stations, half
the doctors, and two-thirds of the hospital beds. Moreover, Montevideo
has almost half the population.
This leaves about 100,000 working ranchers and farmers and their fami-
lies who provide Montevideo's 1,450,000 residents with all the food they
need. Fruits, vegetables, and rice are grown in the south and east, grain
in the west. Cattle and sheep ranching are concentrated in the north cen-
URUGUAY
tral plateau, although these activities are found everywhere outside Mon-
tevideo. Livestock is a major export.
The Purple Land
History
Uruguay was inhabited by seminomadic and sometimes warlike Indi-
By
RAFAEL SARDÁ
ans, the Charruas, until late in the colonial era. The Portuguese were the
first Europeans to settle here and founded the city of Colonia in 1680. In
1726, Spain established a fortress in Montevideo and the two European
countries vied for control of the area. After a series of wars, Spain won
A native of Uruguay, Rafael Sardá spent over 30 years with the Organiza-
possession of the whole region in 1726.
tion of American States in Washington, DC, as chief of visitor services and
When Napoleon moved into Spain in 1808, Buenos Aires declared the
the speakers bureau in the department of public information, then as public
Spanish Vice-Royalty autonomous. However, Montevideo still had loyal-
relations director for the OAS Museum of Modern Art of Latin America.
ties to Spain and resisted Buenos Aires' control.
Most recently he was cultural and information officer at the OAS office in
In 1811 José Gervasio Artigas, captain of the Spanish forces in the inte-
Montevideo.
rior of Uruguay, mobilized Creoles and natives to fight with Buenos Aires
(1)
for Latin American independence. He took Las Piedras and besieged Mon-
There is nowhere quite like Uruguay, speaking geographically or histor-
tevideo in the winter of 1811. After Portuguese troops moved into Uru-
ically, although it has often been described as the "Switzerland of South
America" or "another Riviera." Uruguay is really a city-state and could
guay, an agreement was reached between the conflicting forces and the
be compared to ancient Athens. Its main characteristic is its people-a
siege of Montevideo was lifted.
product of the nation's unique institutions, in turn derived from Uruguay's
Artigas then organized an exodus of all wishing to join him in an area
north of Salto on the west bank of the Uruguay River. About one-fourth
geography, history, and the resulting economy, politics, art, literature, and
other aspects of its culture.
of the nation's estimated 60,000 population joined him in what has been
Uruguay, as the second-smallest South American country (72,
compared to the Boer trek in South Africa. Paysandú was one of several
square miles), might be described as a big city with a large ranch that
communities almost completely abandoned by this force of about 13,000
spreads over gently rolling hills (none above 2,000 feet), with very few trees
civilians and 3,000 troops.
native to the land. Most are newly planted in a remarkable reforestation
Influenced by the young U.S. federal republic and its new constitution,
program.
Artigas became the leader of a federal form of government in opposition
Uruguay's climate is temperate, subject to swift variation. In winter-
to Buenos Aires and its desire to control the Plata River area under a cen-
June through August-the temperature sometimes dips as low as 23°F.,
tralist form of government. Artigas drove Buenos Aires forces from Uru-
516
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
519
guayan soil in 1815 and held together a federated area of what is now Uru-
guay and northern Argentina.
instituted an eight-hour work day, minimum wages, old-age pensions, and
other benefits. For small industrialists, he secured high tariffs to counter
Driven out of Uruguay by a Portuguese army from Brazil in 1816, Arti-
gas fell back to Northern Argentina, where he continued to fight Buenos
what he regarded "foreign economic imperialism." For rural workers who
Aires' central government. He was finally beaten and forced to flee to Par-
would provide the production to pay for these benefits, he offered little
but rural schools. For women, he obtained a divorce law and arranged
aguay in 1820. Uruguay became a province of Portugal once again, until
it was annexed by Brazil in 1824.
for education.
"The modern state unhesitatingly accepts its status as an economic or-
Thirty-three Uruguayan exiles-known as the "33 Orientales"-
returned to Uruguay in 1825, and led a successful revolt against a strong
ganization," he explained. "It will enter industry when competition is not
Brazilian occupation force. Uruguay's independence was declared and
practicable, when control by private interests vests in them authority in-
consistent with the welfare of the state, when a fiscal monopoly may serve
signed in the Cabildo Building in Montevideo on August 25, 1825, and
its first constitution on July 18, 1830, a date which gives the name to the
as a great source of income to meet urgent tax problems, when the contin-
main downtown avenue in the capital city. Fructuoso Rivera, a former
ued export of national wealth is considered undesirable." And then he
Artigas lieutenant, joined the "33" under Juan Antonio Lavalleja and oth-
showed just what he meant. He brought the government into insurance,
utilities, railroads, banking, meat processing, tourist hotels, and even a
ers to vote union with Argentina. This meant war between Argentina and
Brazil, fought on Uruguayan soil and adding to the nation's potential for
"pawn shop."
battle monuments. Britain, wanting peaceful commerce in the area, negoti-
Gabriel Terra, leader of the conservative faction in the Colorado Party,
ated a peace in 1828 in which all concerned recognized Uruguay as an
reversed Uruguay's democratic development in 1933 by installing himself
independent republic. From 1828 to 1872, civil war was frequent in Uru-
as virtual dictator in collusion with the army. His regime, however, was
unable to still the democratic forces that had become a national heritage.
guay between two political forces, the Colorados and the Blancos. The Col-
A nine-man National Council replaced the president as executive head
111
orados were the dominant group over the Blancos, who were mostly
ranchers. In 1872, the latter group needed peace to ship their beef to Eu-
of the government on March 1, 1952. The Colorados had been consistently
defeated at the polls; so they finally agreed to a system that would give
rope and the two factions were able to reach an agreement by dividing
the country into areas of influence. This was a major step towards political
them at least a minority voice in the government.
stability and the last decades of the 19th century were years of relative
Until 1966, Uruguay inaugurated a new president every year, to serve
as the nation's ceremonial head and preside at the nine-member National
peace.
Council meetings.
Uruguay's unique elector system placed the government's executive
Democratic Growth
power in the council, composed of six from the winning party and three
from the losing party. The first four runners took one-year turns at the
José Batlle y Ordóñez became president in 1903 and made Uruguay
mostly what it is today-essentially a mixed socialist-capitalist economy,
council presidency during the council's four-year tenure. Now all this has
an urban cradle-to-grave welfare state. He served twice as president,
changed again. As a result of national elections in November 1966, Uru-
1903-1907 and 1911-1915, and dominated the nation's politics until his
guay returned to its former system of a single executive administration,
death in 1929. He had the combined physical features of a judge, professor,
the people having disposed of the former nine-man National Council by
and "Kentucky colonel"-and he had a mental insight into political prob-
vote.
lems that were to label him one of Latin America's first and greatest re-
In 1972, an urban guerilla group (the M.L.N. Tupamaros), was defeated
formers, although some feel he did too much for the urban proletariat and
by the military after almost seven years of overt action. A year later, in
too little for the rural peasants. He knew what democracy was and how
June 1973, sectors of the army and the navy led a successful coup. With
to obtain it. He emancipated women and gave them the right to vote, thus
the help of the president Juan Maria Bordaberry, the Armed Forces dis-
making Uruguay the first country in Latin America to do so. He also broke
solved the Congress, and the military started to rule the nation.
relations between church and state, making this also a "first" in Latin
After losing a plebiscite in 1980, and pushed by popular discontent, the
America, and built an advanced system of free public education as well.
military-led government started to bring the country back to a democratic,
In his climb to the presidency, he enlisted the middle class, which had
freely elected government, and political figures began to appear as candi-
been enlarged by European immigrants. Instead of starting his own reform
dates for the presidency. Many meetings were held between the military
party, he started his own newspaper and shaped the disordered Colorado
and civilians until a pact was agreed upon and signed at the headquarters
Party into his own image. He cited both his Colorado and Blanco parties
of the Navy Club, which became known as "El Pacto del Club Naval."
From that time on the race was on for the presidency, with leading candi-
in demanding honest elections and civic responsibility. His first term of
dates of the two old parties, the Blancos and the Colorados, as well as
office Blancos. was spent mostly in putting down another bloody civil war with the
the Frente Amplio (Broad Front), a coalition of many different types. For
the first time in all those years, elections were held, and Dr. Julio Maria
During four years in Europe between terms, he was impressed with
Switzerland's executive council, social legislation, and state-operated in-
Sanguinetti of the Colorado Party won the presidency, bringing forth a
dustries as a cure for Uruguay's problems. From the editorial page of his
new congress of senators, congressmen, etc., all elected at that time, and
El Día newspaper, he fashioned his ideas for a new Uruguay during his
who are now governing the nation.
second term. For better government, he obtained a modified national
Sanguinetti's government has been fairly successful in controlling the
council, a limited proportional representation in congress, direct presiden-
military and slowing Uruguay's economic decline. In December 1986 the
Parliament voted an amnesty for human rights violators during the mili-
tial election, and complete separation of church and state. For labor, he
tary period. But this measure has been very controversial and more than
520
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
521
half a million Uruguayans have signed a petition to repeal the law. Finally,
the decision was upheld in a plebiscite which took place in April 1989.
ates today, where many of the contemporary artists of Uruguay spent their
formative years. His life became the basis for an excellent documentary
prepared by the Organization of American States and the University of
The Arts
Texas. Together with Figari's, his works have commanded high prices at
Literature, art and related subjects are organized on the intramural level
art sales and auctions held in New York and Europe.
for the joy of all and great prestige of none in particular. It is the enduring
Sculptors have also played a very important role in Uruguay's artistic
emphasis on the individual and his equality in the national society that
life. Two of the leading ones have been José Belloni (1880-1965) and José
characterizes the Uruguayan.
Luis Zorrilla de San Martín, son of the great writer and poet, Juan Zorrilla
This affinity for the individual and democracy perhaps began with José
de San Martín. Belloni is the author of three outstanding works that have
Pedro Varela, the father of Uruguay's extensive public education system.
become tourist landmarks in Montevideo. One, the covered wagon, is lo-
While visiting the U.S., he came under the constructive influence of Hor-
cated at the park by the football stadium; the second, the Stage Coach,
ace Mann, noted U.S. educator, and Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, Ar-
can be found at Prado's Park; and the third, El Entrevero, a group of gâu-
gentine statesman-educator Varela and Sarmiento returned to South
chos fighting on horseback, is located in the heart of downtown. Zorrilla's
America together in 1868-Sarmiento to become president of Argentina
two most important works are the statue of the Gaucho, also in downtown
and Varela to inspire the formation of the Society of the Friends of Popular
Montevideo, near the City Hall, and foremost, the obelisk commemorating
Education in his native land. Uruguay's middle-class society, responsible
the centenary of the first constitution, a beautiful work with three figures
citizenship, and advanced democracy stand today as living monuments
on its base, located at the crossroads of Artigas Boulevard and 18 de Julio
to the Uruguayan who did so much for education in just 11 years, before
Avenue.
death stilled his boundless energies at the age of 34.
One big exception to Uruguay's intramural type culture is José Enrique
Rodó (1872-1917). One of Latin America's several great writers, Rodó
exerted considerable political influence with his magic pen. In his Ariel,
he aroused the fear of many Latins against the U.S., then extending the
"big stick" policy of Teddy Roosevelt about the Caribbean. He appreciat-
ed such virtues as freedom, education, and dignity in the U.S., but he
thought these too mixed with materialism. He wanted a united Latin
America that could stand together against the stronger U.S.
A group of novelists covered the taming of the gaucho from wild primi-
tive to reluctant cowboy. Others captured the gaucho's folk songs and
music. The latter resulted in Uruguay's national dance, the "pericon," a
triple-time round dance resembling the French minuet.
Musical concerts are held often and are well attended. But Uruguay's
top composer, Eduardo Fabini (1883-1951), is little known beyond the
land. The national symphony orchestra has been compared well with large
symphonies in the world and it has broadcast programs across the Plata
River to sophisticated Buenos Aires. In summer the best musical perfor-
mances are given free on open-air stages in different parts of the city.
The first native Uruguayan painter of note was Juan Manuel Blanes
(1830-1901), who recorded on canvas much of his nation's rich history,
as well as scenes depicting the life of the people in the country and rural
activities. Blanes had two sons, Juan Luis (1855-1895), and Nicanor. Juan
Luis became the country's first important sculptor, but died very young,
while Nicanor became an important painter whose paintings depicted
much of military life. Pedro Blanes Viale (1879-1926), was an impression-
ist who has two well-known historical scenes hanging in the Legislative
Palace (Congress Building) and at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Pedro Figari (1861-1938), although he only started to paint after turning
fifty years old, became one of the best artists of the nation with his colorful
works of life in Montevideo in the nineteenth century. Rafael Barradas
(1890-1928) was a well-known draftsman who moved to Spain, where he
became one of the pioneers of the modern art movement. Joaquin Torres-
García (1874-1949) has become the most internationally known of all
Uruguayan artists. He lived in Spain, Italy, France, and New York during
his younger years, returned to Uruguay in 1934, and became the leader
of the constructivist movement. He founded a workshop, which still oper-
526
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
informs, however, that anyone who has spent more than 5 days in Brazil prior to
coming to Uruguay should be vaccinated for yellow fever. If you wish to contact
the PAHO in Montevideo, call 44-455.
Uruguay, a peace-loving country, has no terrorism and no threat of bombings-a
rarity in today's world. While the drug problem spans the world, it is a small matter
in Uruguay, and those dealing with drugs are dealt with severely by authorities.
For example, anyone found selling marijuana is sent to jail, and those found smok-
Exploring Uruguay
ing it are sent to rehabilitation centers or hospitals. Foreigners trafficking hard
drugs have been caught a few times at Montevideo International Airport and some
nightclubs, and have been sent to jail and dealt with according to Uruguay's laws.
Children begging on the streets, something completely unheard of a few years
ago, has started to be a common sight in some areas of Montevideo. However, these
MONTEVIDEO
children are not thieves, and will not attempt to steal your purse or bag. Usually
they will ask you for a "monedita," meaning coin. Unfortunately this money is often
handed over to a nearby adult.
Uruguay has no medieval history or regal colonial past, like that of Peru
Uruguay is a safe country for tourists, and there is no reason to feel uneasy in
and Mexico, to provide it with ancient ruins or colonial monuments of
any area of the country you choose to visit. Particularily safe are downtown Monte-
great splendor. However, it is a pleasant place to relax and get to know
video, Pocitos, Carrasco, and the resorts such as Punta del Este. All of the capital
the country, especially in the good weather from December to March.
cities in the interior are also safe, and most people living here still don't even lock
Montevideo is well laid out for the tourist to explore. One might start
the doors of their homes. In Montevideo robberies have increased in the last couple
of years but rarely, if ever, has a tourist visiting the city been the victim of a purse-
at the port and customs area and cover the Old City, with its remnants
snatching or had anything stolen from his or her hotel room. Still, it is important
of 19th-century and beautiful early 20th-century architecture. Since about
to exercise proper caution in these matters. All places where tourists would go-
three-fourths of Uruguay's extensive foreign trade is funneled through
stores, restaurants, etc.-are perfectly safe day or night.
Montevideo, much of this area involves businesses related to shipping,
If you do ever need police assistance, dial 999.
banking and commerce. Almost all the nation's 73 banks are in this area-
an industry probably resulting from the nation's political stability and effi-
HOW TO GET AROUND. Every place the visitor might wish to see in Uruguay
cient banking practices.
may be reached by either plane, bus, boat, or car. There are several bus companies
About five blocks in any of three directions from the waterfront, one
(with fixed rates) under government supervision. Some buses are air-conditioned.
finds the first of many combination parks and monuments. One is Plaza
Cars rent for about $30 to $85 a day.
Zabala, with a monument to Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, the Buenos Aires
Unfortunately, in January of 1988 the government-owned and -operated rail sys-
governor who brought seven families here and founded Montevideo in
tem was closed. Originally built in the late 1800s by the British, this rail system
had been poorly maintained and had provided increasingly inadequate service.
1726. The spot is marked by an outstanding piece of architecture, the Pala-
There are no scheduled boat lines along the principal rivers, but the Uruguayan
cio Taranco, built by a wealthy merchant in French style and filled with
River is navigable for pleasure boats or freight (no passenger ships) from Colonia
its original imported furniture, marble floors, statuary, draperies, clocks,
to Salto, and the Río Negro, flowing across the country from northeast to north-
and paintings by prominent European artists of the period. At present,
west, is navigable to the port of Mercedes, an important rail hub.
the Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for its preservation
PLUNA (Primeras Lineas Uruguayas de Navegación Aerea) Colonia 1021
and runs it as a center for cultural activities. One of the reception rooms
(92-14-14/18 and 98-06-06), is an Urguayan airline with daily flights to all major
has been transformed into a small auditorium that can hold up to 140 peo-
points within the country.
ple, where the best of opera, chamber and recital concerts, plays, and ballet
Three bus lines-CITA, Pza. Cagancha (91-04-19 and 98-37-90), COT, Sa-
are offered from March to December.
randi 699 (91-22-66); and ONDA, Plaza Cagancha (92-02-00 and 98-35-70)-
The late 19th- and early 20th-century atmosphere of the city is evident
provide comfortable travel throughout Uruguay. Buses enable the traveler to see
'four blocks up Rincon Street at Plaza Matriz, or Plaza Constitucion, as
more of the beautiful landscape, and also connect at Brazilian and Argentinian bor-
der points.
it is often called. This is the heart of the Old City. Standing face to face
Cars are available for rent from Avis, Hertz, Punta Car, and Rent-a-Car. Rates
across the Plaza is the old Cathedral, seat of the Catholic hierarchy, and
range from about $21 daily, plus $.25 per km, for a FIAT 147-to $50 for a BMW
the Cabildo Building, where the constitution was signed in 1830. The Ca-
520 daily, plus $.55 per km.
bildo contains an outstanding museum dedicated to the history of the city,
beautifully presented, with the best paintings, sculptures, antique furni-
ture, old clocks, and a replica of the old Montevideo bastion. Open in the
afternoon for tours, which can be conducted in English, French, and Span-
ish.
From this plaza, you can see the Río Plata to the right, as well as the
walls and gun emplacements that once protected the city from foreign foes.
The British stormed this bastion in 1806 and held Montevideo for several
months. Their breakthrough occurred near the site of the present Anglican
church, another symbol of British influence in Uruguay's early economic
development. From Plaza Matriz, two blocks eastward stands the big gate that was
once part of the wall, which opens onto Plaza Independencia. This blends
the old with the new and marks the colonial era from the republican one.
528
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
529
The Old and the New
Prado Park
URUGUAYANA
BUEVIAR
The Casa de Gobierno (Government House) is on the south side of the
FLORES
Plaza. This building served as the president's office through the years, until
AV. AV.J. SUAREZ
AV.MILLAN
AV. MARTIN
the new administration of President Sanguinetti took over. Since then, the
GRAL
BATLLE
building has been open to the public as a historic landmark, and the presi-
AV.
dent uses it for formal official functions. He and the entire presidential
staff conduct their day-to-day activities at the brand new "Edificio Li-
BULEVAR GRAL J.G. ARTIGAS
COMOON
bertad" at the junction of Boulevard Artigas and Avenue Luis A. de Her-
rera, somewhat removed from the downtown area.
Down from the national hero's monument is an outstanding mausole-
um, entirely built in Uruguayan granite and marble, paying due honor to
AMERICA ans RAWAY
Artigas' memory, and presenting, in different date inscriptions, the various
THE
stages of his life and participation in the country's liberation.
The Teatro Solís is located half a block from the plaza. Montevideo's
AV.GRAL FLORES
GRAL J.G. ARTIGAS
beautiful opera house, known to have some of the best acoustics for a the-
ater of this type in Latin America, is the center of the country's musical
MARTIN PERRO
activities. Concerts, ballets, operas, etc., are held throughout the year, not
ARENAL GRANDE
only by national artists but also by international performers, including
N
many orchestras from the United States.
To Airport
Continue eastward down Avenida 18 de Julio and through the main
W
E
shopping and theater area. Three blocks down this street and slightly left
3
OCTUBRE
or northeastward is another broad avenue, Agraciada, where you will find
S
BULEVAR
4
the imposing Legislative Palace (Congress). This luxurious century-old
OF
building reflects Uruguay's democratic tradition. The building's most im-
0
Mile
MIGUAL
AV DE LTALIA
74
portant feature is its very large hall, which joins the Senate and House
Hospital
Ingles
AV
chambers, known as the "Salón de los Pasos Perdidos" (the Hall of the
Estacion F.C. Central
Hospital Italiano
9
Lost Steps), and whose floors, walls, stairs, and columns are made of the
LA PAZ
many beautiful varieties of Uruguayan marble. The Legislative Palace is
Cabildo
AV 18 DE JULIO
also open to the public-passes to attend the sessions can be obtained at
7
8
Parque Battle
the visitors' office and tours are conducted in English, French, and Portu-
RINCON
5
Plaza
1
CONSTITUYENTE Plaza de Los. 33
RIVERA
guese.
7
2
STRIP
Plaza Matriz
6
Breid
One block to the north of the Legislative Palace on Avenue General
Flores are the two buildings that house the schools of medicine and chem-
AV. BRAZIL
istry of the Universidad de la Republica (State University). Continuing
RAMBL GRAN BRETANA
BULEVAR ESPANA A
north and northwest one reaches an old area of Montevideo that is noted
10
RAMBLE REP
for its many old but still splendid homes.
Río de la Plata
Playa
ARGENTIN
Parque Rodó
Plays
Another mile northward is the so-called Prado. In mid-19th century,
this area had many country estates that were a warm-weather retreat from
Ramirez
JOSE ELLAURI
WILSON
the heat of Montevideo. The Prado has now been enfolded in Montevideo's
continuing growth.
Golf Links
PRESIDENTE
The most famous 19th-century resident of this area was José Buschen-
tal, a financier who built a 175-acre estate here and married the niece of
Don Pedro II, the Brazilian emperor. He brought fish from the Orient
Montevideo
RAMBLA
to stock the streams that were created by dredging the nearby Miguelete
River. He brought flowering plants from throughout the world to beautify
his extensive gardens. And the animals, both domestic and foreign, added
to the exotic scenery. This area now has a statue of Buschental, 800 varie-
ties of roses, and is known as Prado Park, Montevideo's oldest.
Points of Interest
Picking up at the broad intersection of 18 de Julio and Agraciada, travel
1) Museum of Natural History
6) Solls Theater
2) City Hall and Pre-Columbian and
7) Gaucho Statue
two blocks eastward to find another plaza symbolic of Uruguayan life.
Colonial Arts Museum
8) Hospital de Niños
Plaza Cagancha, which contains a column to liberty. Across the intersec-
3) Legislative Palace
9) Centenario Stadium
4) Military Hospital
10) Museo de Artes Plasticas y Visuales
tion and to the left on 18 de Julio is the Ministry of Foreign Relations,
5) Cathedral
a beautiful palace from the late 19th century.
530
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
531
The Famous Gaucho
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR MONTEVIDEO
Three blocks farther down the road is an apex that steers 18 de Julio
GETTING AROUND MONTEVIDEO. There are taxi stands all over the city
slightly to the left. Here is the famous gaucho on his horse, one of the
and taxis can also be flagged or called for. Taxis in Uruguay are very inexpensive
two best examples of Uruguayan sculpture. Zorrilla de San Martín was
and comfortable. The cars are black and yellow with a lighted sign on the roof.
at his best in freezing into bronze the true character of the gaucho: his
Montevideo also has a public transportation system and buses go from one end of
dashing courage, threatening smile, and enduring freedom.
the city to the other; but a taxi is probably the easiest choice for the tourist.
Another plaza four blocks down 18 de Julio marks another of Uruguay's
HOTELS. For definitions of price categories see "Facts at Your Fingertips."
historical mileposts. This one is named for the 33 brave ones who returned
to their native land and expelled the Brazilians.
Downtown Area
Down a few blocks is the University of the Republic's main building,
which houses the schools of law and social sciences. Next to it stands the
Expensive
National Library building. Schools of engineering and architecture occupy
Victoria Plaza. Plaza Independencia 759; 92-05-90 and 92-09-57. Air-
more modern buildings in other parts of the city. With a passion for poli-
conditioned rooms; restaurant; bar; convention facilities.
tics, university students are a serious group, and the professions they later
practice are a tribute to their intellectual energies. Many also hold full-
Moderate
time jobs. The university is renowned for its education in medicine and
Columbia Palace. Reconquista 468; 96-01-92 and 96-00-01. 150 rooms; bar and
architecture.
convention facilities.
This wide avenue finally ends at Parque José Batlle y Ordóñez, a park
International. Colonia 823; 92-00-01 and 92-00-02. 95 air-conditioned rooms;
that introduces the visitor to the man who created the contemporary phase
bar and restaurant; garage.
Parque Hotel. Gonzalo Ramirez 2067; 49-71-11 and 49-71-13.
of Uruguayan history. The park contains the 75,000-seat Centenario Stadi-
um, built in 1930 to mark the nation's 100th anniversary of the signing
Inexpensive
of the constitution, and houses the first Soccer World Cup. The British
América. Río Negro 1330; 92-01-32, 92-08-24, and 92-03-92. 90 rooms; bar.
introduced soccer here in the last century, then the Uruguayans took it
Europa. Colonia 1341; 92-00-45 and 92-07-11. 64 air-conditioned rooms with
from there and made it a national institution. Uruguay has won two Olym-
color TV and individual freezer; bar; garage.
pic gold medals and two World Championships. Also in the park is Bel-
Embajador. San José 1212; 91-61-14 and 91-61-09; 80 air-conditioned rooms;
loni's famous bronze statue of the covered wagon, which reminds one of
coffee shop and bar; garage.
the covered-wagon days on the western frontier of the U.S. This life-size
Lancaster. Plaza Cagancha 1334; 98-46-21. 80 rooms; bar.
statue depicts six oxen hauling the covered wagon and a gaucho directing
the oxen.
Beach Area
The third interesting travel route in Montevideo is the riverfront drive,
Expensive
called the "Rambla." This drive begins in the port area and runs along
a wide sidewalk by the waterfront, clear to Miramar beach, some 12 miles
Cottage. Miraflores 1360; 50-13-74 and 50-08-67. Coffee shop and bar.
linking all the beaches along the city's coast. The first of these beaches
Hosteria del Lago. Arizona 9637; 51-22-10, 51-29-49, and 51-29-81.
is Ramírez, very popular because of its proximity to downtown. Right at
Moderate
its waterfront stands the "Parque Hotel Casino," one of the two casinos
Casino Hotel Carrasco. Rambla Rep. de México (no street number). 100 rooms,
in Montevideo open year-round. Along the beach is Rodó Park, named
some overlooking the beautiful Carrasco Beach; bar, restaurant and gambling casi-
for one of Latin America's greatest literary figures. This park, with its arti-
no.
ficial lake and small boats, is surrounded by beautiful eucalyptus, paradise,
Oceania. Mar Artico 1227; 50-71-17 and 50-07-21.
palm, and ombú trees. And the park, of course, has a statue of Rodó. The
There are several lower-priced hotels in Montevideo for those adventurous tour-
ists not expecting first-class service or bilingual staff.
cluster of amusement facilities and refreshment stands gives the park a
festive atmosphere. The beach and park are designed eventually to form
RESTAURANTS. In the Pocitos residential district, 10 minutes by taxi from
a large waterfront recreation area. At the park, on the riverfront, there
downtown Montevideo, is one of the best restaurants in town, Doña Flor, Bvar.
is an open-stage theater where ballet performances, concerts, and stage
Artigas 1034, offering first class French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
plays are offered mostly during the summer.
For U.S. or European dishes, the Victoria Plaza has excellent food at reasonable
In conformity with this plan, an excellent municipal golf course adjoins
prices. The Aguila, across the plaza and adjoining the Teatro Solís, provides the
the park as one continues along the drive. On Sunday afternoon, golfers
Uruguayan elite and foreign visitors good food at higher prices. For the budget trav-
eler, there is good food at reasonable prices at Morini's half a block off the Plaza
must abandon the links so that young lovers may hike along the fairways
Independencia Ciudadela 1229. But wherever in Montevideo one sees a spit turning
and old people rest on green, shaded lawns.
in what is called parrilladas, and here one can get good beef with a good salad at
Eight blocks along the Rambla is the small beach of La Estacada. Con-
incredibly low prices. The best parrilladas are at El mercado del puerto, in the Old
tinue four more blocks to see the ornate skyline of Pocitos Beach. This
City area next to the port. Here, in an iron building that served as a market in the
is still part of the residential area of Montevideo, and in warm weather
19th century, are many small restaurants that serve traditional Uruguayan food
residents of Montevideo line the beach.
in a charming atmosphere. El Palenque, Perez Castellanos 1579 (95-47-04), and
Estancia del Puerto S.R.L., Sarandi 604 (95-46-60), are two good ones.
534
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
535
donado and on to Piriápolis. Its large, excellent Hotel Argentino offers
an indoor pool for year-round swimming, sauna, etc. Piriápolis, with its
Maldonado
horseshoe-shaped bay, also has plans for building a port geared to pleasure
boats. Well-planned, tree-lined streets stretch inland toward the high hills
From Punta del Este, you can drive along the coast passing La Barra,
or low sierras that surround the area. Foremost is the Pan de Azucar
Manantiales, and other beaches, reaching Jose Ignacio, another resort fa-
(Sugar Loaf), with a huge cross on top of it that can be visited inside; the
mous for its lighthouse. The town of Maldonado, capital of the depart-
view from here, inside or out, is fantastic. Hill climbing is a popular sport;
ment, is only three miles from the center of Punta del Este and has some
one of the prime attractions is San Antonio, where a small chapel dedicat-
fine examples of colonial architecture, much of it restored, such as the old
ed to St. Anthony attracts pilgrims in June. Also near Piriápolis is Punta
City Hall-converted today to the Casa de la Cultura, seat of the cultural
Fria, noted for its rock gardens. There is a brand new highway running
center, art school, music school, etc. The old Cuartel de Dragones, with
along the shoreline from Punta Fria to Barra de Portezuelo, ending at the
its over 100-year-old chapel, cathedral, and Museum of American Art,
Intercoastal Highway a couple of miles from the airport at Laguna del
can be visited before you continue on to the city of Rocha.
Sauce, where daily shuttle flights, several times a day, fly to and from Bue-
nos Aires, as this is the airport serving the internationally-known resort
Rocha and La Paloma
of Punta del Este.
Rocha is located to the northeast, 115 miles from Montevideo. The capi-
tal city of the department of the same name is several miles from the Atlan-
tic Ocean and can be reached by bus or car. As you run along the highway,
palm groves stretching from sand dunes will show you the unusual beauty
EASTERN URUGUAY
of the countryside. Right from Rocha, along Highway 15, you reach La
Paloma, a lovely resort where a port for cruise and cargo ships is being
built. Ten miles to the east you'll find La Pedrera, a charming fishing vil-
Punta del Este
lage now turned into a small resort.
Punta del Este has, of course, become world famous as an international
jet set beach resort, as the site of movie festivals and as a place for interna-
Battle Monuments
tional conferences, such as the Meeting of Presidents of the Western Hemi-
Beyond Rocha, on the highway to Porto Alegre, Brazil, is the recon-
sphere nations and Assemblies of the Inter-American Development Bank.
structed fortress of Santa Teresa, which has been converted into a muse-
This resort on a peninsula, eighty-five miles from Montevideo, draws
um. This fortress, built by the Portuguese when they held this area in the
wealthy vacationers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, the United
1750's, is part of a national park lined with palm trees and featuring a
States, and European countries. Argentines, mainly, own some of the most
bird sanctuary and freshwater pools for swimming. Two miles away on
spectacular homes in the area in sections such as Lugano, San Rafael, and
the coast is La Coronilla, where people can fish in the ocean for sharks
Pinares. Modern high-rises, apartment buildings, hotels, and homes are
and among the rocks for black corvina and skates (the latter weighing up
set among tall pine trees and facing long stretches of white sand beaches,
to 100 pounds).
divided at the tip of the peninsula. Entering Punta del Este area is Playa
Another old fortress at San Miguel, near the Brazilian border town of
Mansa, or the "calm water" beach, and on the other side, running along
Chuy, has also been adapted to a national park. The park has many plants
to San Rafael and the former fishing village of La Barra, today a very
and animals, both foreign and domestic. There is a museum at the fortress
sought-after area, is Playa Brava, or "agitated" beach. People there enjoy
and good surf-bathing at nearby Barra del Chuy. There are accommoda-
a December to March average temperature of 75°F., while enjoying two
tions in San Miguel Park at the San Miguel Inn near the fortress.
excellent golf courses in Punta del Este and another at Club del Lago a
few miles before coming to the peninsula. You'll also find fishing, yachting
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR EASTERN URUGUAY
(centered around the Yacht Club), waterskiing, wind surfing, polo, and
horse shows. Social life is very active in Punta del Este, with dinner and
HOTELS. For definitions of price categories see "Facts at Your Fingertips" earli-
cocktail parties starting near midnight and ending at dawn. Many art gal-
er in this chapter. PUNTA DEL ESTE. (Maldonado's area code is 042.) L'Auberge.
leries have openings and shows presenting the works of Uruguay's out-
shop. Expensive. Barrio el Golf (8-26-01). 30 excellent air-conditioned rooms; bar; coffee
standing artists. Some of the finest international cuisines can be found in
San Rafael. Expensive. Overlooking the beach (8-21-61/5); 150 rooms; gambling
Punta del Este's many restaurants. The Cantegrill Country Club offers
casino; bar; coffee shop and restaurant; convention facilities; swimming pool.
tennis courts, swimming pools, theater, residential bungalows, etc. Off the
Alhambra. Moderate. Calle 28 No. 573 (4-00-94).
shore of Punta del Este across the port is Isla Gorriti, formerly known
Amsterdam. Moderate. El Foque 759 (4-26-82).
as Green Island, a peaceful, beautiful haven of pine trees, beaches, and
La Capilla. Moderate. Vina del Mar y Blvd. Artigas (8-40-59). 40 rooms (some
restaurants (there are two). Small craft from the port constantly make the
with air-conditioning); bar and famous restaurant Troika. Open all year-round.
Castilla. Moderate. Calle 18 No. 933 (4-09-13).
crossing for tours, taking fifteen minutes for the trip. On the Brava side
Champagne. Moderate. Gorlero 868 (4-52-76/77/78).
of the beach, farther out to sea is Isla de Lobos, or Sea Wolf Island. While
Charrua. Moderate. Calle 27 No. 617 (4-14-02).
tourists can not go ashore, it is fascinating to visit this huge colony of seals
España. Moderate. Calle 9 No. 660 (40-02-28).
and sea wolves.
Marbella. Moderate. Insaurraga y Gorlero (4-18-14).
536
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
537
Palace. Moderate. Gorlero Av. and 11th. St.; (4-19-19). 60 colonial decorated
rooms; coffee shop and bar; restaurant.
grants from Switzerland more than a century ago. This little tourist resort
Azul. Inexpensive. Gorlero 540, (4-11-17). 25 rooms, coffee shop.
features Swiss-style entertainments, clean and comfortable hotels, fine
Embajador. Inexpensive. Parada 1; (8-10-08). 30 rooms, coffee shop.
cheeses, and quiet rest in beautiful surroundings. Nearby are "Colonia
Playa Hotel. Inexpensive. Av. Cont. Gorlero y Risso; (8-22-31/2); 50 rooms;
Valdense" and "Nueva Helvecia," noted for fine fruits, vegetables, cheese,
coffee shop.
and quaint, locally manufactured music boxes. Colonia Valdense, founded
LA PALOMA. Cabo Casino Sta. Maria. Inexpensive. On the beach, with casino
by evangelical followers of Peter Waldo (12th-century French religious
(0473-6151/52).
leader), retains many of the customs and practices of its ancestors.
Hotel Portobello. Inexpensive. On the beach (0473-6159). 47 rooms.
LA CORONILLA (near Rocha). Costas Del Mar (0472-011) and Parador La
Coronilla Hotel (0472-04), both on the beach and Inexpensive.
COLONIA
LA PEDRERA. La Pedrera. Inexpensive. On the beach.
Colonia del Sacramento, about two-and-a-half hours by car from Mon-
RESTAURANTS. To enjoy the best French cuisine, atmosphere, service with
tevideo, is a hub of traffic toward Buenos Aires and up the Uruguay River.
French-speaking staff, and elegance, the choices are La Bourgogne at Avenida Pe-
A hydrofoil operates to Buenos Aires three times daily. This 17th-century
dragosa Sierra, and, a couple of blocks away on the same avenue, La Tabla del Rey
Portuguese settlement retains more of its colonial atmosphere than other
Arturo. Along Roosevelt Avenue are Krakatoa and Bungalow Suizo. Almost at
Uruguayan communities. Old houses with barred windows line narrow
the entrance to the peninsula by water's edge is El Club de Pesca. There are several
Paradores restaurants along the same route before reaching Punta del Este, all with
cobblestone streets. Sights to see include the historic parochial church,
informal atmosphere and good food. At the peninsula itself, the most exclusive-
municipal museum, viceroy's mansion, and the lighthouse. San Carlos, a
open only to members and guests-is the Yacht Club. For seafood, try Mariskonea.
warm-weather resort, is four miles from Colonia. The community's bull
Italian food can be found at Catari's at the Palace Hotel at the end of Avenida
ring (Plaza de Toros) stands in ruins as a memory of bullfights that attract-
Gorlero, Punta del Este's main drag. Also, Caracoles, Iroko's, and Club de Ciclistas
ed many Argentines from across the river before the sport was outlawed
are open year-round. At the San Rafael beach, besides the hotel-casino of the same
a half-century ago.
name there is an excellent restaurant and hotel at La Capilla, also open year-round;
it is located next to the church, which provides some of the most delightful services
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR COLONIA
in the area. Another must at the fishing village of La Barra is La Posta del Cangrejo.
Owned by the same people who run Montevideo's Doña Flor, it offers fantastic
HOTELS. COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO. Hotel Mirador. Expensive.
food and an indoor/outdoor setting; especially pretty are the terraces with tables
(0522-2004). First-class hotel with excellent restaurant, bar, swimming pool, casi-
under beach umbrellas, overlooking the rocks, the sand, and the ocean. The propri-
no.
etors of the Punta del Este Doña Flor also own San Rafael's Doña Flor. The Posta
Posada del Gobernador. Inexpensive. Av. Roosevelt (0522-2918, 3018). Good
del Cangrejo has been host to celebrities such as Julio Iglesias and many American
hotel with excellent restaurant in an old colonial building in the heart of the histori-
and European artists in its Mediterranean-type hotel.
cal area.
The English-speaking traveler should always remember that only in the more
COLONIA SUIZA. Hotel Nirvana. Moderate. (0522-4081). Countryside hotel
pretentious restaurants and hotels is English understood. Tourists not speaking
Spanish should learn a few restaurant words before going to the more popular and
with 120 rooms. Tennis court, swimming pool, restaurant, bar.
locally patronized restaurants.
RIVER COUNTRY
CASINOS. There are two casinos in Punta del Este: Hotel-Casino San Rafael
and Nogaró.
Fifty miles north of Colonia is the picturesque river port of Carmelo,
a popular yachting center and resort area. The sheltered waters of a stream
BOATING. Motorboat rental is available at Lanchas Tuttie, Puerto Punta del
flowing into the Uruguay River, Arroyo de las Vacas, form a sort of natu-
Este (4-25-94).
rally endowed yacht basin catering to craft from rowboat to luxury dimen-
sions. Historically, Carmelo has the ruins of a Jesuit orphanage, where
José Artigas was elected leader of the revolutionary movement in 1811.
Continuing 18 more miles up the Uruguay River you come to Nueva
THE INTERIOR
Palmira, a port of call for river steamers. Another 12 miles is La Agracia-
da, where the famous 33 patriots landed from Argentina and organized
a Uruguayan force that expelled Portuguese occupation troops. A statue
Uruguay's interior unfolds unique scenery and sites for visitors. Much
to General Lavalleja, group leader, is on the beach. The livestock and re-
of this area was opened by the Pan American Highway, which stretches
sort center of Mercedes lies 30 miles up from the point where the Río
from the Brazilian border town of Acegua southwestward across Uruguay
Negro flows into the Uruguay River. This can be reached by the road from
to Montevideo, then westward to Colonia, across the Plata River from
Colonia or from Montevideo, 186 miles away. Yachting and fishing are
Buenos Aires.
popular here in warm weather. Paysandú, on the Uruguay River 299 miles
A trip to Colonia brings into view some of the nation's richest farming
from Montevideo, is a popular fishing area for the dorado game fish.
area, rolling hills, neat towns, and varied scenery. Santiago Vazquez, on
the banks of the Santa Lucia River, is famous for what is known elsewhere
Uruguay has two new links with Argentina and the rest of South Ameri-
ca. Two bridges cross the Uruguay River; one of them connecting the vil-
as fish-fries, made from fish weighing up to 75 pounds that are caught from
the river. The concentration of pleasure craft reflects the popularity of
lages of Fray Bentos (Uruguay) and Puerto Unzue (Argentina), by the
boating in this area. Two hours out of Montevideo and a small distance
name of Gral. San Martin, and another one connecting Paysandú, a north-
from the Pan American Highway is "Colonia Suiza," settled by immi-
ern city in Uruguay, with Colón, in Argentina. The latter is called Gral.
Artigas Bridge.
538
SOUTH AMERICA
URUGUAY
539
These two important engineering constructions, along with the Salto
Grande hydroelectric power plant, have become a very interesting feature
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE RIVER COUNTRY
of the new Uruguay, and a different way to reach other countries overland.
Traveling along Highway 3 past Mercedes, Fray Bentos, Paysandú, and
HOTELS. All hotels in the interior are inexpensive. MERCEDES. Hotel Brisas
Salto, there are three excellent spots for tourism known as "termas,"
Del Hum, Gimenez 766 (05352-633).
where natural thermal water is used year-round in swimming pools and
FRAY BENTOS. Fray Bentos Hotel, Paraguay St. (0532-358). Plaza Hotel,
whirlpool baths. Hotels and private bungalows provide comfortable ac-
corner 18 de Julio and 25 de Mayo (0532-363).
PAYSANDÚ. Grand Hotel, corner 18 de Julio and 19 de Abril
commodations. Slightly northeast from the city of Paysandú you find the
(0722-3400/4200/4600) Nuevo Hotel Paysandú, corner L.A. de Herrera and Le-
first of these spots, called Las Termas de Guayabos. Farther up Highway
andro Gomez (0722-3062, 3063).
3 are Termas de Guaviyu in the department of Salto; near the capital city
SALTO. Gran Hotel, 25 de Agosto, No. 5 (0732-3250/3251); Los Cedros, Uru-
of the department of the same name are a small cluster of several termas.
guay 665 (0732-3984/3985); and Concordia, Uruguay 749 (0732-2263/2735).
Finally, in the department of Artigas in the northern tip of Uruguay, a
few miles eastward from Highway 3, are Las Termas de Arapey, the larg-
est of them all.
For beautiful scenery and interesting sites, travel north via national
URUGUAY'S LAST FRONTIER
route No. 5 from Montevideo through Florida, Durazno, and the sur-
rounding valley of the Yi River, and Tacuarembó to the Brazilian border
Instead of continuing northward to Melo and the border town of Ac-
town of Rivera, from where it is easy to continue on to São Paulo, Brazil.
eguà, Brazil, most people prefer to turn off at Treinta y Tres and travel
Although the area is not heavily populated, this trip through almost the
northeastward to the border town of Río Branco. Treinta y Tres, 200 miles
country's dead center can be made by bus or car.
from Montevideo, can also be reached by rail. Travelers along this route
From Montevideo, the traveler soon picks up a variety of interesting
see what was Uruguay's last frontier that has now been recorded in its
scenery, which includes the vineyards providing the good wines (con-
folklore. It was here that cattle roamed unattended until the wandering
sumed with even better steaks), dairy and poultry farms, and fields of alfal-
gauchos would come along with their baggy trousers, boleadoras, guitars,
fa, corn, and tobacco. At Florida, 78 miles from Montevideo, one enters
and maté (tea) to camp along a stream. One of the most important words
the city through a historically important display of smooth stone. Here,
in the Uruguayan vocabulary developed here: estancia ("to be located"),
the Uruguayan patriots declared their independence and freedom from
the word for ranch. When the ranges were finally fenced in, the adventur-
foreign domination August 25, 1825. There is good fishing on the Santa
ous gaucho began to disappear. But, like his counterpart in Argentina and
Lucia River, which flows by the city. Nearing Durazno on the banks of
Brazil, he is remembered in the nation's songs and dances. Some modern
the Yi River, the so-called "purple land" of Uruguay comes into view.
gauchos still ply their trade and retain the customs of their forebears, but
This scenery was made famous by William Henry Hudson in what is per-
they are bucking the twentieth century.
haps the best travel literature yet done on Uruguay, The Purple Land. This
book, first released in 1885, was one of Theodore Roosevelt's favorites and
perhaps induced him to travel to South America. The nearby hydroelectric
19B-1914
Brazil
Rin Roosevelt
plant of Rincon del Bonete produces power from Uruguay's largest artifi-
U
Theodown
cial lake, stocked with many varieties of fish for the attention of increasing
tourists. Plenty of game and fowl are found at Tacuarembó, 279 miles from
Ar
Buajil
Montevideo. Visitors here enjoy the caves about 10 miles distant in this
chile
Headerston
hill country. Rivera lies 73 miles beyond, on the Brazilian border, spread
over two hills that feature a park, Plaza International, the Cunapiru Dam,
Mildemess
amagon
and the pleasant aspects of good relations with Brazilians living in the ad-
"Through
the
Brazide
joining community of Santa Ana do Livramento. The international bound-
ary line is like a main street in other communities, and both nationalities
walk back and forth freely.
in Collected walls
The Pan American Highway, running northeast from Montevideo, is
one of the country's newest and best-paved roads; it starts as Highway
8 at the outskirts of Montevideo and leads you to Minas, capital of the
Rooted
department of Lavalleja, named for the leader of the 33 patriots, along
some of the most spectacular scenery in the sierras. Some tourists find
Minas, about 75 miles from Montevideo, to be a nice change from the
beach resorts. It features mineral deposits, beautiful marble ranging from
pure white to black, mineral springs used for baths, excellent drinking
water, nearby caves, and the equestrian statue of Lavalleja. The mineral
water of Minas is also used in the excellent beer that Uruguay produces.
xvi
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
the economy worsened. Institutions that had managed to contain conflict
in the past proved to be inadequate. The collegial executive was replaced
in the 1967 constitution by a more powerful single executive. Unrest
increased in the university and secondary schools. The trade union
movement was radicalized. The Left began to unify in opposition to
1
the Blanco and Colorado hold on the electorate. The Tupamaro guerrilla
movement emerged out of frustration and idealism. And, most important,
most Uruguayans clung to a security blanket of welfare-state populism
that was dying with hardly anyone really noticing. The military would
The Land and the People:
quickly wake everyone up with a nightmare that was all too real.
I dealt with some of these themes and issues in 1975 in my first
A Heritage of Moderation
book, Uruguay: The Politics of Failure. This volume will not ignore the
and Culture
historical context, and it will build on the knowledge and controversy
engendered by its predecessor. I hope this work will give the reader
an understanding of how Uruguay developed and how it misdeveloped.
But the bulk of this study will concentrate on the decline of Uruguay's
"exceptionalism," the nature and effects of the twelve-year military
dictatorship, and the exciting, if problematic, reconstruction of democracy
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay sits between Argentina and
that Uruguay has undergone in the last two and one-half years, as was
southern Brazil at the beginning of the remarkable estuary known as
revealed time. to me during three trips I made to Montevideo during that
the Río de la Plata (see Map 1.1). The nation's official designation as
the Oriental Republic stems from its location on the east bank of the
This work would not have been possible without the courage of
Río Uruguay; that river, the border between Argentina and Uruguay,
the Uruguayan people and the support of my friends and colleagues,
flows into the River Plate estuary. Prior to independence in 1828, the
most especially, Louise Popkin, Ronald Hellman, Juan Rial, and Freida
country was known as the Banda Oriental (eastern shore).
Silvert. As always, I owe my greatest debt of gratitude to my wife,
Ruth, without whose inspiration and encouragement this book would
THE LAND
not have come to be.
Uruguay is the smallest country in South America; its land area
of approximately 72,000 square miles is about the size of North Dakota.
Martin Weinstein
Even so, its territory is equal to that of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and
Costa Rica combined. Uruguay has no significant mountain ranges, its
highest peak being only 1,644 feet high. Its undulating grasslands contain
no significant mineral resources, but almost 90 percent of its land surface
is capable of growing crops, and 70 percent is tillable soil. The country
shares the flatness of the Argentine pampa but not the richness of soil
with which its neighbor is blessed. In this regard it has much more in
common with the land of southern Brazil, Río Grande do Sul, of which,
in fact, it is a natural extension.
Uruguay is almost totally bordered by water. Only some 175 miles
of its 1,147 miles of geographical boundaries are not ocean, river, or
estuary. Sitting in the La Plata basin, which is fed by the Parana and
Uruguay rivers, the country has excellent hydroelectric resources. In
addition to the Río Uruguay, the country's other major river is the Río
1
2
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
3
URUGUAY
RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION
PAN AMERICAN HIGHWAY
OTHER ROADS
Uruguay is a country of European stock. Some 90 percent of the
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES
P
population is of Spanish or Italian heritage. The small Indian population
DEPARTMENT BOUNDARIES
Artigos
NATIONAL CAPITAL
the Spanish encountered when they arrived in the seventeenth century
ARTIGAS
CAPITALS OF DEPARTMENTS
Rivera
was killed off, fled, or eventually intermarried, so that by the 1850s
RAILWAYS
SCALE
there were no pure-blooded Indians left. Two small Indian tribes in the
SALTO
Salto
RIVERA
Banda Oriental when the Spaniards arrived, the Charrúa and the Chana,
had been pushed there by the expanding Guaraní empire in Paraguay.
Tocuarembo
PAYSANDU
TACUAREMBO
YAGUARON
Indians resisted the first European explorers and in fact killed many
URUGUAY RIVER
Paysandu
CERRO LARGO
RIVER
members of the first expedition in 1516. The Indians' continued resistance
Melo
Rio Branco
slowed colonization in the area during the sixteenth and early part of
Z
NEGRO
the seventeenth century. Eventually they were displaced by the growing
RIO
groups of Argentines and Brazilians who entered the Banda pursuing
Fray
Bento
Nagre
DURAZNO
TRENTA TRES
Mercodes
Treinta
Tres
cattle and horses. It is estimated that the Mestizos (mixed Indian-
Durazne
SORI ANO trinided FLORES
FLORIDA
Europeans) may comprise 5 to 8 percent of the total population, and
N
SAVALLEJA
ROCHA
they are concentrated in the northern provinces along the Brazilian
Carmelo
SAN
Florida
border.
JOSE
Minos
The black population numbers some 40,000-60,000. In the second
CANELONES
Cafeiene
G
Colonia
half of the nineteenth century thousands of African slaves were brought
"'O
to Montevideo. By the end of that century, blacks constituted 20 percent
OE
MONTEVIDEO
Punto Este
ATLANTIC Maldanado OCEAN
of the population of Montevideo and thus an important part of the
PLATA
labor force. With the influx of Europeans, the black population came
to represent a smaller and smaller faction. Although some blacks still
live in the area of Montevideo known as the Cerro, where some of the
Map 1.1 Uruguay. Source: Introduction to Uruguay (Washington, D.C.: Pan
meat-packing plants are located, the majority of the black and mulatto
American Union, n.d.), P. 1.
population is found in the northern departments near the Brazilian
border.
Negro, which begins in southern Brazil and continues for some 500
Uruguay's Jewish population has declined tremendously in the last
miles down the middle of Uruguay. On the eastern border of Uruguay
two decades. Estimated at 40,000 in 1970, the community is now
considered to number less than 25,000. Most of the Jews left because
is the Atlantic Ocean and toward its northeastern limit is a large tidal
lagoon, Laguna Merin, that it shares with Brazil. The southern coast is
of the deteriorating economic situation and the rise of military dicta-
bounded by the Río de la Plata estuary on which Montevideo, with its
torship. Jews are active in the legal and medical professions and in
excellent harbor, is situated.
some commercial enterprises. Originally attracted to Uruguay by its
Uruguay's strategic location makes it a geographic-and thus po-
stable democratic and secular culture, they were never active in the
litical-buffer between Brazil and Argentina, and its viability has always
political arena. Although living in Montevideo and involved in the liberal
been historically important to the commercial trade of the entire region.
professions, they have been heavily Colorado in their political loyalties.
It was for this reason that the British became increasingly interested in
Uruguay's first census, taken in 1908, showed a total population
the stability and independence of the Banda Oriental, a goal aided by
of 1,042,686. Uruguay, like Argentina, had thus apparently experienced
rising political consciousness in the region that led, with British diplomatic
a huge growth in population during the preceding generation, owing
intervention, to political sovereignty.
to an influx of Spanish and Italian immigrants. The census indicated
that an incredible 42 percent of the population of Montevideo was
4
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
5
TABLE 1.1
Estimated Total Population and Demographic Rates, 1895-1975
(five-year averages)
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Total
Uruguay, especially by Third World or Latin American standards,
population
Natural
Total
is a middle-class country. Whether we characterize the middle stratas
(thousands)
Births
Deaths
increase
Migration
increase
by economic, social, educational, or valorative criteria, Uruguay, and
(rate per thousand)
especially the subsystem of Montevideo, may be characterized as middle
1895-99
826.3
43.4
14.8
28.6
0.1
28.7
class. As Antonio Grompone concludes in his study Las Clases Medias
1900-04
934.8
38.9
13.7
25.2
0.9
26.1
1905-09
1054.5
37.6
14.0
23.6
2.2
25.8
en el Uruguay: "Synthesizing, then, Uruguay is
a
country
in
which
1910-14
1189.5
36.5
13.5
23.0
1.3
24.3
1915-19
1318.8
31.9
14.1
17.8
0.2
18.0
members of the middle class, urban as well as rural, and those who
1920-24
1448.4
30.1
12.6
17.5
2.6
20.1
1925-29
1606.5
28.6
11.9
16.7
have ties with governmental activities predominate in everything. This
3.9
20.6
1930-34
1758.8
25.8
11.5
14.3
1.2
15.5
explains the idiosyncracies of their mentality and the social interest that
1935-39
1880.6
22.3
11.1
11.2
0.6
11.8
1940-44
1991.6
21.6
10.3
11.3
-0.1
11.2
appears in the resolution of particular types of conflicts-political,
1945-49
2111.5
21.1
9.1
12.0
0.5
12.5
economic and social."¹
1950-54
2263.4
21.2
8.5
12.7
1.4
14.1
1955-59
2436.4
21.8
8.8
13.0
.04
13.4
The domination by the middle class of the political and economic
1960-64
2611.4
22.0
8.6
13.4
0.4
13.8
1969-71ᵃ
n.a.
22.1
9.6
12.5
n.a.
n.a.
life of the capital, coupled with the European ethnic profile, created a
1975ᵇ
2781.8
21.1
9.9
11.2
-5.4
5.8
sense of a totally integrated society. Although this picture of social
Three-year average
ᵇ1975 only
integration may be accurate within the capital, it does not accurately
Source: M.H.J. Finch, A Political Economy of Uruguay Since 1870
reflect the differences between urban and rural Uruguay. The split
(New York: St. Martin's Press, 1981), p. 24.
between city and countryside is wide and deep. Almost four-fifths of
Uruguay's industrial production takes place in or around Montevideo.
foreign born; the figure for the country as a whole was 17 percent. The
The census shows that there are four times as many people per physician
data in Table 1.1 show that the growth in population, explosive around
in the interior as there are in the capital. Infant mortality is twice as
the turn of the century, has been meager in the last two decades.
high in the interior as it is in Montevideo, and a higher proportion of
According to the 1985 census, Uruguay has a population of just
the population in rural areas is under fifteen years of age. More important,
under 3 million inhabitants, up only slightly from the 2.6 million at
life chances in terms of schooling show a significant geographic variation.
the time of the 1963 census. The low birthrate and heavy emigration
The proportion of students completing liceo (high school) and going on
of the last two decades, both a reflection of economic decline and
to the university drops precipitously as one moves away from Montevideo.
political breakdown, account for this very slow growth in population.
Uruguay can be accurately described as a city-state in spite of the
By 1970 Uruguay had the lowest percentage of population under fourteen
fact that historically its export capability has been determined by its
years of age and the highest percentage over sixty-five years of age of
livestock and agricultural sectors. The 1985 census showed a total
any country in Latin America. It is estimated that the median age in
population of 2,921,000, of which Montevideo's population of 1,297,000
Uruguay, as of 1986, is 40, easily the highest in Latin America and one
is an extraordinary 44 percent. To comprehend the overwhelming im-
of the highest in the world.
portance of Montevideo, it should be noted that Salto, the second largest
Montevideo, because of its strategic location on the River Plate,
city in Uruguay, has only 81,000 people and that there are only three
has always been the principal city of Uruguay and, from the beginning
other urban centers with more than 50,000. Montevideo's dominance is
of the country's history, has contained a significant percentage of its
not simply based on population, however. Uruguay's public university
population. In recent decades, the economic stagnation of rural areas
(in 1985 a small private Catholic university was established, in Mon-
has led to an internal migration to Montevideo that has maintained the
tevideo) is located in Montevideo, as are all of the country's major
city's population even in the face of the significant (some might say
newspapers and television and radio stations. Over 70 percent of the
extraordinary) emigration the country has experienced since the 1960s.
country's industrial production is concentrated in the department of
Montevideo. There is no residency requirement for election to the Senate
6
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
7
TABLE 1.2
Agrarian Structure and Performance: Distribution of Land
by Farm Size Categories, 1908-1970
1908
1913
1937
1951
1956
1961
1966
1970
Percent
distribution
of farms
Large
8.7
6.1
4.7
4.2
4.0
4.4
4.9
5.1
Medium
35.2
32.4
23.8
21.8
20.9
20.8
21.7
22.0
Small
56.1
61.5
71.5
74.0
75.1
74.8
73.4
72.9
Percent
distribution
of land
Large
64.2
55.5
n.a.
56.5
55.8
56.9
58.4
58.4
Medium
30.8
35.7
n.a.
34.3
34.7
34.3
33.7
34.0
Small
5.0
8.8
n.a.
9.2
9.5
8.8
7.9
7.6
Source: M.H.J. Finch, A Political Economy of Uruguay Since 1870
(New York: St. Martin's Press, 1981), p. 105.
Cowhides were the product that would attract the gaucho to the Banda
Oriental for the next 150 years. Only with the salting and curing of
Young people in Montevideo. Photo courtesy of Di-
meat and the increased demand for tallow did the agricultural activity
rección Nacional de Relaciones Públicas del Uruguay.
take on some diversification. The opening of a meat extract plant by
Liebig at Fray Bentos in 1864 is viewed as the beginning of the modern
or Chamber of Deputies, and thus almost all of Uruguay's politicians
meat industry in Uruguay. When the saladeros, or meat-salting plants,
live and work in Montevideo.
were replaced by the first refrigeration plants (frigoríficos), which prepared
chilled, frozen, or canned beef, Uruguay's product was finally available
AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
to the European market. The introduction of refrigerated ships during
the last two decades of the nineteenth century led to the rapid expansion
The land has historically been the heart of Uruguay's economy.
of beef and lamb exports.
The soil is not particularly rich; however, it is suited to the natural
The Uruguayan grasslands that W. H. Hudson called the "Purple
grazing of the millions of cattle and sheep that are the mainstay of the
Land" in his remarkable semiautobiographical volume by that name
country's exports. In 1985 this country of barely 3 million people
enjoy a temperate climate broken only by some violent winter storms
contained over 9 million head of cattle and 23 million sheep. The
that are the result of the cold winds of Antarctica coming up against
extensive use of natural pastures has given Uruguay a land-use pro-
ductivity figure of some 90 percent, but it is important to remember
the subtropical air of southern Brazil. Uruguay has little forest (some
that most of this land is unimproved pasture. Nevertheless, the ranches,
3 percent of its land surface) and no hydrocarbon resources. Its only
farms, and facilities for dairy production have many of the characteristics
mineral wealth consists of some semiprecious stones such as amethyst
and topaz.
of the minifundia (small, subsistence farms) and latifundia (large farms)
found elsewhere in Latin America (see Table 1.2).
Uruguay's agricultural sector has historically been abundant and
Livestock were turned loose in the Banda Oriental by the Spanish
kind to the 3 million people it now serves, but stagnation and decline
under Hernando Arias in 1603. The wild herds multiplied so rapidly
have left rural Uruguay relatively inefficient and unproductive in the
that by the time of the founding of Montevideo in 1726 there were an
face of changing international market conditions. The Uruguayan campo
estimated 25 million head of cattle in the region. The result was the
can be roughly divided into three distinct production areas. In the South,
designation of the subsequent period in Uruguay as the "Age of Leather."
near the capital, the land is exploited intensively to provide Montevideo
with fruits and vegetables. The North is the site of the extensive ranches
8
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
9
TABLE 1.3
Land Distribution in Uruguay in 1951
The most productive rural area in Uruguay is in the Southeast-
the departments of Río Negro, Soriano, and Colonia-where wheat,
Number as
Size of
percent of
Area as
other cereals, milk, and cheese production make the area the country's
holding
total number
Area
percent of
(acres)
Number
of holdings
(acres)
total area
breadbasket. The southernmost departments of San José, Canalones,
Florida, and the agricultural area of Montevideo itself are devoted to
Under 12.5
10,953
13
71,939)
12.5-25
11,117
13
189,350
2
the intensive production of the fruits, vegetables, and wine that provision
25-50
13,771
16
476,441)
50-125
16,910
the capital. Yet even this area lost 10,000 workers in the decade of the
20
1,321,485
3
125-250
10,375
12
1,809,127
4
1970s because of the reduced demand precipitated by economic decline
250-500
7,814
9
2,725,936
7
500-1,250
7,241
9
5,611,875
13
and the collapse of the beet-sugar industry, which lost its subsidy in
1,250-2,500
3,475
4
6,036,623
15
1975.
2,500-6,250
2,452
3
9,409,969
22
6,250-12,500
763
6,381,672
15
The underclass in the countryside lives in shantytowns that are
12,500-25,000
316
1
5,099,932
12
Over 25,000
71)
2,790,522
7
referred to as rancheríos or poblaciones de ratas (rat towns). Their numbers
Totals
85,258
100
41,924,871
100
are dwindling but it is estimated that at least 300,000 people, or 10
percent of Uruguay's population, live in these communities.
Source: Cited in Russell H. Fitzgibbon, Uruguay: Portrait of
a Democracy (New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1954),
Surprisingly, several departments have shown significant population
p. 76.
growth. The northern province of Artigas experienced growth along the
border with Brazil, most especially in the area around the town of Bella
on which sheep and cattle are raised. The eastern farm belt of the
Union, with its agroindustrial cooperatives. The department of Treinta
country serves as the principal grain- and cereal-producing region.
y Tres has attracted labor because of the successful growth of its rice-
The principal livestock export products are wool and beef, although
exporting industry. The department of Maldonado's growth was caused
milk and cheese products are also produced in abundance. Corn is
by its proximity to the resort community of Punta del Este and the
grown as a feed concentrate, wheat for bread, and rice both for domestic
construction boom there in 1979 and 1980.
consumption and as an increasingly important export crop. Beet sugar
In the past, Uruguay's economic health has been based on a
accounts for 80 percent of sugar production, but total sugar production
dynamic export economy and the conscious distribution of its benefits.
only accounts for 50 percent of the country's consumption.
Uruguay was built on cattle and sheep, the products of which-wool,
Although one cannot speak of a famous "Fourteen Families" as
meat, and hides-were fortunately tied to the voracious appetite of a
in El Salvador, and the distribution of land has never been a pressing
Britain propelled by the industrial revolution. This was especially true
political issue (as Uruguay is underpopulated), concentration of ownership
at the beginning of the twentieth century when, in the period dominated
has always been a reality. The data in Table 1.3 describe land distribution
by José Batlle y Ordóñez (1903-1929), the value of exports doubled,
in Uruguay in 1951, at the height of the country's economic well-being
principally because of the market for frozen meat. In 1930, just before
after World War II.
the Great Depression, all chilled beef, 83 percent of mutton, and 39
The 1980 census showed that 5.7 percent of farms controlled 56.6
percent of frozen beef went to Britain.
percent of the land, whereas 68.6 percent of the farms or ranches
Uruguay's industry has been based on the processing of meat and
comprised only 6.9 percent of the land. In addition, most of the large
wool and the production of domestic consumables, with the food and
landholdings are of unimproved pastureland and employ very few ranch
beverage industry making the largest contribution. Meat processing and
hands. The number of agricultural workers, which stood at 293,000 in
dairy production are the most important activities, followed by textile
1956, is believed to number over 150,000 in 1987.
manufacturing. These industries grew as a result of the urban welfare-
If we group the departments that are the sites of extensive livestock
oriented distributive policies of Batllismo (as the ideology and policies
raising-Durazno, Rivera, Rocha, Tacuarembo, Cerro Largo, La Valleja,
of José Batlle are known) but received an extra stimulus from the import-
and Flores-we encounter an increasingly depopulated countryside with
substitution industrialization policies that reached their peak in the late
fewer and fewer salaried workers. The ranches in these areas are referred
1940s and early 1950s.
to as estancias cimarronas (wild ranches) because of the lack of productive
Uruguay's agricultural production is most notable for its slow growth
activity.
throughout the century-despite the expansion of exports-and its
10
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
11
in Uruguay: A Study of the Causes That Retard National Progress) published
in 1930.² M.H.J. Finch, however, has demonstrated that José Batlle's
fiscal policies, although clearly conscious of their redistributive activities,
do not account for rural stagnation. Rather, Finch argues that the
latifundistas themselves were not interested in investing in the inten-
sification of land use, and that the outflow of capital from the rural
sector was voluntary before 1930.
Batlle took advantage of the funds generated by the livestock sector
and the rapid urbanization of Montevideo to build a political base that
gave the Colorado party the power to expand the social welfare functions
of the state, buy social peace, and strengthen political institutions. At
the time he came to power, 30 percent of the country's population
already lived in Montevideo. The most extraordinary legacy of Batllismo
was the integration of this population into a stable two-party democratic
political system.
EDUCATION
The transformation of public education in Uruguay was the crowning
achievement of José Pedro Varela, a friend and disciple of Horace Mann.
Varela served in the administration of Lorenzo Latorre (1876-1880),
whose regime was the closest thing to an integrating dictatorship that
Uruguay would experience in the nineteenth century. His work led in
1877 to the passage of the Law of Common Education, which established
the principle of free, secular, and compulsory primary education. Central
government expenditures on education during the twentieth century
W
have been among the highest in Latin America. Even as late as 1968,
during a very troubled time for Uruguay politically and economically,
such expenditures were the second highest in Latin America.
There are several excellent private schools in Uruguay; the British
School is considered the best and the one to which most of the elite
The economic basis of Uruguay's welfare state. Photo courtesy of Dirección
Nacional de Relaciones Públicas del Uruguay.
send their children. Primary-school enrollment quadrupled from 1880
until the time of Batlle's death in 1929. From 1930 to 1963 the index
of primary enrollment rose from 100 to 226. The numbers are equally
stagnation since the early 1960s. Lack of investment is a crucial factor
impressive for secondary education. From 1950 to 1965 secondary-school
in this phenomenon, and it is in this regard that the policies of mostly
enrollment was up 167 percent. In 1960 Uruguay had the highest
urban-oriented Colorado governments should be examined. The usual
percentage of secondary-school-aged population in school for all of
denunciation of Colorado governments for killing the golden calf-that
Latin America. Education received enormous stimulus under José Batlle,
is, destroying the incentive for productive investment in the agricultural
to the extent that by 1930 over three-quarters of all children of primary-
sector by promoting proindustrial welfare-state policies-finds its most
school age were attending school. By 1970 this figure was a remarkable
famous expression in Julio Martínez Lamas' Riqueza y Pobreza del Uruguay:
96 percent. Secondary-school enrollment increased some 600 percent
Estudio de las Causas que Retardan el Progreso Nacional (Wealth and Poverty
between 1942 and 1970. These figures deteriorated somewhat under the
12
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
13
had been in the university ten years or longer; during that time, enrollment
was 15,000, but the average graduating class numbered only 750. The
yearly number of graduates as a percentage of incoming students fell
from an average of 56 percent in the 1940s to less than 30 percent in
the late 1950s and early 1960s. The situation became even worse in the
late 1960s and early 1970s because of student and political unrest.
These data are not totally indicative of the role of higher education
in Uruguay. Of course, the university is supposed to provide for social
mobility and the training of new professionals and the certification of
elites. It performed these roles in the earlier part of the century and
was a principal certifying mechanism for the sons and daughters of the
middle class from the 1920s to the 1950s. However, a stagnant economy
and the failure of political elites to get the country moving again took
their toll on university productivity and the life chances of those who
were graduated. It appears to me that, since the late 1960s, attending
the university and thus being able to call oneself a universitario has
become an occupational category for Uruguay's young adults. It is one
way to keep the sons and daughters of the middle and upper stratas
off the streets. Being a universitario may confer some status and a false
University of the Republic. Photo from U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
sense of security, but it is not giving the society the scientifically and
Public Affairs, Background Notes: Uruguay (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government
technologically trained cadres it will need for the twenty-first century.
Printing Office, 1985).
This is especially true because of the inadequate budgets for professors
and equipment that has plagued the system for decades and continues
military dictatorship because of the economic difficulties encountered
to hamper it under President Julio María Sanguinetti's austerity budget.
by the working class.
The university population has expanded dramatically in the 1980s,
Uruguay's only public university is the University of the Republic
from a total of 34,000 students in 1980 to over 78,000 in 1985. The
located in Montevideo. It is divided into ten facultades, or schools, each
number of new admissions skyrocketed in 1984 and 1985, undoubtedly
of which has a high degree of autonomy through its dean and elected
reflecting the return to civilian government and optimism concerning
council. The university also has a specialized institute, the Instituto de
the university. Law continues to be the most popular career option, with
Profesores Artigas, that turns out educational administrators and, more
engineering enjoying increased student attention in recent years. It still
recently, is responsible for the training of career diplomats. Enrollment
takes over eight years for the average student to complete his or her
is open to everyone who successfully completes the secondary-school
degree.
cycle, and tuition is free. In the past, the bulk of students enrolled in
the schools of Medicine and Law. The majority of students are from
ART AND CULTURE
the middle or upper class from Montevideo or from urban centers in
the interior. Most students consider themselves to be liberal, and the
For a small country with no great indigenous heritage, Uruguay's
Federation of University Students of Uruguay (FEUU, Federación de
cultural life has been rich, varied, and influential. An early commitment
Estudiantes Universitarios del Uruguay) is dominated by leftist activists.
to public education and cultural freedom contributed to this heritage,
As the system is modeled after those of continental Europe, most students'
as did the European influence on artists and intellectuals.
degree programs are five to six years in length. In practice, the typical
Literary history and criticism have a strong tradition in Uruguay.
student will spend at least two more years completing all his or her
A massive seventeen-volume study, Historia Crítica de la Literatura
requirements. In 1964, when things were far more "normal" in the
Uruguaya, was published in 1913 by Carlos Roxlo. Alberto Zum Felde's
university than they have been since that time, one-quarter of all students
Proceso Intelectual del Uruguay, which appeared in 1930, remains the
14
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
15
seminal work on Uruguay's intellectual and literary work during its first
place at the gallery of the Center for Inter-American Relations in New
century of independence. The most enduring modern testament to artistic,
York during 1985 and 1986.
intellectual, and literary criticism was Marcha, an independent weekly
Many newspapers are available in Uruguay, although far fewer
founded by Carlos Quijano in 1939. Until its closure by the dictatorship
than in the 1960s. None are very good. All the daily newspapers are
in 1974, Marcha was the proving ground for such brilliant writers and
identified with factions of the political parties, and journalistic standards
critics as Emir Rodríguez Monegal, Angel Rama, and Eduardo Galeano.
are very low. The best newspaper currently published is a weekly
There has never been a more erudite weekly on literature and politics
independent publication, Búsqueda, which attempts fairly successfully to
in Latin America than Marcha, and its existence in Uruguay is a testament
summarize the previous week's news and has extensive coverage of the
to the truth that cultural expression is not a function of size.
economic situation. Marcha has been resurrected as Brecha, which despite
Uruguay's first writer of note was Juan Zorrilla de San Martín
some lively writing and commentary has not yet approached the level
(1888-1931), a romantic novelist who infused his work with a spirit of
of its predecessor.
nationalism. His most famous work is an epic poem, "Tabaré," recounting
Regarding folk music, the gaucho gave Uruguay its national folk
the history of Uruguay's small indigenous Indian tribe, the Charrúas.
dance, the pericón, and the tango is almost as popular in Uruguay as
He also wrote a prose piece entitled "La Epopeya de Artigas," which
it has been in Argentina. As for artisan crafts, a carved gourd known
exalted the virtues of the man considered to be the father of Uruguay's
as a maté in which the tealike herb maté is brewed and carried is the
independence, José Gervasio Artigas.
most distinctive example of gaucho culture that has become a permanent
The most famous Uruguayan man of letters is undoubtedly José
fixture in everyday Montevideo. In more recent years, a cottage industry
Enrique Rodó (1872-1917), whose short masterpiece Ariel, written in
involving the hand-knitting of sweaters-Manos del Uruguay (Hands
1900, remains the classic statement on the confrontation between South
of Uruguay)-has proven very successful, with major exports to Europe
American spirit and culture and the materialism and drive for power
and the United States.
that, for Rodó, characterized North American civilization.
As is clear from this brief discussion, for a small country, Uruguay
Of Uruguay's major poets, Juana de Ibarbourou stands out among
has a rich and varied cultural and literary heritage. This heritage was
several accomplished female poets. Short stories are very popular among
nurtured by a sophisticated and democratic political and social system,
Uruguay's print-oriented population; Mario Benedetti and Juan Carlos
the foundations of which are the subject of the following chapter.
Onetti are recognized as the most accomplished story writers; Benedetti's
Gracias por el fuego (Thanks for the Fire) is considered the best novella
written in Uruguay since the end of World War II.
The theater has always been popular in the Río de la Plata, and
the most famous Uruguayan dramatist, Florencio Sanchez, is recognized
as the country's greatest playwright, having brought social realism to
the theater in the 1920s. In the contemporary period, Mauricio Rosencof,
with such works as "Las Ranas," had already established himself as a
popular playwright in the early 1960s, but gave up his literary career
to help found the Tupamaro guerrilla movement. He has thus emerged
as a controversial, if not notorious, figure. Since his release from prison
in March 1985, many of his poems and plays, written in prison to help
him survive the ordeal of torture and isolation to which he was subjected,
have been published and performed to generally favorable critical review.
Uruguay's three most important artists are Juan Manuel Blanes,
known for his lifelike historical scenes, Torres Garcia, and Pedro Figari.
Figari's impressionistic scenes of rural life and folk dancing have gradually
caused him to be recognized as one of South America's most important
twentieth-century artists. A very important exhibition of his work took
NOV 27 '90 9:32 FROM USTR
PAGE. 002
Trade Section of President's Speech in Uruguay
Prosperity in our hemisphere depends on trade -- not aid. A
strong multilateral trading system is a cornerstone to a healthy,
expanding world economy. A successful conclusion of the Uruguay
Round of multilateral trade negotiations is my highest trade
priority. The Uruguay Round presents us with an extraordinary
moment in history to recharge economic growth and provide
unparalleled prosperity for all nations well into the 21st
Century. We will be working closely with your Foreign Minister,
who is the Chairman of the Round's Trade Negotiating Committee,
to help bring about a successful outcome.
In June, I announced the Enterprise for the Americas
Initiative. Behind this initiative lies a vision -- the creation
of a hemispheric free trade zone. To realize this long-term
goal, we must ensure that trade barriers are brought down among
Latin American countries as well as with the United States. In
this way we enhance multilateral trade liberalization and
strengthen the world trading system.
November 27, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR ED McNALLY
FROM:
BOB SIMON Rt
SUBJECT:
QUOTATIONS BY GEN. ARTIGAS
"There is nothing to fear but the lack of those sentiments that
inspire honor, reason, and the welfare of South America."
Dec. 19, 1818
"My greatest hope for a democratic government is that its
greatest glory would be in contributing to the happiness of its
people.
"
December 7, 1811
"The object and goal of government should be to preserve the
equality, liberty and security of its citizens and its cities."
April 13, 1813
"Let nothing be capable of opposing our union; let us regard it
as a large family of brothers."
April 20, 1815
he Spanish
XIV of
1-waiting to
The indo
holly deperting
ian, who,
effected
ration. She
Elizabeth F
aría Luisa's
queen imm
Rome in 172
ristian martyr
nd, she was
pilgrimage
to
gins. On the
ven as 238,
by Huns
was remove
dar in 1969
her life.
now in the
rsula legend.
man Catholic
ing. Named
escia, Italy is
EPA
approved by
e members
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a major seaport on the Río de la Plata.
0 vows, but in
vows were
II. In 1612
DRUGUAY, yoor'e-gwi, a republic in southern
Uruguay enjoys a generally pleasant temper-
regation of P
South America. Throughout its history, this
ate climate. Average temperatures range from
n strict enclos
country has lived in the shadow of its two larger
74°F (22°C) during the summer month of January
into North An
and more powerful neighbors-Brazil, to the
to 50°F (10°C) in June. In the cooler season, it is
ie de l'Incarn
sorth, and Argentina, to the west and south.
advisable to wear a coat in the evening. Rainfall
a congregatic
However, Uruguay has been markedly different
averages an adequate 40 inches (1,000 mm) a
Marie Tranch
from both of them.
year, with April and May the wettest months.
Orleans, La. At
All parts of the republic are easily accessible,
Almost 75% of Uruguay consists of grass-
any of the congr
and the nation has been remarkably homo-
lands, suitable for grazing. Only 3% is forested.
d formed the U
geneous ethnically and culturally. Largely ow-
The forests contain a variety of hardwoods and
but other congr
ing to the impact of a great leader, José Batlle y
some softwoods such as willows and acacias.
identity.
Ordóñez, Uruguay in the early 1900's experi-
Elsewhere, there are palms (along the coast) as
enced fundamental economic and social reforms
well as pines, cypresses, oaks, cedars, magnolias,
that were a model for countries of the Western
mulberry trees, eucalypti, sycamores, and fig
Hemisphere. It evolved a degree of political
trees.
in Mexico,
stability and democracy that was the envy of
Wildlife includes seals, in colonies on Lobos
km) southw
many of its neighbors.
Island, American ostriches (rheas), deer, otters,
ter of a region
However, after World War II, the situation in
capybaras, foxes, armadillos, and wildcats.
d oranges
Uruguay changed drastically. The country's
Among the bird varieties are vultures, parakeets,
and trays.
economic base deteriorated to crisis proportions.
owls, and game birds such as partridges, quails,
del Progreso)
This in turn fueled social and political unrest,
and wild ducks. The major poisonous snakes are
ciscan mission
which resulted in uncharacteristic resort to vio-
rattlers and pit vipers.
city has presen
lence and, in the 1970's, led to the establishment
hospital of that
of a military dictatorship.
n. The three
The Land. Most of Uruguay is an extension of
ers and fruit tn
the great pampas of Argentina, although the land
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS
ontains streams
is more rolling than in the exceedingly flat Ar-
Official Name: Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Repúb-
e volcano Paric
gentine plains. The north is hilly, but the high-
lica Oriental del Uruguay).
Head of State and Government: President.
lation: (1978
est altitude in the republic-only 1,644 feet (501
Legislature: Council of State.
meters)-is in the south.
Area: 72,172 square miles (186,925 sq km).
Uruguay faces the Atlantic Ocean on the east
Boundaries: West, Argentina; north, Brazil; east, At-
bäm'bä, in P
lantic Ocean; south, Río de la Plata.
and the Río de la Plata estuary on the south.
Highest Elevation: Cerro Mirador (1,644 feet, or 501
S the Vilcanota,
The country gets its name from the Uruguay
meters).
heast of Cusco
River, which forms the western boundary and
Population: (1975 census) 2,781,778 (1980 est.)
2,919,000.
450 miles (720
lows into the Río de la Plata. The only other
Capital: Montevideo.
nac to form the Ua
river of consequence is the Negro, which goes
Major Language: Spanish (official).
e Amazon.
through the center of the country before empty-
Major Religious Group: Roman Catholics.
pulated by subsi
Monetary Unit: New peso (= 100 centésimos).
ing into the Uruguay River. The largest of sev-
Flag: Four blue horizontal stripes alternating with
o the Gorge of T
eral shallow bodies of water near the east coast
five white ones, with a 16-rayed golden sun in a
el of Machu Picc
is Lake Mirim (or Merín), which straddles the
white canton at the upper left
Below the gon
National Anthem: ¡Orientales, la Patria 0 la tumba!
Uruguayan-Brazilian frontier. Along the Atlan-
(Uruguayans, our country or the tomb!)
d thinly settled.
tic are miles of sandy beaches.
820e
RIO GRANDE
Spanish is the official language of the
DO SUL
and now virtually everyone's native country tong
SOUTH
The Uruguayans speak a "Río de la Plata
BRAZIL
AMERICA
PACIFIC OCEAN
ATLANTIC OCEAN
sion of Spanish, heavily influenced by Italian.
are at least formally Roman Catholics. But
The great majority of the people of Urugunj
URUGUAY
church has never been as influential as in
other Latin American countries. Church
No
state have long been constitutionally separated
art
in the capital city, Montevideo. No other
Almost half of the 3 million Uruguayans live
center approaches 100,000 population.
chief Mercedes. provincial cities are Paysandú, Salto,
In contrast to many other Latin America
countries, Uruguay has a relatively slow rate
tio
annual population increase. In 1980 it was esti- of
mated at 1.2%. Virtually all of this growth is
Fray
ural increase because for decades there has been nat-
Bento
little immigration. Indeed, since the advent
economic crisis in the 1960's and the establish
ment of a military dictatorship early in the
1970's, many people have left the country.
large percentage of the immigrants established A
Uruguay is a strongly middle-class nation.
DO
small commercial or artisan enterprises, many of
Rijo
which still exist. During the middle decades
ha
of
the 20th century, government employment and
Buenos
de
Aires
10
wide variety of services, vastly expanded the
Plata
nta del Este
number of middle-class citizens. Upward social
Montevideo
and economic mobility was a characteristic of the
Lobos I.
country. But since the 1960's, Uruguayan soci-
URUGUAY
ety has been much less fluid.
D
ATLANTIC
,
Dam
The manufacturing and transportation sectors
0
100 Mi.
of the economy support a large manual working
OCEAN
0
100 Km.
class. This group has suffered from a decline in
as
the meat-packing industry, a major source of its
employment.
The still appreciable rural population COD-
sists of workers on the cattle ranches and small
Uruguay is notoriously bereft of fossil fuels
farmers in crop production. Partly because of
and metallic minerals. The only ores of conse-
the country's relatively small area, and partly
quence are iron reserves in the north, which
because of the great preponderance of Montevi-
have not been exploited because of the low per-
deo in national life, the contrast between urban
centage of metal in the mineral. However, con-
and rural life in Uruguay is much less marked
siderable deposits of marble, granite, and semi-
than in most parts of Latin America. For a long
precious stones are exploited and the products
time it was easy for rural workers to move to the
P
exported to some degree.
t
city if they were sufficiently unhappy with their
The People. Uruguay is one of the immigrant
lot-which has been an incentive for employers
countries of America. Although at the time of
to provide income and services adequate to keep
independence in the early 1800's, the majority of
the agricultural workers on the land. General-
the people were mestizos (mixed European-
ized public education also has helped to homog-
Indian), and there were still some Indians, this
enize the population.
situation changed drastically in the last decades
Until the economic crisis that began in the
of the century.
1960's, Uruguayans were accustomed to one of
Mass immigration began as the grazing indus-
the highest levels of living anywhere in America.
try developed in the interior of the country, pro-
Most of them tended to dress well, to eat large
viding increasing quantities of beef cattle and
quantities of meat, pasta, and fruit, and to drink
sheep and promoting the establishment of mod-
good wine and beer. They shared with their
em packing houses in Montevideo and several
Argentine neighbors a taste for maté, a bitter tes
other urban centers. Many people who finally
grown in northeastern Argentina. The Uruguay-
settled in Uruguay had first made their way to
ans were among those who patronized the no-
neighboring Argentina, where an even larger in-
tional tourist industry. As a result of the reforms
flux of Europeans was occurring. The great ma-
launched by José Batlle in the early 20th cen-
jority of Uruguayan immigrants during the 30 or
tury, virtually the whole population was covered
40 years before World War I made their homes in
by health insurance. Certainly, during the mid-
Montevideo and a few smaller cities.
dle decades of the century, the people had better
As a consequence, most Uruguayans are peo-
and more extensive health care than almost any
ple whose ancestors came from Europe within
other Latin Americans. Now, like most aspects of
the last hundred years. They are predominantly
Uruguayan life, even health care has declined
of Spanish and Italian descent, although small
Uruguayans tend to be intense sports fans,
numbers are of German, East European, and
and their favorite sport is soccer. They follow
British origin. Only 10% or less are mestizo, and
with particular attention their national team is
less than 2% have some African ancestry.
the quadrennial World Cup competition. In the
820f
age of the
first such contest, held in Montevideo in 1930,
S native to
de la Plats
the Uruguayans were the victors.
Education and Cultural Life. The educational
nced by Itali
eople of
system long has been a unifying element in Uru-
atholics.
guay. However, cultural life has suffered se-
verely from the political crisis of recent years.
tential as in
Not only have many of the country's literary and
es. Church
artistic elite fled abroad, but the mass exodus of
ionally sepan
people with advanced education and special
1 Uruguayans
skills has restricted the audience for cultural
No other us
events.
population.
Education. As early as 1877, a law passed un-
sandú, Salto,
der the inspiration of José Pedro Varela formally
established free and compulsory public educa-
Latin Ameri
tion. In the decades that followed, this kind of
ively slow rate
educational system became a reality. It was esti-
1 1980 it was
mated in 1980 that 94% of the total population
this growth is
was literate and that 97% of those children of
les there has
primary-school age were attending school, while
nce the advent
on the secondary-school level, the rate of atten-
and the establi
dance was 47%.
hip early in
Higher education also is tuition-free. The
the country.
University of the Republic, in Montevideo, dates
le-class nation.
from 1849. In 1980 about 4.7% of the national
grants establish
population was attending the university, which
terprises, many
has ten faculties (schools). The Labor Univer-
EPA
niddle decades
sity, also in Montevideo, provides technical
Punta del Este is Uruguay's most popular resort. The city
employment
training in both industrial and agricultural fields.
has hosted numerous international conferences.
:ly expanded
Uruguay has some 40 publicly supported
S. Upward soe
teacher-training schools.
haracteristic of
Newspapers, Libraries, and Bookstores. The high
most famous painter, and a graduate of the
Uruguayan
rate of literacy is reflected in other institutions.
school, is Pedro Figari, who specialized in his-
Daily newspapers in the capital city have a total
torical canvases dealing with early 19th century
sportation sect
circulation of more than 200,000. Traditionally,
Montevideo. José Luis Zorilla de San Martín,
e manual workt
the Montevideo newspapers have been closely
son of the poet, whose bronze statue of the gau-
from a decline,
associated with one or another political faction
cho (cowboy) stands in one of the squares in cen-
najor source of
and have had national circulation. Most of the
tral Montevideo, is particularly well known.
provincial newspapers are weeklies.
Uruguayan architecture has never had any
I population
Libraries are widespread. The National Li-
particular distinction, although at one time the
anches and SITH
brary and the National Archives in Montevideo
country is said to have had a larger proportion of
Partly because
were long among the best in Latin America, in
architects in its population than any country in
area, and parti
terms of both organization and collection size.
the world. With the postwar tourist boom in
-ance of Monte
Before the 1973 coup, Montevideo had a
Montevideo and other coastal centers, many
st between usb
small but thriving book-publishing industry.
uch less mari
The city's bookstores stocked a wide variety of
erica. For a le
publications from other Latin American coun-
A quiet street in Punta del Este offers visitors the pleasure
rs to move to
tries, Europe, and North America. One peculiar-
of a leisurely stroll or open-air refreshment.
happy with
ity was the wide range of books from the Soviet
CARL FRANK/PHOTO RESEARCHERS. INC.
ve for employe
Union and other East European countries.
adequate to kee
Prose and Poetry. Undoubtedly, Uruguay's
e land. Genera
most famous literary figure is José Enrique Rodó,
helped to home
who was primarily an essayist. His small vol-
ume Ariel (1900), comparing the supposedly cul-
that began in the
tured spirit of the Latin American with the al-
istomed to one
leged crass materialism of the Yankee, remains
where in America
one of the most important Latin American pro-
well, to eat lan
tests against the influence of the United States in
fruit, and to dria
the area. Other literary figures of significance
shared with the
are the novelist Carlos Reyles and the poet Juan
maté, a bitter
Zorilla de San Martín, who some have called the
ia. The Uruguay
finest South American romantic poet. One of
atronized the DR.
Latin America's greatest playwrights, Florencio
CAMBIO
sult of the reform
Sánchez, was born in Uruguay but lived much of
e early 20th ces
his life in Buenos Aires. Some critics compare
ation was covere
him with his contemporary, Ibsen.
y, during the mid
people had better
Uruguay has produced several modern social
e than almost any
scientists of distinction. Perhaps the most out-
standing is Carlos Rama, whose particular con-
ike most aspects
are has declined.
cerns were with the history of organized labor
tense sports fans,
and political movements influenced by it, in
cer. They follow
Latin America and in Spain.
Art and Architecture. The National School of
national team
mpetition. In the
Fine Arts plays a significant role in encouraging
painting and sculpture. Probably the country's
820g
& CARL FRANK. PHOTO RESEARCHERS. INC.
Meat-packing is one of Uruguay's principal industries.
D J. ALLAN CASH/PHOTO RESEARCHERS
Large quantities of beef are processed for export.
Uruguay produces wool for trade and domestic use.
country exports both raw wool and woolen textiles.
The
apartment houses were built. Modern in design
and constructed of reinforced concrete with lib-
winemaking. In the north, citrus cultivation
eral use of glass, they sometimes rise 15 to 20
fairly extensive, and from various regions come is
stories, a sharp contrast to the low buildings that
the Uruguayan diet.
apples, pears, and other fruits that help diversify
have traditionally characterized the capital.
Music. The most important musical institu-
Forestry and fishing provide small quantities
tion in the country is the 100-person National
of exports. During the 1970's the government
Symphony Orchestra in Montevideo. Some pro-
began to take particular interest in stimulating
the expansion of commercial fishing.
vincial cities have their own, smaller orchestras.
There are three music conservatories in the cap-
Manufacturing. Enterprises based on process-
ital. Opera and legitirnate-theater seasons are
ing of the country's agricultural products include
features of Montevideo's cultural scene.
meat-packing houses, wool-processing plants,
Uruguayan popular music is similar to that in
sugar refineries, wineries, and flour mills. The
Argentina, with the tango particularly favored.
nation's cement plants also get most of their raw
material domestically.
One of the most famous songs of this type, La
Cumparsita (1917), was written by Uruguayan
The advent of the meat-packing industry at
composer Gerardo H. Matos Rodríguez.
the beginning of the 20th century gave impetus
to the modernization of Uruguay's grazing econ-
The Economy. Since colonial times, grazing has
constituted the core of the Uruguayan economy.
omy. The first freezing plant was built in 1904,
and subsequently slaughterhouses and meal-
The gaucho, almost inseparable from his horse,
packing plants were established in Montevideo
riding the rolling plains, running down and skin-
and five smaller cities. They prepare chilled
ning wild cattle, and fighting both the Indians
and encroaching whites, was as characteristic of
and frozen meat for local consumption but partic-
ularly for shipment abroad.
Uruguay as of the Argentine pampas and the Bra-
zilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Sheepherding grew along with cattle raising
in the rural areas. Although some lamb and mut-
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing. In the 19th
ton were produced, wool was the most important
century the countryside of Uruguay was charac-
terized by large landholdings. However, there
sheep product. Plants to clean and process the
wool and prepare it for export became another
has been a tendency to divide some of these into
family farms.
important feature of the urban economy.
President José Batlle began the government
Nine tenths of the exploited rural land is used
for the raising of cattle, sheep, and some smaller
policy of encouraging manufacturing in the early
20th century. He established the Administra-
animals, whereas only one tenth is used for crop
ción Nacional de Combustibles, Alcohol y Port-
production: Grazing predominates particularly
land (ANCAP) as a government monopoly of
in the center of the country. In 1978 it was esti-
petroleum refining, cement production, sugar re-
mated that there were more than three times as
fining, and alcohol production. He also began
many cattle as people in Uruguay, and consider-
the policy of encouraging private enterprise in
ably more than six times as many sheep as
the manufacturing sector through high tariffs, im-
human beings. Much of the nation's industrial
port quotas, and other protective devices. Tar-
activity is concerned with processing animal
iffs were sometimes as high as 150% of the orig-
products, and the country's export pattern also
inal price of imported goods. Events outside
reflects the continued importance of grazing.
Uruguay had a role in stimulating the develop-
Crop production, which has increased mod-
ment of national industries. Two World Wars
estly, is concentrated particularly along the At-
and the Great Depression, by decreasing foreign
lantic coast, the Río de la Plata, and the Brazilian
exchange earnings, greatly limited the country's
frontier. Uruguay is largely self-sufficient in
capacity to import manufactured goods.
grains, sugar, and wine. Major grain crops in-
clude wheat, oats, barley, maize, and rice. The
As a consequence of these policies and exter-
nal factors, a sizable textile industry was created.
country also produces small amounts of sugar-
as well as light engineering and electric-products
cane and larger quantities of sugar beets.
firms and chemical plants. There are also small
Grapes are grown for table fruit as well as for
rolling mills for steel and aluminum.
820h.
URUGUAY
820i
Because Uruguay possesses no known re-
It was the Portuguese who in 1680 founded
rves of petroleum or coal, it depends almost
the country's first town, Colonia, as an outpost
entirely on imported fuel for thermal power
across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires.
alants and motor vehicles. During the decades
Not until 1726 did the Spaniards establish their
efore World War II a beginning was made in
major foothold in Uruguay, at Montevideo. In
construction of hydroelectric facilities, and since
1777, Portugal ceded Colonia to Spain, and Uru-
the war these efforts have been greatly intensi-
guay was attached to the newly created Spanish
d. Two projects-Rincón del Bonete, with a
viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.
spacity of 128,000 kw, and Rincón de Baygorría,
The Struggle for Independence. The movement
with 108,000 kw-were constructed on the Río
for independence in Uruguay. began in 1811 un-
Negro, with the help of International Bank fi-
der the leadership of José Gervasio Artigas, as
ancing. Power output at the 1,890-kw Salto
part of the general struggle in the Plata viceroy-
Grande project, undertaken on the Uruguay
alty. However, as the Argentines fought for
River in conjunction with Argentina, began in
their independence and aided the Pacific coast
1979. Production of electricity, which is a mo-
nations against the Spaniards, the Brazilians
sopoly of the government, had already increased
moved into Uruguay. In 1821, after establishing
more than 500% between 1948 and 1978.
their control, they incorporated the Banda Orien-
Transportation, Trade, and Tourism. The infra-
tal into Brazil as the Cisplatine province.
structure of the Uruguayan economy was greatly
In 1825 a group of Uruguayan patriots crossed
это
RESEARCH
expanded in the early 20th century. Railroads
the Río de la Plata from Argentina, where they
domestic
extending nearly 1,860 miles (3,000 km) were
had taken refuge, and began the struggle led by
olen textil
built, largely by British firms. They were pur-
the "Thirty-three Immortals" against Brazilian
chased by the Uruguayan government in 1948.
domination. They were headed by Juan Antonio
Subsequently an extensive road network was
Lavalleja. Britain had a strong influence in the
cultivati
built, amounting to almost 6,200 miles (10,000
Plata region because of its trade, and, as the
regions
km), of which about half have been paved. A
struggle for Uruguayan independence went on,
help dives
major international airport was built to serve
the British government exerted diplomatic pres-
Montevideo. A government-owned airline,
sure. Largely through British mediation, Argen-
mall quanti
PLUNA, serves interior cities of Uruguay and
tina and Brazil agreed in 1828 to recognize an
e governn
fies to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
independent Uruguayan republic as a buffer
in stimuls
The economy continues to depend substan-
state between them.
ng.
tially on foreign trade. Two of the three major
Colorados and Blancos. The lines of future po-
ed on proce
exports come from the traditional grazing sec-
litical controversy in the republic emerged
oducts include
tor-meat and meat products on the one hand,
among its founding fathers. Divisions soon
essing plan
and wool on the other. Textiles constitute a
arose between the Liberals, led by Gen. José
ur mills. TI
third major export. Raw materials and machin-
Fructuoso Rivera, and the Conservatives, headed
st of their
ery needed by manufacturing industries are ma-
by Gen. Manuel Oribe. The two groups quickly
jor import items. Despite the development of
came to be known by the colors they chose for
ng industry
hydroelectric resources, Uruguay remains de-
identification: the Liberals as the Colorados,
gave impeti
pendent on imported petroleum. Since the on-
or Reds, and their opponents as the Blancos, or
grazing econ
set of the world energy crisis in the early 1970's,
Whites.
built in 1904
the government has shown some interest in de-
Colorado-Blanco rivalry led to a civil war
es and meal
veloping alternatives to oil, including wood.
(1839-1851), during the last nine years of which
n Montevide
Patterns of Uruguay's international commerce
"epare chille
have changed substantially since World War II.
ion but partio
Before then, Britain bought most of Uruguay's
Cattle try to elude the gaucho's lasso. Uruguay has more
meat and wool and provided most of the im-
than three times as many cattle as it has people.
cattle raisis
© CARL FRANK, PHOTO RESEARCHERS. INC.
ported manufactured goods. However, Britain's
amb and mus-
role declined precipitously. For a short while in
nost important
the 1960's, the Soviet Union was the chief buyer
d process the
of Uruguayan wool. Later, Brazil, West Ger-
came another
many, and the Netherlands became the largest
nomy.
purchasers of Uruguayan exports, followed by
ie government
Britain and France. The major providers of im-
ng in the early
ports are the European Common Market, the
ie Administra-
oil-producing countries of the Middle East, and
alcohol y Port-
Argentina and the United States. No single
monopoly of
country is any longer Uruguay's major trading
:tion, sugar re-
partner.
He also began
Tourism is a major sector of the economy.
enterprise in
Resort areas scattered along the Atlantic coast
high tariffs, im-
draw foreign tourists, particularly from Argentina
devices. Tar-
and Brazil, as well as Uruguayans. Punta del
1% of the orig-
Este is famous as the site of numerous interna-
Events outside
tional conferences since World War II.
; the develop-
History and Government. The first European to
o World Wars
reach Uruguay was the Spanish explorer Juan
easing foreign
Díaz de Solís, in 1516. During the colonial pe-
I the country
riod the future republic was a battleground be-
toods.
tween the Spanish Empire and that of Portugal,
cies and exter-
which was reaching down toward the Río de la
y was created,
Plata from Brazil. The Spaniards called the re-
:ctric-products
gion the Banda Oriental del Río Uruguay, or
are also small
Eastern Shore of the Uruguay River.
m.
820j
URUGUAY
the insurance business and part of banking,
set up government firms to found cement and and
welfare he organized an extensive system of
refining industries. In the interest of public off-
cial security, providing health insurance and old.
age pensions for most of the population. He also
had a wide variety of labor laws enacted.
One of the reforms that Batlle proposed
not enacted. This was the establishment
"collegiate" presidency, with nine people
of
from the majority party and three from the minor.
ity-who would function in place of the single
president. However, after leaving the press-
dency in 1915, he got the constitutional conver-
tion of 1918 to adopt a modified version of the
colegiado. It set up a Council of State of nine
members, who shared the functions of the chief
executive with a president.
Few people have had as much impact on their
nation as José Batlle had on Uruguay. His vision
and leadership made Uruguay economically and
socially the most advanced country in Latin
America and politically the most democratic
However, his achievement was so great that his
heirs of the Colorado party, who continued to
govern until the end of the 1950's, were content
to rest on his laurels. Complacently they failed
to come to grips with new kinds of problems that
accumulated after World War II.
COURTESY OF ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
The Post-Batlle Period. Batlle died in 1929.
President José Batlle promoted social welfare programs,
During the 1930's, Uruguay veered sharply, if
economic nationalism, and a collegiate presidency.
temporarily, from the model he had established.
In 1933, President Gabriel Terra carried out
a
coup with the support of the national police and
Montevideo withstood a siege by Blanco troops
established a personal dictatorship. In 1934 be
and forces of the Argentine dictator Juan Manuel
remodified the constitution to abolish the coun-
the
de Rosas. Another round of Uruguayan party
cil of state and reestablish an unfettered single
strife touched off one of the bloodiest wars in
presidency. In 1938 he was succeeded by Gen.
The
Latin American history. After a revolt launched
Alfredo Baldomir after a democratic election.
in 1863 against a Blanco government, the Colora-
During and immediately after World War II.
dos came to power in 1865 through Brazilian mil-
Uruguay suffered substantially from the exis-
to
itary intervention. Meanwhile, the ambitious
tence of the regime headed by Juan Domingo
Paraguayan dictator, Francisco Solano López,
Perón in Argentina. Many Argentine political
in
had moved to support the Blancos, provoking
leaders sought refuge in Uruguay from the dicta-
the War of the Triple Alliance. Paraguay was
torship in their own land. Uruguay steadfastly
crushed by a coalition of Brazil, Argentina, and
refused to take any steps against the refugees, in
Uruguay. See also under PARAGUAY-History.
spite of Perón's demands.
The Colorados were to remain in power for
As a result, Argentina imposed a virtual eco-
96 years. During the remainder of the 19th cen-
nomic boycott on Uruguay. It refused to allow
tury, the country was controlled by a succession
its citizens to take their customary vacations at
of Colorado caudillos (political strong men), most
Uruguayan resorts, and it cut off wheat ship-
of whom seized power by force. On several
ments to its grain-deficient neighbor. The latter
occasions, they suppressed armed insurrections
move forced Uruguay to convert some of its graz-
by their Blanco opponents.
ing land to high-cost wheat production, with
By the latter part of the 19th century, the Col-
damaging long-run results for the economy.
orado and Blanco parties had come to represent
A new constitution promulgated in 1952 fi-
fairly well-defined groups. The former spoke for
nally established the collegiate presidency in the
the interests of the urban areas, most particularly
form envisioned by José Batlle. For the next 15
of Montevideo. The Blanco party represented
years, the country had as its chief executive a
the rural interests, especially large landowners.
nine-man council with six members of the lead-
José Batlle's Reforms. In 1903 the Colorados
ing party and three members of the runner-up.
elected as president José Batlle y Ordóñez, son
Economic and Social Crisis. The collegiate pres-
of ex-President Gen. Lorenzo Batlle, but himself
idency was a disaster. With nine "presidents"
a civilian and journalist. In 1904, President José
sharing responsibility, in effect no one had re-
Batlle suppressed the last attempt of the Blancos
sponsibility, and, as a result, few efforts were
to seize power through civil war.
made to face up to new economic and social
After leaving the presidency in 1907, Batlle
problems. In 1967 the council was replaced by a
made an extended trip to Europe, where he stud-
president and vice president.
ied the economies and political systems of sev-
The economic and social crisis grew almost
eral countries. He returned to office in 1911,
imperceptibly. It had many facets. One in-
determined to carry out broad reforms in his
volved the manufacturing industries stimulated
country's economic and political structure. To
by the Great Depression and World War II.
ensure national economic independence, he es-
These had been established behind high protec-
tablished government ownership of the docks,
tive walls, and their products were costly. Little
URUGUAY
820k
t of banki
done after the war to make manufacturing
No administration after World War II under-
d cement
more
efficient.
took to deal with these and other wide-ranging
nterest of
second economic problem was that the
problems. The result was a stagnant economy
sive system
insurance
a A did not adapt to
and a growing struggle among various groups
place in other
over distribution of the national income. In the
oulation.
puntries that exported beef and wool. New
mid-1960's the country's gross national product
's enacted.
msses, new fertilizers and pesticides, and new
was slightly less than it had been a decade
tablishment lle propose
chniques were not adopted in Uruguay. As a
before, whereas the population was somewhat
sult, Uruguayan beef became increasingly un-
larger. At the same time, the cost of living was
nine people
ble to meet its competition. The number of cat-
increasing by more than 50% a year.
e from the
was virtually stable for the quarter-century
Political Discontent. Meanwhile, political dis-
ace of the
Pter 1950. By the mid-1960's, it took 27 head of
content had begun to grow in the 1950's. Its ini-
aving the
cattle to produce a ton of beef in Uruguay, com-
tial impact was to bring the Blancos to power for
itutional
red with 17 in Argentina, 15 in the United
the first time in 94 years. The two Blanco
ed version
States, and 13 in the Netherlands. Also, Uru-
administrations, between 1959 and 1967, made
of
of State of
guay was slaughtering only 13% of its herd each
only modest efforts to deal with the country's
tions of the
year, compared with 35% in several major meat-
problems. They did undertake a limited pro-
roducing countries. Similarly, Uruguayan
gram of rehabilitating the cattle and sheep
h impact on
sheep growers were getting only 6.4 pounds (2.9
ranges, but they made no moves to modify social-
guay. His
kg) of wool per sheep, compared with 8.6 pounds
security legislation, rationalize national indus-
economically
(3.9 kg) in Australia.
tries, or end the system of multiple employment.
country in
At the same time the social security and wel-
By the late 1960's the economy was burdened by
nost democi
fare system got out of hand. Instead of there
serious inflation and by grave deterioration in
so great that
being a single social-security system, more than
the nation's social overhead capital. Most gov-
ho continued
two dozen funds covered different parts of the
ernment firms were running at substantial defi-
0's, were cont
population, which meant an exaggerated over-
cits. Corruption had also become widespread.
ently they
head. Also, exceedingly low retirement ages
Social unrest intensified. The 1960's were
of problems
were established in many of these funds, none of
characterized by numerous strikes, including
[.
which, however, provided adequate pensions.
two general strikes, and in 1968 the situation got
e died in
In addition a system had developed in which
serious enough for the government to suspend
ered sharply,
large part of the work force held more than one
constitutional guarantees for nine months. By
had establis
job. Usually, a worker was employed by. some
the end of the decade some political opposition
Ta carried out
branch of the government or in a private firm
had assumed a different form. Although a Com-
tional police
during the morning and had another position
munist party had long existed in Uruguay, and in
hip. In 1934
with the private sector or with some other part of
the 1960's and 1970's tended to control the labor
bolish the couse
the government in the afternoon, and perhaps a
movement, it had never been a major contender
infettered singl
third position in the late afternoon and evening.
for political power. Also, it had never resorted
cceeded by Gen
The reason for this system of multiple jobholding
to force as a means of gaining power. But in the
ratic election.
was that workers were not able to earn at one
late 1960's, a new political movement not only
er World War II,
post enough to maintain themselves at the level
challenged basic elements of the Uruguayan
from the exis-
to which they aspired. The effect was that a
economy and polity, but also resorted to force.
Juan Domings
large part of the work force did an inadequate job
This was the National Liberation Movement,
gentine political
in all its employments, and the efficiency of the
better known as the Tupamaros. Recruited
y from the dicta
economy as a whole suffered severely.
largely from young people of the upper and mid-
guay steadfastly
the refugees, in
Life-size monument to Uruguayan pioneers, José Belloni's bronze Covered Wagon is in Batlle Park, Montevideo.
ed a virtual eco-
J. ALLAN CASH/PHOTO RESEARCHERS, INC.
efused to allow
ary vacations at
off wheat ship-
abor. The latter
some of its graz-
roduction, with
e economy.
ated in 1952 fi-
residency in the
For the next 15
nief executive a
pers of the lead-
the runner-up.
collegiate pres-
ne "presidents"
no one had re-
ew efforts were
mic and social
as replaced by a
sis grew almost
acets. One in-
tries stimulated
World War II.
ind high protec-
e costly. Little
fr
An
fro
has
the
COLOR LIBRARY INTERNATE
The grandiose Legislative Palace in Montevideo houses the Uruguayan General Assembly.
bai
main speech site
Jus
dle classes, and drawing inspiration from the vic-
guayan government agents in foreign countries.
site
torious guerrilla war of Fidel Castro, the Tupa-
particularly Argentina. Civil liberties were
maros organized their own urban "guerrilla
by
ended for the average citizen, the rights of labor
is
war." Their tactics included bank robberies,
were curtailed, and the universities and other
kidnappings, temporary seizure of small towns as
educational institutions were purged. Impres-
the
propaganda gestures, and spectacular jailbreaks
sive numbers of intellectuals fled abroad.
by captured members of the group. So long as
cep
The military government inaugurated a pro-
Pay
the Tupamaros did not shed blood, they enjoyed
gram of relative free enterprise and free trade. It
the
wide sympathy among the general populace,
reduced subsidies to various industries and dras-
The
which was increasingly frustrated and discon-
tically cut protective tariff duties, particularly OR
wes
tented with the status quo. But when they be-
chemicals and other products used in the coun-
Ent
gan a campaign of assassination of policemen and
try's grazing and agriculture. By 1980 there was
the
soldiers, public opinion turned against them.
indication that lowered costs of production were
Gra
Meanwhile, in the elections of 1971, the Col-
having some positive impact on the output of the
for
orado and Blanco parties were for the first time
grazing industry. However, there was still no
ries
faced with a major opponent, the Broad Front
general movement to reorganize and modernize
coalition, which included the Socialist, Commu-
Uruguayan cattle- and sheep-raising.
UR
nist, and Christian Democratic parties, as well as
Another characteristic of the period of mili-
city
dissident groups from both of the major parties.
tary dictatorship was intense real-estate specula-
in I
A Colorado, Juan Bordaberry, won the presi-
tion in Montevideo and its environs. Reflecting
is 1
dency but received fewer votes than the com-
continued inflation, this flight of capital to high-
whi
bined total of the Blanco and coalition candi-
rent land and buildings discouraged more funds-
dates. Although the Broad Front came in third,
mental economic investment and reform.
the
it had challenged the complete domination of
In 1980 the military regime put forward its
Tier
national politics by the two traditional parties.
program for a return to "constitutional normal-
fron
After taking office in 1972, Bordaberry turned
ity. This involved a new constitution, which
viet
over the job of dealing with the Tupamaros to the
would, in effect, have given the military veto
rout
military. Within a year, they had largely de-
power over any future elected government. In
are
stroyed the Tupamaro organization, arresting,
November the plan was strongly defeated in a
killing, or exiling most of its militants.
popular referendum, and the next year Gen. Gre-
largi
Form
Military Interlude. For the first time since the
gorio Alvarez became president. After pro-
and
civil war of 1904, the armed forces had played a
tracted negotiations the government and opposi-
tion leaders reached agreement in 1984 on a
city
major role in national politics. Their success
since
against the Tupamaros apparently encouraged
return to civilian rule. Elections were held in
iron
them to carve out a still more important place for
November. Early in 1985 the new legislature
and
themselves in the country's political life. In
convened and the president-elect-Colorado
February 1973 the military leaders carried out a
centrist Julio María Sanguinetti-took office for a
a m
coup, the immediate result of which was the dis-
single term of five years.
Sink
solution of the legislature. After deposing Pres-
ROBERT J. ALEXANDER, Rutgers University
ident Bordaberry in June 1976, they governed
is p
Bibliography
inclu
behind another puppet civilian president, Apari-
Finch, M. H. J., A Political Economy of Uruguay Since
mine
cio Méndez.
1870 (St. Martin's 1981).
The military dictatorship installed in 1973
Hanson, Simon G., Utopia in Uruguay (1938; reprint, Hype-
Sink
proved to be brutal and sanguinary. At one
rion Press 1981).
sity.
Vanger, Milton I., José Batlle Ordóñez of Uruguay: The
point, Uruguay had a higher proportion of politi-
Creator of His Times, 1902-1907 (Harvard Univ. Press
rem
cal prisoners to the general population than any
Vanger, 1963). Milton I., The Model Country: Jose Battle
size
country in the world. Important leaders of the
Ordóñez of Uruguay, 1907-1915 (Univ. Press of New
the
opposition were murdered, several by Uru-
England 1981).
the
820L
folls dough
rooted to the
NOTES FROM MEETING WITH BERNARD ARONSON & CHIEFS OF MISSION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
land
July 19, 1990
Jedan
ARONSON (overview):
falo
historic. This is a big event for S. America -- considered by comf them portable as
The President's personal relationship is important with
here
these leaders.
The President words will be carefully examined and weighed
at each stop. In their eyes, his words represent a commitment by
the U.S. government.
All (except Chile) are carrying out complicated, difficult
economic reforms. These leaders must be encouraged to continue.
We are working to build the world's first completely
democratic hemisphere.
We need to give economic reforms a populist tone in these
speeches, not theoretical or professorial. Use concrete examples
of how they will benefit people, i.e. Hernando De Soto. Talk
about how "the people can prosper,' not the elites who have been
running these countries forever. Stress upward mobility. Free
markets work; they deliver prosperity.
The Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations will promote free
trade in general, agriculture specifically. It will benefit
Latin America, because they can sell more of their agricultural
products all over the world.
Latins fear environmentalism as a way to stop their own
development. (They aren't uncaring; they just don't want it to
prevent them from joining the First World.) Debt-for-nature
swaps viewed favorably.
Latins are proud. Hate it when they are not consulted.
There are no serious drug problems in the countries on this
trip, although there are fears of it moving into Brazil,
Venezuela and Argentina. Say it's our problem too on the demand
side, but let's stop it from spreading before it undermines your
countries too.
URUGUAY:
They have always felt squeezed between Brazil and Argentina.
They are privatizing industries, raising taxes, lowering the
budget deficit. They have never missed a payment on their large
debt.
2
The Uruguay Round of the GATT began there 4 years ago and
will conclude there in December. (The intervening negotiations
occur at GATT HQ in Geneva.)
Give them credit for undertaking difficult economic reforms.
Uruguay is a small country, but it is important because they
often take the lead on S. American issues, i.e. free trade.
Montevideo has a Marxist mayor and a leftist government
dominates much of the country, despite the right of center
President LaCalle [le KI-yay], who took office this year. His
party has a minority in the legislature.
Uruguay shares our interests in reducing ag. subsidies in
the GATT negotiations. They have some of the best farmland in
the world. Flying over it (on Air Force 1), it looks like the
heartland of the U.S.
# # #
Chamber of Representatives
ary
arches it is ended and consecrated
by a monumental inscription on its
attics. On this one, the expressive
and doctrinaire statement of
Artigas was placed:
"My authority arises from you and
it/stops before your sovereign
presence" /Congress - April 1813-
Artigas
Through the opening of the arch we
can see a huge painting (5.10 X 7.00)
by Fernando Laroche, (French)
painted in 1925.
It represents the meeting of
General Artigas (Commander of
elements. a great glass roof soberly
the forces of the "Banda Oriental"
ornamented and made of soft
and General Rondeau (Commander
coloured glasses which surround
of the forces of the Government of
the National Shield, rests on it.
Buenos Aires) at the second siege
of Montevideo (February 26, 1813)
The Fore Part. The frontality of the
which was in possession of the
fore part of the room was suppressed
Spaniards.
by means of two encountered
curves. such as those to build
The tables of the hemicycle are
honour boxes. Between the
made of oak and the seats
boxes mentioned. a triumph arch,
upholstered with tapestry of fine
in front of which the presidential
garnet coloured leather.
table outstands with great dignity.
The arch, of large dimensions and
All the carpentry of this room and
conceived in a simple way. almost
that one of the ambulatories was
schematic. gives the room a special
made by Monti, a shop in
serenity. Standing on its keystone.
Milan. The glass roof was made in
we can see an eagle with its wings
1921, by the firm G. Beltrami from
spread. similar to classical triumph
Milan too.
- 7 -
State Dept.
TAB B
URUGUAY (Tuesday, September 18)
Suggested Venue: a joint session of the Uruguayan
congress in Montevideo.
Probable Audience: members of the Uruguayan Congress,
selected members of the GOU, representatives of the
diplomatic corps.
Local Color: the Uruguay Round of the GATT was begun
here, making it particularly appropriate for the
President to note its successful implementation.
President Bush will be the first U.S. president to
visit Uruguay since Johnson participated in the
Meeting of American Chiefs of State at Punta del Este
in 1967.
Themes:
--
Two facets of the Enterprise for the Americas
initiative -- trade and investment -- are of
particular interest to Uruguay. In addition to
the successful completing of the Uruguay Round of
GATT, the U.S. is pleased that Uruguay and its
neighbors are actively considering the
elimination of reduction of barriers to free
trade through a regional trade agreement and
through strengthening of ALADI, the Latin
American Integration Association.
-- We also applaud President Lacalle's proposal for
a hemisphere capital market as a stimulus to
investment, and are encouraged by progress made
here and else where on bilateral investment
treaties.
---
President Lacalle's courageous implementation of
a wide range of structural reforms will improve
the economic environment, while other reforms
will reduce the size of the state, bring greater
stability to prices and to the currency, reform
or eliminate costly state monopolies, and
modernize labor relations to make Uruguay more
competitive on the international labor market.
--
We are also encouraged by clear signs that
Uruguay is willing to cooperate in controlling
international narcotics trafficking, particularly
money laundering and other types of criminal
financial activity.
- 8 -
Quotable Quotes:
"The economic relationship between Latin America and
the United States needs to be reconsidered. We do not
believe that the solution is more aid but rather more
trade, more investment
...
we would also like to point
out
that our countries are undertaking profound
transformations in their respective economies
creating in this way, a favorable climate for
investment. The restructuring of the state has been
undertaken as a necessary goal by almost all of the
American nations and it is proof of the will towards
change which guides the Latin American governments,
because we see and recognize that this is not a
one-way street. " (President Lacalle, OASGA, Asuncion,
June 1990)
le Car
FT-Ya
le KI-yay KI -yay
TRANSFER SHEET
BUSH PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS PROJECT
COLLECTION Bush PResidentiAl Records
ACC.NO:
Office of Speechwriting
The following material was withdrawn from this segment of the
collection and trasferred to the XXX
AUDIOVISUAL COLLECTION
BOOK COLLECTION
MUSEUM COLLECTION
OTHER (SPECIFY:
)
DESCRIPTION:
16 3x5 coloR photographs of government buildings IN
Montevideo, URUquay
SERIES
BOX NO.
Office of SpeechwRitiNg
Speeth File- BAckup
1990 NUMBER 43
FILE FOLDER TITLE:
URUquayan Congress
12/4/90 [OA 8320]
TRANSFERRED BY:
DATE OF TRANSFER:
RFH
7/17/90
RECEIVED BY:
DATE RECEIVED
VOLUME-XCIV
NUMBER FIVE
Qtif
THE NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC
MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER, 1948
4-H Boys and Girls Grow More Food
With 15 Illustrations
FREDERICK SIMPICH
25 Natural Color Photographs
SISSON AND ROBERTS
Portugal Is Different
With 10 Illustrations and Map
28 Natural Color Photographs
CLEMENT E. CONGER
rial by Jury
The Purple Land of Uruguay
With 10 Illustrations and Map
20 Natural Color Photographs
LUIS MARDEN
It's no accident that you hear SO clearly
represent you and many millions of
when you pick up your telephone. Bell
other telephone listeners. Their trained
The Fire of Heaven-Electricity
Laboratories engineers are constantly
ears check syllables, words and sen
With 15 Illustrations
ALBERT W. ATWOOD
at work to make listening easy for you.
tences as they come over the telephones
When these engineers design a method
While they. listen, they write down
Sailing with Sindbad's Sons
to bring speech still more clearly to
their "verdict."
With 9 Illustrations and Map
ALAN VILLIERS
your ears, the new circuit is given
They vote approval only when the
many scientific tests. Then it is "put
are sure that the voice they hear
Fifty-six Pages of Illustrations in Color
on trial" before a Sound Jury like the
natural in tone, clear in quality and
one shown above.
easily understood. Only when they are
This is a test of the way the system
sure the circuit will suit your ear is
will work in actual use. The jurors
put into use.
PUBI
of
this
Read
for
flavor
NATIONAL G]
some
BELL TELEPHONE SYSTEM
WAS
recent
N.G.
article,
BELL TELEPHONE LABORATORIES
A great research organization. working to bring you the best possible
telephone service at the lowest possible cost
but the not at out date as you
might think
Nat'l. Geographic
"
The Purple Land of Uruguay
Nov. 1948
By LUIS MARDEN
With Illustrations from Photographs by the Author
OVE three-quarters of a century ago,
South America during World War I. Old-
W. H. Hudson rode the rolling plains
age pensions were established later. The
of Uruguay and later described them
State also issues insurance and operates the
in his unforgettable novel The Purple Land.
railroads.
The Uruguay he saw was a trackless and
In addition to private broadcasting stations,
fenceless land of cattle ranches. Vast estancias
a Government transmitter in Montevideo
receded into the purple land of distance. To-
plays popular and serious music almost con-
day, this smallest republic of South America
tinuously, without commercials. Thus the
has become the most densely populated. Yet
listener may choose between Beethoyen and
the traveler can still ride for miles in the
an ode to hair tonic.
Interior without seeing a house or a human
One night I sat on the terrace of a Monter
being.
video club with my geographer friend, Prof.
Smaller ranches predominate now, though
Juan Lagomarsino. Across the indentation of
there are plenty of big ones left. Agriculture
the city's harbor we could see the low outling
grows increasingly important, but 80 percent
of the hill that gives the capital its name.
of the land is still given over to the cattle
Only 450 feet high, El Cerro the Hill, looks
industry.
much higher in this flat region and must have
A professor of geography at the University
been a prominent landmark when, in) 1520,
her
of Uruguay told me:
according to the storv, one of Magellan's
"Don't forget, our smallness is in great
sailors first cried, "I see a hill! Monte vid'
part relative. You could put Belgium the
eu). (Page 654.)
Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland inside
Paris, not New York, was the model for
Uruguay and still have plenty of room left
Montevideo. From the roof terrace we looked
over. We look small on the map because
down on the spacious avenues and palm-
maps of this hemisphere use a smaller scale
shaded squares of the capital (page 631)
than those of Europe, and also because of our
Sidewalk cafes line the main thoroughtare,
tremendous neighbors."
Eighteenth of July Avenue, and many statues
Two Great River Systems
and public monuments increase the resem-
blance to the French capital.
South of the Amazon Basin, the green conti-
Though tall office and apartment buildings
nent of South America swings inward from the
rise above the downtown area, most buildings
Atlantic and spills its water mainly into two
in this city of 800,000 are low, and we could
great river systems: the Paraná-Paraguay and
see over them to the broad muddy background
the Uruguay.
of the Río de la Plata. The "unlovely red
Winding southward for more than a thou-
billows" of the Plata have the quick, restless
sand miles, the brown and blue waters drain
chop of enclosed waters, rather than the slow
half a continent and rush together at last to
swell of the open sea.
emerge, wide and red, as the Río de la Plata-
river, bay, or estuary-the geographers are
What Is the Río de la Plata?
still arguing about it (map, page 625).
As we sat over coffee I asked, "Well, Pro-
On the left bank of the Plata lies the heart-
fessor, what is it? Bay, estuary, or river?"
shaped Republic of Uruguay, neatly spanning
I had always called the Plata an estuary.
five degrees of latitude on the map. From its
The Professor's face lighted up. "Ah, that
position the country was long called the
is the question. It fulfills some of the condi-
Banda Oriental-the Eastern Shore of the
tions of each. According to international law,
Río de la Plata. Even today Uruguayans
it is a river: rivers of course belong to the
like to be called Orientales.
countries on their banks.
The little country on the Plata has been a
"If it is a river, then it is the world's
leader in broadening educational opportunity.
widest-137 miles."
All schooling is free, and a Uruguayan citizen
Sketching rapidly in my notebook, the Pro-
may progress from primary grades to a uni-
fessor continued: "At first glance, you might
Kodachrome b5 Clement E. Conger
versity degree without spending a cent, even
think it an estuary: but it does not fulfill all
Portuguese Children to Fairyland
for books.
the requirements of an estuary to the exact
tages. fairy castles. and cathedrals. Miniature
Uruguay enacted the first 8-hour day in
geographer.
Statues are carved to scale.
623
624
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
625
Monte Caleros
+1007
Bella
Rosário
Union
Artigas Quaraf
8ao Gabriel
BRAZIL
Isla Cabellos
+1243
Villa Federal
Belén
Livramento
*Arapey
Rivert
Dom Pedrito
Map
Salto
Area
Grande
+656
Concordi
Salto
Bage
Corrales
Tacuarembó
illaguay
Quebracho
1378
Quequay
Tres
Paysandú
Arboles
Achar
Melo
Concepción
Algorta
Uruguay
Uruguay
RíoBr
R
u
New
9814
Blanquillo
Gualeguaychic
Rincondel
Vergara
Bonete Dam
Negro
Cerro Chato
Carmen
Mercedes
Treinta y Tress
Soriano
Durazno
Yt
Sarand del Yi
Trinidad
$64
Dolores
Condrate
Atória
NDE
Lascano
do) almar
Fuerte*
Chuy
Nueva Palmira
San Miguel
Carmelo
Banado de
Fortaleza
Florida
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Uribur
Rosario
San Ramon
Castillos
San lose
Colonia
Santa ucia
Minas Rocha
Canelones
Cerro de
Buenos Aires
El Cerrol
las Animas
Puerto de la Paloma
SartCarlos
Montevided
Carrasco
Atlantic
Buceo
Maldonado
Ocean
Plata
Canuelas
Wreck of
Graf Spee
Puntsla de Lobos
25
so
TS
Coronel
del
Brandsen
Ette
STATUTE MILES
Highways
Railroads
Drawn by H. E. Eastwood and Irvin E. Alleman
North Dakota-sized Uruguay Is Squeezed Between Giant Argentina and Brazil
With her neighbor to the left. Uruguay shares the Rio de la Plata; on which they have built their
capitals. Buenos Aires and Montevideo, 125 miles apart. Only recent maps show the huge lake formed by the
new dam and hydroelectric project on the Rio Negro (pages 634 and 646).
"The discoverer, Juan Diaz de Solis, in
feet. Winds influence the level much more;
1516, called it the Mar Dulce-Freshwater
strong winds, particularly the pampero, blow-
Sea: not a bad description.
ing from the southwest, may raise or lower
"So much silt has been carried out of the
the level double that amount.
heart of the continent by the two great rivers
Winds affect the Plata's salinity too. Some-
that there is a coating of fine ooze 30 feet
times it is nearly fresh: then the wind shifts,
deepton the bottom of the Plata.
and it becomes nearly as salty as the sea.
Ships with a water intake on the bottom
I have seen the Argentine coast at Buenos
cannot enter because of this, and often vessels
Aires, 125 miles upstream from Montevideo,
run aground, slowly and insensibly coming to
one bare mud flat as far as the eye could
National Geographic Photographer Maynard Owen Williams
a stop, until the next tide floats them again."
reach. The wind had blown the Plata com-
When Sun or Rain Beats on Montevideo, Pedestrians Use the Sidewalk Arcades
Winds Affect Plata More than Tides
pletely out of sight!
This gallery is one of those surrounding Independence Plaza. Leisurely coffee drinkers frequent the sidewalk
The sun sank as we rose to leave, and from
cafes in the plaza's corners. Cambio y Loteria changes money and sells official lottery tickets. The next drawing's
Tides are not strong in the Plata, usually
winning number will be posted overhead where the ciphers now hang.
the dark bulk of the Hill a lighthouse blinked
making a difference of little more than three
against a salmon-colored sky.
626
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
627
Years ago. cattle in Uruguay
were bred for hides and horns.
Today. hides are still important.
but cattle produce for export
chiefly beef-chilled, frozen.
tinned. and in extract.
The tough old gauchos would
be horrined to know that sheep
now outnumber cows three to
one (pages 645. 651).
Three huge main packing
plants prepare beef and mutton
for market. One. nationalized.
sells meat domestically as well
as abroad: the others pack
mainly for export. When the
American housewife buys a can
of corned beef. she may often
find upon looking at the label
that it comes from Uruguay
(page 649).
But to savor the national
product at its best. the epicure
should eat it in one of the many
parillas, or grills. that cast a
friendly light on the nocturnal
pavements of Montevideo.
Toward the back. a big grate
leans over glowing charcoal.
On the tilted rack. steaks as
thick as they are broad drip
juice until the embers pop and
hiss. White-hatted chefs turn
To Tighten a Drum, Build a Fire and Heat the Drumhead
the cuts lovingly and, at the
precise moment, flip them off on
At Carnival time mummers roam Montevideo's streets. dancing for coins to the offbeat rhythm of drums.
Lacking drawstrings or other stretching devices. they heat their drumheads over paper fires to raise the tone.
to the diner's plate.
The succulent steak. a heap-
ing green salad, and a bottle of
being served. one of my hosts prepared to
give a friendly, convivial air to the city.
mix the salad.
Men sit inside or at tables on the sidewalk
red wine of the house-it is
"I'll tell you my formula for good salad,"
and consume cajé expreso, strong black coffee
enough to make a poet of a
wooden Indian.
he said; expertly wielding bottles and shakers.
in little cups, as they discuss politics, letters,
"You must use salt like a wise man. oil like
and the arts.
Orientales dine late, often not
until 10 or 11. The day I ar-
a spendthrift. vinegar like a miser, and then
Tipica orchestras play in the larger cafes.
mix like a madman."
rived in Montevideo I was in-
These consist of piano, violin, bass viol, and
CONFITERIA Lus CHINGS
vited to dinner by two Uru-
First- and second-generation Spaniards and
two or three bandoneones, the concertina that
guayans whom I had met on the
Italians form large elements of Montevideo's
is the typical voice of the tango.
airplane en route from Miami
and Uruguay's population. Almost every
More nearly square than an accordion. a
to Rio.
quarter of the city has its Italian-style piz-
bandoneón has two sets of push buttons and
At an outdoor restaurant on
zeria, cafes and grills which serve pizza, the
no piano keyboard. It has a mellower.
hot Italian tomato pie. A generous wedge
rounder tone, less shrill than that of the
the outskirts of the capital we
costs three cents.
accordion.
HELADOS
sat at tables under a roof of
Italian surnames occur commonly in the
Típicas play chiefly tangos. waltzes. and
thatch.
Republic. particularly around Salto in the
milongas, a faster, jumpier version of the
In stalls along the wall of the
northwest. In fact. Italians are so numerous
tango.
courtyard. men in baggy trou-
in the Rio de la Plata area that the Spanish
Arthur J. 0. Romero
sers barbecued beef and kid on
of the region has acquired an Italian cadence
Uruguay's Tango
Modern Is the Word for This Soda Bar-Apartment House
long swordlike skewers stuck
and lilt.
Though the tango was born in Buenos
Confiteria comes from confite (bonbon) this place at Pocitos Beach,
into the ground at an angle over
But whether Spanish, Italian, or criollo
Aires, the best-known tango. "La Cumparsita."
near Montevideo. sells sodas. drinks, and food. Cocktails, helados
charcoal fires.
(person of Spanish ancestry born in Amer-
is Uruguayan. The late Gerardo Matos Rodri-
(ice cream), lunch are good Uruguayan words.
While the juicy cuts were
ica), the numerous cafes of the capital
guez composed the classic when he was still a
628
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
629
Uruguay Tourist Commission
Santa Teresa Fortress, a Five-pointed Hedgehog, Forms an 18th-century Pentagon
White Sails Frame the Tower of the Uruguay Yacht Club: Buceo
Portuguese started the fortress in 1762. Spaniards captured it the same year and completed the job in
From the landward side the club's façade resembles a ship's cutwater, and the jutting balconies look like
the fashion of Vauban. the French fortification genius of the time of Louis XIV. Once abandoned and
a liner's multiple decks.
quarried for building stones. the old fortress now forms the nucleus of a Uruguayan national park close to
the Brazilian border (pages 630 and 643).
important colonies of fur seals in the Southern
race their vessels up and down the coast and
youth and lived to see it played round the
Hemisphere. From Lobos the coast's most
compete in international regattas. some as
Commission shows more than fifty beaches
world.
powerful lighthouse marks the entrance to the
grueling as the Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires
along the Uruguayan Riviera. The Rambla,
Plata with a flashing finger of light.
run.
In the back rooms of many cafes convene
a wide boulevard named in sections for various
On December 13, 1939. the hundreds of
Don Juan was the only Uruguayan to beat
groups that meet informally for mutual enter-
countries and their patriots, connects many
tainment. In one cafe I heard a Uruguayan
fur seals and few sea elephants that inhabit
Argentina in an international race. He is one
of the beaches near the capital. These range
Lobos must have seen the red flashes and
of the country's leading yachtsmen, as well
pianist, a Brazilian soprano, and an Argentine
from the popular inexpensive resorts to the
heard the distant thunder of the naval en-
as a geography professor.
tenor.
glitter and formality of Carrasco's twin-
There is another Uruguay, undreamed of
gagement between the German pocket battle-
"My friend Pepe Gaínza will lend us his
towered hotel and Casino (pages 647. 648).
ship Admiral Graf Spee and the British
schooner for the run," he had said. "He and
in Hudson's day: the summer-colony Uruguay
Beaches near the capital show the red-
of white beaches that stretch in a nearly un-
cruisers Ajax, Achilles, and Exeter.
I limp on the same foot"-a way of saying
tinged half-fresh water of the Río de la Plata.
broken chain from Montevideo to the Bra-
The wreck of the Graj Spee still lies where
"we have the same hobby."
Eastward along the coast. the water becomes
she was scuttled in shallow water off Monte-
As we sailed toward Montevideo from the
zilian frontier, about 200 miles.
clearer and saltier until at Punta del Este
video. With Prof. Juan Lagomarsino I sailed
little port of Buceo. we saw the black outline
Tourism Nation's Second Industry
the open blue Atlantic breaks in heavy surf
to the wreck one evening from the Uruguay
of a freighter, immobile as if nailed to the
against the promontory.
Bolstered chiefly by a spate of Argentines
Yacht Club., a tall white building with bal-
orange sky. A small pilot boat scuttled about
The inner sheltered beach at Punta del Este
from nearly beachless Buenos Aires. tourist
conies like a bridge and a profile like the
like a water bug.
is called Playa Mansa. Tame Beach: the heavy
trade has grown into the Republic's second
cutwater of a ship.
Suddenly the freighter gave three short
surf on the east side earns it the title of
industry. Last year visitors spent more than
blasts on her deep-toned whistle; milky water
Playa Brava, Rough Beach. Swimmers may
Uruguayans Love Yachting
$25,000,000: only wool and meat bring more
churned up at her stern and she moved slowly
suit abilities or mood.
into the country.
With more than half. their national bound-
off, laying a scalloped cloud of black smoke
Off Punta del Este lies the small rocky
A map published by the Uruguay Tourist
ary made up of navigable coastline. the Orien-
along. the horizon.
Isla de Lobos. home of one of the two most
tales are seagoing people. Ardent yachtsmen
Pointing, Don Juan asked, "See that last
630
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
buoy flashing off there to the left? We call
Designed in the style of Vauban. cele-
that the Buoy of the Voyage. It's the
brated French military engineer. the star-
last you see as you leave these shores.
-
shaped fortress was captured by the Spaniards,
"That reminds me," he went on. "I must
who redesigned and enlarged it.
telephone to find out the arrival time of a
Later the fortress was taken and lost suc-
ship when we get ashore."
cessively by the Portuguese. Spaniards. Bra-
Do you call the lookout on the Hill?" I
zilians. and Uruguayan patriots before it fell
asked.
finally to the newly constituted Republic of
"No. I'll dial 213, and the operator will
Uruguay (pages 628 and 643).
tell me."
Spanish and Portuguese possessions changed
"You mean 'information' lists ship sched-
hands rapidly in those days. The Director
ules?"
of National Parks. Don Horacio Arredondo.
"Oh. yes," said the professor. "And not
with whom I drove to the fortress. said. "The
only ships. This number tells you arrivals
Spaniards won the fights. and the Portuguese
and departures of trains. airplanes. and buses:
gained the diplomatic victories."
what drugstore is open in your neighborhood
Don Horacio first proposed the restoration
at night: notices of sports events: the weather:
of the historic redoubt after World War I.
and what is showing at the local movie. If
Now a rebuilt Santa Teresa forms the center
you hear a fire siren, 213 will tell you where
of a magnificent national park. with forests,
the fire is!"
bathing beaches. camp sites. flower gardens.
Later I learned of other services furnished
and a zoological park.
Uruguayan telephone subscribers at no extra
charge. A special operator on 214 answers
The Highest Point in Uruguay
the subscriber's telephone while he is on vaca-
As we drove eastward out of Montevideo.
tion, takes all messages. and refers callers to
the country grew more rolling until, near
his new address. The same operator will also
Piriápolis. we saw the highest point in Uru-
wake up patrons in the morning!
guay, the Cerro de las Animas. 1,644 feet.
In a light breeze we sailed round the point
Near Santa Teresa isolated clumps of
and past Montevideo. Through glasses we
feathery palms appeared in the fields. Soon
could make out the white curl of breakers
they closed ranks and became a solid forest.
over the low-lying wreck. Slowly we drew
"We do all we can to preserve the palms,"
near to all that is left of the Graf Spee.
said my companion. "Unfortunately, cows
Almost awash. the rusty hulk lies canted
eat the young plants and shoots. and since
over, one gun still pointing to the sky. Seas
cattle were introduced into Uruguay in large
swell and break over the wreck, dropping away
numbers no young palms have grown up."
to reveal the gaping black ports which an
The stately trees are long-lived, but local
instant later spout fifty simultaneous jets of
people frequently defy the law by cutting
white water.
them down to make palm honey. Felling the
As we circled and started back to Buceo
tree. they-lop off the top and lay the trunk
in the gathering darkness, Don Juan said:
on an incline, top down.
"For days after they blew her up. I could
Boiling off the water from the sap that
see the red glow from my apartment window.
drains out, they get a little more than two
Shortly after the scuttling, divers salvaged
quarts of honey in return for the sacrifice
guns, samples of armor plate and equipment,
of a whole tree.
and sent them to England for study.
Santa Teresa stands on an eminence, in an
"A sand bank is slowly forming around
ideal position for defense. Sand dunes and
her now; I suppose it will eventually bury
beaches lie before it. and behind stretches the
her."
sedgy expanse of the Bañado de Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa National Park
an area of marsh and inundated land. A
shallow tidal lake. one of several along the
Beyond Montevideo the sandy coast, dotted
coast. guards the southwestern flank.
with tidal lagoons. runs to Brazil.
About the middle of the last century the
Almost at this frontier, the ruins of a big
fortress was totally abandoned. Sand dunes
fortress mark the old division between the
moved slowly toward the walls and people
lands of Portugal and Spain.
took stone from the ramparts to use in build-
In 1750 a treaty signed in Paris advanced
ing. The dunes had to be anchored with
Uruguay
C
the line of Portuguese possessions in Brazil
grass and the walls restored.
Uruguay's Classic Capitol Rises at the End of a Broad Montevideo Avenue
farther to the south. To defend the new
When the grass had halted the march of
Avenida Agraciada has recently been widened and beautified. Big banks and office buildings have
border, Portugal began to build Santa Teresa
the dunes. planners planted shrubs, then trees,
their home. The second building to the right houses the American Embassy and consulate. Traffic,
Fortress.
literally by the millions, among them 70 kinds
few years ago went to the left, now runs to the right.
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The National Geographic Magazine
of eucalyptus and 27 varieties of palm.
Many Uruguayan painters. notably Juan
Groves of pines grow close to the beaches.
Manuel Blanes. painted scenes of the early
As we walked through the cropped grass of
Uruguayan countryside. much as Frederic
the gently rolling pastures. fat red contented
Remington and others pictured our own van-
cows regarded us thoughtfully. Teruteros.
ished West.
a kind of plover Belonopterus
"There were three principal periods of
started into flight.
Little burrowing owls sat on the record
gaucho dress." he said. "Both of the early
costumes were called chiripd." This was a
and stared at us in the blazing sunlight.
diaperlike nether garment that passed between
Overhead. caranchos wheeled.
The carancho. a species of caracara Poly-
the legs and fastened at the waist. to hang
loosely at the sides.
borus plancus). is an undecided bird: :: could
"The primitive chiripá existed from about
not make up its mind whether it wanted to be
1S00 to 1840 or SO: the second chiripá was
an eagle or a vulture. It kills live prey. but
used until about 1880 or 1890. From then
lives mainly on carrion. Ornithologists call
it an aberrant falcon.
on the bombacha became fashionable" (page
640).
Feather Dusters of Ostrich Plumes
Bombachas are loose. baggy trousers fas-
I noticed something moving in the tall
tened at the ankle: Uruguayans wear them
looser and fuller than do Argentines.
grass. It looked like a row of upended golf
clubs slowly moving along. The golf sticks
"Now." Don Horacio said-sadly. "breeches
emerged as long-necked ostriches / Rhee ameri-
are beginning to replace the bombacha.'
cana) and stalked sedately about.
Cowboys in Berets
Smaller than the true African ostrich. the
Curiously. the flat-crowned felt hat of the
rhea lacks the beautiful tail plumes of the
gaucho. worn over a head kerchief. has given
larger -bird. Ignominiously. the rhea's tail
way to the Basque boine. or beret (page 6351.
feathers are used to make feather dusters.
Gauchos used to hunt the ostrich with
Possibly because of the influence of the large
number of Basques in the country. most cow
boleadoras, the Indian weapon made by tying
hands wear boina. sash. and rope-soled canvas
two or three stone balls to connected leather
shoes with the bombacha (page 641).
thongs (page 639). The horseman whirled
The gaucho rarely wore boots or shoes.
them around his head and let fly at the legs
He wrapped his feêt and calves in leggings of
of the quarry-ostrich. cow. or man. They
raw colt's hide with the hair on. Bare toes
wrapped themselves tightly around anything
protruded. so that the big toe could grasp the
Great Falls of the Uruguay River Block Navigation 200 Miles Upstream
they struck and brought it down.
leather. brass ring or T at the end of the stirrup
From shore to shore the roaring cataract drops down a ladder of black basaltic rocks. Shadowy patches
So fiercely did the original inhabitants of
in the distance mark eucalyptus groves planted in a sea of grass to shelter livestock. Separating Uruguay
Uruguay fight the European settlers that today
"Some of the old boys. from riding so long
(right) from Argentina. the river joins the Parana above Buenos Aires and becomes the Rio de la Plata.
not a pure-blooded Indian remains. Particu-
in this fashion." said my host. "looked like
larly ferocious were the Charrúas. whose last
parrots when they walked. with the big toe
down would come the iron gate to hold him
rounded top was. with the passenger diligence.
survivors were sent to Paris in 1832 and 1533
standing out nearly at right angles."
prisoner until the authorities arrived.
the only vehicle that crossed the expanses of
as subjects for ethnographical studies.
On the savannas where wood is rare. cow
W. H. Hudson. Argentine by birth but of
"shoreless plain."
From the edge of the dunes we looked down
dung furnished the only fuel available to the
New England parents, made the gauchos live
In Montevideo stands a bronze monument
on the white sand beach that runs without 3.
gaucho. In fact, so scarce was wood of any
again in his book about Uruguay, The ple
to this piece of the Banda Oriental's past.
break to the Brazilian line. Fishermen with
kind that walls around wells and other low
Land.
By the noted Uruguayan sculptor Jose Belloni,
long rods cast into the surf for giant rays.
fences were made of cows' leg bones. and
All Uruguayans love the colorful gaucho of
it is one of the most beautiful public monu-
Farthest North for Penguins
horses' and cows' skulls formed the tradi-
their country's past. and the highest compli-
ments I have ever seen (page 644).
tional chair of the gauchos.
ment they can pay you is to sav you are
Many wars have raged about the frontier
"Sometimes. in the spring." my host said.
Rough. self-reliant. quick-witted. and su-
muy gaucho.
area. The Uruguayans have always been
"the current that sweeps north from Cape
perb horseman. the gaucho was as handy with
Just beyond Santa Teresa. the border town
known as good. tough soldiers. They tell-
Horn and the Antarctic Continent brings
a guitar as with a knife. He liked to engage
of Chuy straddles the international line. One
a story about a General Medina. who fought
hundreds of penguins to these shores. We
in bouts of couplets. sung to a guitar. while
side of the main street is Uruguay: the other
early in the 19th century against the Portu-
suppose they are blown north by unusual
relaxing in a boliche. These little general
Brazil.
guese. Leading a cavalry charge against the
storms: most are stunned or dead by the
stores served liquor from behind an iron grill.
enemy. he shouted an order.
Oxcart a National Symbol
time they reach here."
Some boliches even had a kind of portcullis
"Take off your ponchos. boys: it won't
A northerner must get used to the idea of
between the bar and the door. If a customer
Near here. a small fort, San Miguel, part
be cold in the next world:"
cold coming from the south and to January
became belligerent and refused to pay. the
of the colonial border defenses, forms another
A line drawn from Montevideo to Rivera
being the height of summer.
national monument. Here the Government
in the north divides Uruguay almost exactly
barkeeper would unfasten a rope. and clang!
Ine the park administrator's lodge. Don
keeps an exact duplicate of the old OX wagon
in half.
Horacio showed me paintings of gaucho cos-
See "Life on the Argentine Pampa." by Frederick
of the plains.
I flew to Rivera one morning. crossing at
tumes and life of the last century.
Simpich. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHI MAGAZINE, October,
1933.
Corresponding to the covered wagon of the
Durazno the River Vi. beloved of the hero
American West, the high-wheeled wagon with
of The Purple Land.
633
634
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
635
Not far beyond, the Rincón
del Bonete power dam backs up
the Rio Negro into a tremen-
dous ramified lake (page 646).
The Negro. largest river within
the country's borders, traverses
all of Uruguay from east to west
before it empties into the Uru-
guay River.
The big hydroelectric project
of Rincón del Bonete assumes
particular importance because
Uruguay has no oil or coal, ex-
cept a very low-grade lignite,
and must import fuel. Two
power lines already carry 75
percent of the potential power
to Montevideo, 150 miles away.
When fully operating. the proj-
ect will generate nearly 500 mil-
lion kilowatt-hours of electricity
per year.
Amethysts in Hollow Stones
Near Rivera, agate and ame-
thyst occur in geodes. rounded
stones that when broken open
reveal a miniature cavern of
glittering six-sided crystals of
clear quartz and violet ame-
thyst.
In the yard of one house in
Rivera I saw walks bordered
by crushed amethysts, slowly
bleaching white in the hot sun.
No one knows what causes
the color in amethysts. It may
be manganese, say some; or pos-
sibly it has an organic source.
If exposed to strong daylight,
the violet color slowly fades.
Uruguay's Large Spanish Population Includes Many Bereted Basques
Ancient lava underlies this
Even the cowboys, gauchos of yesterday, have given up their brimmed felt hats for the beret. This boatman
area. A gem cutter told me how
piloted the author through rough seas where the Río de la Plata joins the South Atlantic.
the geodes were formed in it.
"When the lava cooled, mil-
white, red, and brown when sliced lengthwise.
golden gems by heating the rough crystals
lions of years ago, gas bubbles
Cutters polish such sections to make ash trays
in a fire made of cow dung. When the fire,
in the plastic mass left hollows,
and paperweights.
kindled in a hole in the ground. dies down
like the holes in Swiss cheese.
To cut gem amethysts, lapidaries look for
to embers, they put in the crystals and cover
"Somehow. water either fil-
a flawless dark-violet crystal, then usually
the pit with sand, then let it cool slowly for
tered through or condensed in
shape it in square or rectangular emerald cut.
two or three days.
these hollows, depositing in the
The ancients thought amethysts would pre-
Beef Roasted in the Hide
hole these layers of mineral,
vent drunkenness. (The original Greek form
first agate, then quartz, and
oF the name means "not drunk.")
Flying northwest toward the Uruguay
finally in some cases amethyst."
& When I asked where the topazes I had
River, we landed at a ranch between Artigas
He told me that all three are
seen in the capital's shops were mined, the
and the river. At an outdoor barbecue here
Vultures Love This Dried Beef, but Can't Touch It
basically the same substance,
lapidary smiled and said, "They're amethysts,
we tasted asado criollo, which was a kid split
with a hardness of 7 in the scale
too. When an amethyst crystal is heated for
open and roasted whole by spread-eagling it
A Uruguay countrywoman hangs meat aloft as if to invite aerial
raiders. She knows that native carrion birds must sit to eat. One of
where the diamond is 10.
a time at about 750 degrees, the color changes
on an X-shaped rack that leaned over a fire.
these birds is the carancho, which, unable to decide on an eagle's or
Solid stones made up entirely
to golden yellow."
Over another fire, asado con cuero-beef
a vulture's life, hunts prey and scavenges the dead (page 632).
of agate show rings of gray,
Country people produce these exquisite
with the furry hide still on-sizzled and sent
636
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
637
an exciting aroma into the air. Naturally,
Locusts periodically sweep south from the
the hide is not eaten: it merely serves to seal
Argentine and Paraguayan Gran Chaco to
in the juices.
ravage Uruguay and the adjacent Argentine
While we ate at a long table under the
provinces. Airplanes and helicopters spray
trees, ranch hands sang and accompanied
insecticide over wide areas in 3 successful
themselves on the guitar.
war against the devouring invaders.
We flew west to the extreme northwest
A short distance above the city of Salto
corner of Uruguay where, at the confluence
a spectacular series of falls and rapids. the
of the Uruguay and Cuareim Rivers, Brazil,
Salto Grande (Great Falls). stretches from
Argentina. and Uruguay meet: then we flew
shore to shore.
south along the Uruguay to the city of Salto.
In low water scores of roaring cascades
Looking down on the level green of open
pour over worn black basalt and discharge
country, we saw dark rectangular groves of
into long gorges (page 6331.
eucalyptus trees. Planted to give shelter to
The amber water swirls and foams through
cattle during windstorms. the regularly spaced
the canyons. forming powerful whirlpools in
oblongs looked exactly like ships strung out
the fast current.
in convoy over the sea of grass.
Salto vies with Paysandú. 65 miles down-
Fishing at Great Falls
stream. for the honor of being the second city
Here. in the glassy glides above the lips of
of the Republic. At latest count. Salto had
the falls and in the turbulent pools below. the
a slight edge.
dorado loves to lie Salminus maxillosus. one
Orange and tangerine groves stretch in
of the world's great game fishes. looks like
geometric patterns about the white houses of
a yellow salmon, with finely penciled lines of
Salto. Vegetables ripen more quickly here
broken dots along its sides (page 653).
than in the cooler climate of Montevideo.
These voracious predators sometimes reach
Salto at Head of Navigation
a weight of 60 pounds, though they average
much less.
The Uruguay River, flowing southward
At the Salto Grande the Uruguay Tourist
from Brazil, separates Argentina from Uru-
Commission maintains a ranch-style guest
guay. At Salto, 200 miles from where the
house. From here I fished for dorado with a
Uruguay empties into the Río de la Plata,
friend.
river steamer navigation ends. A chain of
As our boatman rowed us along the foot of
falls and rapids bars navigation.
the falls. we cast big spoons into the foam-
Motor launches ferry passengers across the
flecked eddies. Masses of floating spume lay
wide Uruguay between Salto and Concordia,
like beaten egg white in the backwaters. and
the city on the Argentine shore.
the heat beat back from the black rocks.
With Salto city officials I attended a re-
Suddenly an electric shock leaped along
dedication of the monument to Giuseppe Gari-
my rod. One hundred yards of 9-thread line
baldi, Italian patriot and idealist. Garibaldi
melted from the reel. and downstream. so
wrote a little-known chapter of his adven-
remote that it seemed to have no possible con-
turous life in Uruguay. when in 1846. at the
nection with me. a great golden fish leaped
head of his Italian Legion. he won two battles
Uruguayan Trenchermen Never Slice Off More than They Can Chew
and fell back with a smash.
that helped secure the independence of the
The incredible shock and downstream dash
Old-time gauchos ate barbecued beef by grasping a hunk in the teeth and cutting away all but a bite.
Republic.
The sharp jacón, or belt knife, served them in combat as well as at dinner. Connoisseurs prize whole beef
occurred almost simultaneously. Practically
roasted in the hairy hide, for the juices are sealed in (page 635). This descendant of gauchos works on a
While Salto's people, many of whom are of
nothing can stop a dorado in this initial rush.
cattle ranch near Artigas. His sure hand has never nicked his nose.
Italian descent, gathered at the Garibaldi
They fight hard. leaping repeatedly as long
monument, I noticed what seemed to be dark
as they are in fast water. The biggest I cap-
Ashore. we cooked some of the dorado over
Others looked like candy caramels with a
smoke plumes on the horizon. Slowly the
tured weighed just under 20 pounds and took
an open fire. I am not much of a fisheater,
spiral white filling.
clouds attenuated into wavering lines and
18 minutes to bring to gafi.
but fresh-caught dorado, roasted over an open
The Uruguay washes so many agates ashore
came toward us. Then, with a whirring and
The Colorful Dorado an Epicure's Dish
fire. is an epicure's dish, especially when the
that the walls and sidewalks of the riverside
rustling. millions of locusts swarmed between
flaky white flesh is covered with a caper
promenade at Salto have rows of agates set
us and the sun, glistening like metal against
When fresh from the water. the dorado
sauce.
into them.
the blue sky.
makes a striking picture. Orange-red fins
When we later waded and fished, armpit
My companions pointed to rows of citrus
Everyone Drinks Mate
and tail complement his over-all golden-yellow
deep in the shallower waters at the tail of
trees. Most had been stripped to the bare
coloring.
the cataract, our rope-soled shoes picked up
Most of the world drinks coffee or tea for
branches, while the glossy green foliage of
The head and gill covers appear to be
pebbles of many colors, fragments of agate and
a pick-me-up beverage. The Rio de la Plata
other rows remained untouched.
plated with amber tortoise shell. and the big
quartz washed downstream and worn round
countries prefermate. Like tea or coffee. mate
"The whole ones are the tangerine trees,"
mouth shows wicked triangular teeth that cut
and smooth by the current.
(Ilex paraguaricnsis) grows as a shrub or
said one man. "Locusts don't like their leaves:
steel leaders. and sometimes even big hooks.
Some pebbles glowed like tawny red rubies
small tree. Mateine, a substance similar to
too bitter."
with the ease of wire cutters.
when held between the eye and the sun.
caffeine, provides the stimulus in mate.
638
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
Commonly in the cities and towns shortly
the elements needed to balance the diet. al-
after sunrise I would see men. still in their
though the explorer Vilhialmur Stefansson
pajamas. standing in their doorways and pen-
claims man can thrive on fresh meat alone if
sively sucking mate out of a pear-shaped or
it contains sufficient fat.
flat-sided gourd.
They call the gourd mate. also: the silver
Carnival Time in Montevideo
drinking tube is the hombilla. It takes SO long
for the liquid to seep through into the per-
When I returned to Montevideo from up-
forated bulbous end of the tube that drinkers
river. Carnival had taken over the capital.
All Uruguay joins in this festival with as much
acquire a patient. thoughtful air while sipping
gusto as the Brazillans of Rio pages 627 and
mate.
6521.
Friends showed me the proper way to pre-
pare and drink it. Soon. like them, I carried
Arches of colored lights spanned the princi-
pal avenue. from which traffic is cleared at
my own mate and bombilla with me when
traveling and called for hot water the first
night so that people may take part in the
street procession.
thing on awakening in the morning.
At night most of the women are masked
To prepare mate. I first placed the bombilla
and in costume. and celebrants bombard one
in the gourd: then I filled the gourd about
another with confetti and serpentines from
two-thirds full of yerba, dried leaves and twigs
floats or on foot.
of the mate tree. I added cold water to
Each section of the city erects a tablado, an
saturate the leaves. Now I poured in very
outdoor stage decorated according to the
hot water. and waited.
ideas and abilities of the local talent.
It takes time for the liquid to seep slowly
into the pierced bulb in the end of the silver
On these stages perform mummers' troupes.
musicians. and anyone who thinks he has
tube. Even then. I could draw up only the
small amount in the tube. After that. I
talent. At the end of Carnival the city gives
waited for it to fill up again.
prizes to the most original and ingenious per-
formers.
And so the mate drinker goes on. peri-
In the capital's theaters. hotels. and clubs
odically adding hot water from a small kettle.
or. if he lives in the city. from a thermos bottle
big public balls are given. some starting
with a specially perforated stopper.
in the afternoon and lasting until dawn.
In its natural unsweetened state, mate tastes
Usually three orchestras play in relays-a
like green tea. more or less bitter and astrin-
"fox." or American-style dance band: a samba
gent, according to the variety and source.
orchestra brought from Brazil: and a típica,
which plays tangos. milongas. and fast criollo
The herb is intensively cultivated. particularly
waltzes.
in northern Argentina. but much of it still
Women go masked and unattended to these
comes from wild trees in southern Brazil and
Paraguay.
balls. which last not only the regulation three
days of Carnival but also for another week.
Men Drink the Bitter; Women the Sweet
I stood one night on the edge of a dance
floor. watching the revelers dance by. their
Men usually drink bitter mate: women like
bright costumes a mass of changing color in
to add a little sweetening. Sometimes they
the spotlights.
even brew it in a pot. like tea. But confirmed
Sensing someone watching me. I turned to
mate drinkers will have none of this effete..
look into the dark face of a masque. It was
procedure.
a girl. her head completely covered with a
On the cattle and sheep ranches the hands
sheath of black stockinet. Bunched and
get up about an hour before dawn and sit
gathered cloth formed upstanding ears. and
tranquilly sipping mate while they await the
from eyeholes two bright eyes peered at me
sunrise.
quizzically. Whiskers springing from each
After working all morning on the range.
side of her mouth made her look even more
the cowboy or shepherd drinks mate at 11
pert.
or so. and then again at the end of the day
(page 641).
We stared at each other in silence for nearly
half a minute. Finally I asked. Cat or
"But.". said my friend who was telling me
rabbit?'
all this. "there are some who pass the entire
Looking as disdainful as two eyes can
day drinking mate."
through black stockinet. she snapped "Bat!"
In the old days. the gaucho subsisted almost
© National Geographic Society
Kodachrome by Luis Marden
and flounced off.
entirely on mate and meat-beef. kid. or mut-
It would be ungallant not to let her have
Garbed in Old-time Gaucho Costume, He Sings of Uruguay's Past
ton. Apparently the mate supplied some of
the last word.
For a holiday barbecue this cowboy from Santa Teresa National Park wears the chiripa (skirtlike garment),
kerchief, and felt hat of the gaucho. Uruguayan plainsman of the last century. Leather-covered weights of the
boleadoras, Indian throwing weapon, hang from his waist. On his left arm he carries a broad-strapped riding crop.
639
640
Kodachrome by Luis Marden
© National Geographle Society
This Painting by a Noted Uruguayan Artist Displays Three Epochs of Gaucho Dress
Juan Manuel Blanes here shows three generations of last-century Uruguayans. Mate-drinking grandfather (right) wears the original skirtlike chiripa.
Father. (center) wears the middle-period chiripd, no longer split in front. A suitor, calling on the householder's daughter, uses the loose haggy trousers,
rural
Uruguay
641
Kindachrone by Allen Fisher
© National Geographic Nociety
Fire and Mate, Stimulating Tealike Drink, Warm Uruguayan Cowboys When Day's Work Is Done
The men sip mate through silver tubes from flat-sided gourds, more popular in Uruguay than the pear-shaped gourds used in neighboring Argentina. Drinkers shoes. fill
gourds about two-thirds full of dried mate leaves, then add nearly boiling water from the kettle. These ranch workers wear Spanish-style rope-soled canvas
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
National Geographic Suclety
Kindachtome by Luis Marden
c National Geographic Society
Kodachrome by Luis Marden
Oxcart Drivers Liked to Camp Near a Shady Ombú When Crossing the Nearly Treeless Plains
Lichens Like Orange Paint Coat the Walls of Santa Teresa
At San Miguel National Monument. the Government maintains this replica of the old-style ON wagon. High
Restored by the Uruguayan Government. this fortress forms the nucleus of a large national park. On the
wooden wheels helped smooth inequalities in the ground: cowhides with the hair left on covered the top. The
shore close to the Brazilian frontier. it was built in 1730 to protect Portuguese possessions from Spain. The bastion
driver. in gaucho dress. sips mate while roasting a steak on a skewer.
changed hands in many wars among Portuguese. Spaniards. Brazilians. and Uruguayans.
642
643
Frozen in Bronze, Oxen Struggle to Release Their Wagon from a Mudhole: Montevideo's Famed Oxcart Monument
644
Uruguayans like to photograph one another against this covered wagon of the pampa. a creation of the sculptor José Belloni.
1 National Geographic Society
Kodarhtones by Lads Marden
The Monument Comes to Life at San Miguel in This Reproduction of Yesterday's Plains Wagon
Visitors may also sec. a duplicate copy of a diligence, the coach which formerly carried passengers and freight across the "shoreless plain."
645
1.1 Viles Fisher
© National Geographic Suclety
Sheep at La Tablada Market Carry on Their Backs Uruguay's Most Valuable Export
Sheep now outnumber cows three to one in the Republic and furnish mutton as well as wool for export. Buyers assemble at dawn at this cattle market 6401. on Monte-
video's outskirts. Against early-morning chill many wear long woolen ponchos. Most appear in comfortable plus-fours-like bombachas (page
The National Geographic Magazine
The Purple Land of Uruguay
: National Gr graphic Society
Kodachrome by Allen Fisher
8 National Geographic Society
Kedachrome by Allen Fisher
A Concrete Dam Impounds Waters of the Rio Negro in Uruguay's First Hydroelectric Project
Waves Break Like Ocean Surf in the "Sweet Sea" at Carrasco Beach
Situated almost exactly in the country's center. the Rincón del Bonete Dam forms an enormous lake. Two
Spanish discoverers in 1516 named the fresh-water expanse of the Rio de la Plata. Mar Dulce. When winds
power lines carry electricity to Montevideo. 150 miles away. Flatcars on rails haul small boats around the dam.
blow from the east. Atlantic waters surge upstream. making the water at Plata beaches clearer and saltier. A
Eventually two locks will permit larger vessels to nãvigate this largest Uruguayan river.
suburb of gardens and summer houses here surrounds an elaborate resort hotel and casino.
646
647
+1
648
© National Geographic Suelely
horks Income in Allen'11 her 1
Mud of the Rio de la Plata Reddens the Water at Pocitos, One of Fifty Beaches on the Urugunyan Riviera
Closer to Montevidea, Pocitos Beach waters are slightly less salty than those of Carrasco (page 647) and beaches farther east. Hotel and apartment houses with set.
back style replace many older private residences like those at rights broad boulovard, the Rambla, connects beaches close to the capital.
1
6:9
as National Geographic Society
hodachtone in Vilen Light
Uruguay's Excellent Corned Beef Travels Round the World
Schoolgirls Combine Good Looks with Good Books
Canned meats are second to wool among the Republic's exports. Other
The highly literate Republic stresses education. which is free from primary
meat products are beef extracts, frozen and chilled beef and mutton. Hides,
school to university degree. These girls, studying at home, attend The Univer-
once all important to the national economy, are of less value today.
sity of Women in Montevideo.
059
1 National Geographic Suclety
Redactory by Allen Pisher
In This Olympic Stadium Ardent Montevidean Fans Watch the National Sport-Socer
football is the national pastime of most of Latin America. In Montevideo, intense rivalry exists between two professional teams: Nacional and Peñarol.
Like the United States World Series, national matches.makorfans of all citizens Penarol won this championship-game,:32
madeline
STATES
At Early Morning, Whiteface Cattle Await the Last Roundup at La Tablada Stockyards
Horsemen lead their rows to and from market by calling repeatedly. "Yenga, venga, venga!" (Come!), and herd sheep by rattling cans filled with stones.
159
t
Rodarbromes by Allen Fisher
e National (leugraphic Society
Buyers and Sellers Discuss Beef on the Hoof at La Tablada Before the Drive to the Packing Houses
ume
CocaCola
ANTI
Deliciosa
&
We's
652
while
****
© National Geographic Society
Kodarbrome in Tans Marden
They Danee and Pound Out African Rhythms for Coins During Carnival in Montevideo
of
Householders toss coins from windows to these groups, perhaps so they will move on, as they raise a tremendous din. To tighten nailed-on drumbeads, players build
fires of scrap. paper ingthe gutter, than hold drums over the flames,
with
CONFITERIA
NIFICACION
AT
653
WA
1% AND
Koodarbromes in Lots Matden
© National Nw Geographic Mortely
The Leaping Dorado Fights Harder than a Salmon
Bakers' Brilliantly Painted Wagons Brighten Montevideo Streets
i
The National Geographic Magazine
The Fire of Heaven
Electricity Revolutionizes the Modern World
By ALBERT W. ATWOOD
I
the short space of 3 single lifetime man
ruined: weather-reporting apparatus and elec-
has wrested from the universe its very
tric-eye devices would go out: crowded ele-
essence. electricity. and by means thereof
vators would be trapped between floors: people
has literally transformed the world.
would be caught in subways under rivers—
Man lived on earth hundreds of thousands
there would be terror. panic, and death.
of years before he learned to use this strange.
It is a curious fact that. although the use
invisible force. The ancients knew that
of electricity is well-nigh universal and indis-
amber. whose Greek name was elcktron, would
pensable. the thing itself is very difficult to
pick up straws if rubbed. and they no doubt
define. The common saying is that while we
cowered before the lightning.
know many of the things which electricity
But it is only in the last 65 or 70 years that
does and how to make it. we do not know
electric power has been substituted in ever-
what it is. even after two or three thousand
increasing degree for the muscles of men and
years of experience.
horses to perform thousands of laborious tasks
An old but pertinent story is that of the
and to provide us with a myriad of previously
unhappy undergraduate who at the very start
undreamed-of comforts, conveniences, lux-
of an early-morning class was asked by the
uries. and pleasures.
professor of physics to define electricity.
Although electricity is a vital force in more
"I knew last night," replied the unfortunate
than 40.000.000 homes. farms. schools, stores.
youth, "but I've forgotten it."
offices, and factories in this country alone, and
"What a calamity! exclaimed the profes-
has probably changed our mode of life more
sor. "The only man in the world who can
than any single invention. its use has come to
define electricity and he has forgotten it!"
be taken for granted, much like that of water.
One reason we find electricity difficult to
Seventeen years ago when Thomas A. Edi-
define is that it is not directly available to us
son died it was suggested that a fitting tribute
in Nature in a form in which we can use it;
would be the turning on for just 60 seconds
we cannot run a steel mill by touching an
of every electric power plant in the country.
electric eel, or by rubbing a parlor rug on a
But it was quickly realized that this magnifi-
dry day, the stiff hair of a cat's back, or a
cent tribute would also be a continental dis-
piece of amber.
aster.
True, lightning is very powerful, and there
What Power Means to Man
are 16 million lightning storms. a year over
If all power were shut off. there would not
the earth (page 657). But lightning is too
erratic to use: as Juliet said to Romeo of
only be darkness but the stoppage of all
their love, "Too like the lightning, which doth
manner of vital industrial. commercial, agri-
cultural, and domestic processes and functions.
cease to be ere one can say It lightens.'
A large part of all our transportation and
Sources of Electricity
communication systems would cease. including
telegraph. telephone, motion pictures, radio,
Fortunately, we know how to get huge
television, and radar.
amounts of controllable and usable electricity
out of falling water and from the steam
Without lights. signals, and dispatching
which comes from burning coal, and to a
systems, railroad trains would barely creep
less degree from oil and gas.
along, if they could move at all. Airplanes
could not communicate in the air. nor could
Electricity is only one of many forms of
they land. and even automobiles would have
energy. which in turn is merely a name for
difficulty in refueling. Naturally there would
capacity to work. and no law of physical
be no fire, police, or street signals.
matter is more fundamental than that of the
Water supply and sanitation mechanisms
transformation of energy from one form into
another.
would stop. Hospitals and surgeons would
be terribly handicapped: compressed air and
True, water power, coal, oil, and gas are
Kodachrome by Luis
boisting machinery in mines would not func-
by no means the only things which contain
: National Geographic Society
tion; ships in distress would have no modern
energy; it is found in food, wind, the tides,
The National Ensign Waves Before El Cerro, the Hill That Gave Montevideo Its Name
means of asking for help; vital scientific ma-
the sun, and in breaking up the atom (nuclear
The cry of Magellan's Portuguese lookout in 1520-"Monte vid' eu!" (I see a hill:)-named the city.
fission).
ensign flies from the staff of a Uruguayan cruiser. Cargo ships lie at anchor in the harbor. Beyond, El Cerro
chines and experiments would be halted or
But atomic power waits upon the solution
to its height of 450 feet. The old fort atop the mount now houses a military museum and lighthouse.
654
655
Copyright 1987 by Lerner Publications Company
VISUAL GEOGRAPHY SERIES
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
No part of this book may be reproduced. stored in a
Publisher
retrieval system. or transmitted in any form or by any
Harry Jonas Lerner
means-electronic. mechanical, photocopying, record-
Associate Publisher
ing, or otherwise-without the prior written permis-
Nancy M. Campbell
sion of the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief
Executive Series Editor
quotations in an acknowledged review.
Mary M. Rodgers
Assistant Series Editor
Gretchen Bratvold
Editorial Assistant
Nora W. Kniskern
Illustrations Editors
Nathan A. Haverstock
Karen A. Sirvaitis
Consultants/Contributors
Dr. Ruth F. Hale
Nathan A. Haverstock
Sandra K. Davis
Designer
Jim Simondet
Cartographer
Carol F. Barrett
Indexer
Kristine S. Schubert
Production Manager
Richard J. Hannah
Courtesy of Inter-American Development Bank
As the price of single-family homes becomes more expensive, more families live in high-rise apartment complexes. The
housing project where these children are playing is located on Avenida Centenario in suburban Montevideo.
Uruguag in Pictures
C
1987
Independent Picture Service
Top-quality wools from Uruguay's sheep are among the
country's major exports.
Contents
This is an all-new edition of the Visual Geography
Series. Previous editions have been published by
Sterling Publishing Company, New York City, and
some of the original textual information has been re-
Introduction
7
tained. New photographs. maps, charts. captions. and
updated information have been added. The text has
1) The Land
9
been entirely reset in 10/12 Century Textbook.
Topography. Rivers and Lagoons. Climate. Grasslands and Forests. Wildlife. Natural
Resources. Cities and Towns.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA
2) History and Government
21
Haverstock, Nathan A.
Early Explorers. Cowboys and Missionaries. Rivalry with Portugal. Viceroyalty of La
Independent Picture Service
Uruguay in pictures.
Plata. José Artigas. The 33 Immortals. Nationhood. A New Troy. Revolutionary Strife.
A monument to the gaucho, or cowboy, stands in front
(Visual geography series)
of the Commercial Bank in Montevideo.
The Late Nineteenth Century. José Batlle y Ordóñez. The Mid-Twentieth Century.
Includes index.
Tupamaro Terrorism. Government.
Summary: Introduces the land. history, government.
people, and economy of a small South American country.
3) The People
42
1. Uruguay. [1. Uruguay] I. Title. II. Series: Visual
Acknowledgments
Emigration from Europe. Religion. Communications. Education. Rural Life. The Gaucho.
geography series (Minneapolis, Minn.)
F2708.H38 1987 989.5 87-3955
Title page photo by Don Irish.
Literature. Music and Art. Recreation. Food.
ISBN 0-8225-1823-6 (lib. bdg.)
Elevation contours adapted from The Times Atlas of
4) The Economy
54
the World, seventh comprehensive edition (New York:
Times Books, 1985).
Declining Agricultural Earnings. Government-A Big Employer. Trade Unions. Farm
International Standard Book Number: 0-8225-1823-6
Workers. Transportation. The Future.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 87-3955
2
3
5
6
8
9
10
97
96
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
Index
64
Este, the country's leading pleasure resort.
Located on the Atlantic coast, a little more
than an hour by car from Montevideo,
Punta del Este has served as a conference
site for major inter-American meetings in
recent years-a point of national pride.
Paysandú and Salto, though important
as secondary ports, have populations of
only about 70,000 each. The inland towns
of Mercedes and Rivera, with populations
of 35,000 and 50,000 respectively, serve as
business centers. Other towns of note in-
clude Fray Bentos, a meat-packing hub
with a population of 20,000; Canelones,
Independent Picture Service
a suburban extension of the capital with
The extravagantly designed Palacio Salvo-which orig-
a population of 15,000; and Maldonado, a
Courtesy of Organization of American States
inally served as a hotel but now houses offices and
colonial town on the Atlantic coast that
Montevideo, as depicted by an artist in 1861, was a bustling center of commerce.
apartments-remains one of Montevideo's landmarks.
The bulging tower atop its multiple stories soars high
was once a pirate stronghold, now with a
above the city's palm trees.
population of 25,000.
In contrast to Montevideo, the rural
towns and villages of Uruguay are quiet
places that exist mainly as supply depots
has remained fairly stable throughout most
for the outlying ranches and farms. Rural
2) History and Government
of the twentieth century.
towns are located on well-paved roads that
No other city in Uruguay is even remote-
fan out from the capital, and the commerce
ly comparable to Montevideo, though spe-
of the countryside thus easily flows to-
cial mention should be made of Punta del
ward Montevideo.
Without gold, silver, or precious stones to
stop off briefly in Uruguay while looking
attract greedy eyes, Uruguay was largely
in vain along the Río de la Plata for a water
untouched by Spain's New World conquer-
passage through the heart of the continent
ors. Whereas the native inhabitants in
to the Pacific Ocean. The first of them,
other places in the Americas were forced
Juan de Solís, dropped anchor in 1516 just
to work in the mines to increase Spain's
a short distance from the present site of
wealth, Uruguay's Indians were left to en-
Montevideo.
joy their ancestral lands. Eventually, the
Pleased with what he saw, Solís ordered
Spanish crown did send missionaries to
his armed party to put ashore, but he
convert the Indians of Uruguay to Chris-
and his men were quickly overpowered by
tianity. Fortunately, however, Spain did
the fierce Charrúa Indians. There on the
not impose feudal systems for working the
beach, the cannibals built fires and de-
land-probably because the region's agri-
voured the hapless explorer and his men.
cultural richness did not require them.
The only surviver was a cabin boy-who
managed to live on among the Indians un-
til his rescue a dozen years later.
Early Explorers
In 1520 Ferdinand Magellan-a Portu-
Throughout its history Uruguay has had
guese captain in the service of Spain and
the advantage of being somewhat removed
the first man to lead an expedition to sail
from well-traveled paths, which has aided
around the world-traveled along the
its development as a self-reliant and in-
south coast of Uruguay. Like Solís, Ma-
Photo by Don Irish
dependent nation. During the sixteenth
gellan was looking for a passage to the
The seats of this open-air theater in the port city of Fray Bentos command an impressive view of the Uruguay River.
century, a few New World explorers did
Pacific. According to popular legend, when
21
20
Sculpted in bronze by José Luis
and horses downstream through Uru-
Zorilla de San Martin, El Ultimo Char-
rúa (The Last Charrúa) can be seen
guay, turned them loose to run wild on the
today in Montevideo's El Prado Park.
territory's native pastures. The animals
thrived and multiplied rapidly on the abun-
dant grasslands. Soon the herds of these
undomesticated creatures attracted the
attention of gauchos, or cowboys, who
lived across the Río de la Plata in the in-
creasingly well settled area around Buenos
Aires.
The rugged gauchos, who eventually be-
came heroic figures in the literature and
folklore of the area, were a nomadic and
uncouth lot. Having no settled abodes,
they cared nothing for titles to land or
Photo by Don Irish
the development of civilization. They pre-
Now restored and converted into a museum, the colonial
fortress of Santa Teresa (above and below) on the north-
Photo by Don Irish
ferred simply to follow the cattle herds
eastern coast of Uruguay was built by the Spanish in the
-using their hides for clothing and, with
1760s to resist Portuguese invasions.
Cowboys and Missionaries
careless abandon, slaughtering the beasts
one of Magellan's lookouts saw the site of
when hungry.
the present-day Uruguayan capital from
The next century, however, found the peace
In 1624 Jesuit and Franciscan mission-
the crow's nest he cried out, "Monte vide
Christianizing the Charrúa, in extending
of the Indians permanently disrupted by
aries followed the gauchos, not to herd cat-
eu!" ("I see a mountain!" in Portuguese),
Spanish culture and influence, and in stor-
the arrival of cattle raisers and mission-
tle, but to lead the Charrúa into villages,
thus giving the place its future name.
ing up wealth for themselves and their
aries. Hernando Arias, first governor of
where the Indians were taught Western
Seven years later Sebastian Cabot-an
religious orders-something that would
nearby Paraguay, is generally credited as
habits and were assembled as a captive
Englishman in the service of Spain-sailed
eventually lead to their undoing.
the one who introduced ranching into Uru-
audience to hear sermons on the Christian
to the Uruguayan coast and found the sur-
During most of the eighteenth century,
guay. Arias, while shipping some cattle
way of life. The missionaries succeeded in
viving cabin boy who was by then a young
the settlement of Uruguay continued-
man. Cabot was pleased to have the lad as
an interpreter to communicate with the In-
dians in their own tongue, and the youth
was overjoyed to be rescued. It was on this
visit that Cabot gave the Río de la Plata,
or River of Silver, its name. Whether the
explorer was inspired by the silvery shim-
mering surface of the water or by the
mistaken notion that the banks of the river
were rich in silver deposits remains un-
known.
Little is known of Uruguay during the
remainder of the sixteenth century. Begin-
ning in 1580 the thrones of Portugal and
Spain were united for 60 years, thus elim-
inating a source of Old World rivalry for
Uruguay's territory. The Charrúa Indians
-for the most part left undisturbed-
rarely needed to repel intruders with their
Independent Picture Service
clubs, spears. bows and arrows, and bolas,
Hernando Arias, who introduced horses and cattle to
or "stone-throwers."
Uruguay, is commemorated in this statue on Montevideo's
waterfront.
Courtesy of Organization of American States.
22
23
with neither help nor hindrance from
From that moment the Roman Catholic
Three-hundred-year-old historic ruins
Spain. Spain's presence was mainly rep-
still stand at Colonia-a small town
missions in Uruguay entered a period of
on the Río de la Plata founded by
resented by priests. In promoting Chris-
decline, from which they were never to
Portuguese settlers from Brazil in
tianity and Spanish culture, the work of
recover.
1680.
the missionaries was facilitated by Uru-
guay's open grasslands and lack of remote
jungles and mountains where unwilling In-
Rivalry with Portugal
dians might have hidden from the Euro-
In the mid-seventeenth century, when the
peans. Instead, with Christian ways and
crowns of Spain and Portugal once again
clothes, the Indians were soon absorbed in-
separated, an intense rivalry began within
to the more numerous immigrant popula-
the region of the Río de la Plata for the
tion. The Charrúa Indians proved to be
surrounding territory and trade. As if to
strong and valuable workers on the cattle
defy Spanish claims, the Portuguese es-
estates.
tablished a settlement in 1680 at Colonia,
With the founding of Montevideo in
directly across the Río de la Plata from the
1726, pressures increased to free the col-
Spanish settlement at Buenos Aires.
ony of Uruguay from the oppressive in-
Because Colonia threatened Spain's mo-
fluence of church officials-many of whom
nopoly over an increasingly profitable
had grown extremely wealthy. In 1767, in
river trade, Spain at once sent troops to
response to the growth of local enterprise
capture and occupy the town. This inci-
and initiative, the Spanish crown expelled
dent sparked a feud that set Spain and
the Jesuit priests, a group that many felt
Portugal intermittently at odds with one
had grown too big and too successful.
another for the next century and a half.
Photo by Don Irish
Though Portugal regained control of Co-
area of modern Paraguay and Uruguay
lonia in 1763, 14 years later Spain took per-
and parts of Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile.
manent possession of the town and, along
Uruguay and its capital of Montevideo
with it, had enduring influence within the
were thus reduced to a subordinate status,
territory of modern Uruguay. In 1776
and Uruguayans were resentful of this
Spain's Bourbon monarchs began tight-
demotion. Their resentment smoldered
ening up administration within their em-
for the next two decades until, toward the
pire. They created a new viceroyalty of the
end of the eighteenth century, Spain and
Río de la Plata area and strengthened the
Great Britain were at war. As the conflict
region's military defenses.
developed, the British fleet exercised a
clear-cut supremacy over the aging Span-
ish flotillas.
Viceroyalty of La Plata
The British occupied Buenos Aires in
Independent Picture Service
Dedicated to the pioneers of Uruguay, La Carreta (The Two-wheeled.Cart) is a bronze grouping of three yokes of oxen
In addition to the present-day territory of
1807 and Montevideo in 1808-the year
drawing a covered wagon, followed by a bearded horseman and two free oxen. Located in Montevideo's Batile Park,
Argentina, the new viceroyalty-with head-
when Napoleon Bonaparte and his armies
the life-sized sculpture was created by Uruguayan artist José Belloni.
quarters in Buenos Aires-embraced the
overran Spain, imprisoned Spain's king
24
25
Ferdinand VII, and placed Napoleon's
brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. Set-
In response Artigas led an exodus of about
-that is, by tempering and limiting con-
15,000 Uruguayans-one-fourth of the
tact between the two bigger nations.
tlers in Uruguay, as elsewhere in Spanish
America, were divided in their loyalties.
total population-to the west bank of the
Some pledged their allegiance to Ferdinand
Uruguay River in neighboring Argentina
The 33 Immortals
-Spain's rightful sovereign-and others
and Paraguay.
supported Joseph Bonaparte.
For two years Artigas refused to submit
Before Artigas could complete his mission,
to the control of Spanish authorities in
Brazil annexed the Banda Oriental. Bra-
Buenos Aires. His price, which Buenos
zilian rule was mild enough, but the Uru-
José Artigas
Aires rejected in 1813, was a guarantee of
guayans' newfound pride suffered. In 1825
The rise of José Gervasio Artigas and the
complete autonomy for Uruguay. Buenos
a group of Uruguayan exiles living in
Aires troops took Montevideo in 1814, but
Buenos Aires invaded their homeland.
Uruguayan independence movement oc-
curred amid Uruguayan anger over the
Artigas and his gauchos drove them out
Known to history as the 33 Immortals,
mismanagement of their homeland by far-
in 1815 and declared independence. The
the rebels-under the leadership of Juan
off authorities in Spain. Son of a Monte-
rebels set up a federal republic patterned
Antonio Lavalleja and José Fructuoso
video family, Artigas had adopted the
after the United States and held together
Rivera-mounted an impressive revolt.
gaucho way of life. He opposed the Spanish
a large federated area-including not only
The local population was quick to rally to
the Banda Oriental, or eastern bank of the
their banner. Moreover, the authorities in
administration in Buenos Aires, especially
its discrimination against Montevideo's
Río de la Plata, but the northern provinces
trade. He thought deeply about the situa-
of Argentina as well.
tion of his country, and he nourished his
In 1816 Artigas was driven out of
opinions by reading such publications as
Uruguay by new, larger, and stronger Por-
Common Sense and The Rights of Man,
Photo by Organization of American States
tuguese forces from Brazil. Artigas
written by the North American Thomas
José Gervasio Artigas, a patriot and gaucho from Monte-
withdrew to the northern Argentine prov-
Paine, Though these works were considered
video who became the leader of the independence move-
inces, where he continued to oppose the
ment, led Uruguayans in revolt against Spain in 1811.
dangerous by Spanish authorities, Artigas
Buenos Aires central government. When
had managed to secure them in Spanish
he was finally defeated in 1820, Artigas
translation.
sought sanctuary in Paraguay, where he
video, the seat of Spanish rule in Uruguay.
Artigas organized an army of gaucho.
lived in poverty for 30 years. Admirers of
Portuguese troops from Brazil intervened
forces and in 1811 laid seige to Monte-
Artigas say that through his heroic deeds
-trying to gain Uruguay for themselves.
he created a Uruguayan sense of national
pride and laid the foundation for the coun-
try's independent existence.
Given Uruguay's geographical location
-across the river from Buenos Aires,
southern South America's foremost city,
and south of Brazil, the continent's biggest
nation-Artigas's accomplishments are
even more striking. Had it not been for Ar-
tigas, present-day Uruguay would surely
have become part of either Argentina or
Brazil. That Uruguay survived into nation-
hood at all is largely due to the jealousies
of European powers anxious to absorb as
big a portion as possible of the Río de la
Plata region. Uruguay's independence is
also due to the rivalry-which still con-
Photo by Don Irish
tinues-between Argentina and Brazil.
A bronze equestrian statue of Juan Antonio Lavalleja-co-
Independent Picture Service
The Uruguayan painter Zorilla de San Martín has depicted Artigas negotiating a commercial treaty with the British.
Throughout its history, Uruguay has sur-
leader of the 33 Immortals who brought independence to
vived mainly by serving as a buffer state
Uruguay-adorns the public square in the town of Minas.
26
omronch
27
#19
Nationhood
One probable reason for the survival of
At the time of its creation as a nation,
the Uruguayan constitution was the free-
Uruguay's prospects were scarcely prom-
dom that it allowed. Local political groups
ising. The land was nearly deserted, with
could revise and modernize public institu-
fewer than 100,000 people. Most were either
tions as well as reapportion power as re-
gauchos, who managed the land and their
alignments occurred within the nation's
cattle in a Wild-West style, or shepherds,
parties. In addition, Uruguay's leaders were
who tended flocks of sheep scattered about
zealous protectors of free speech within
the nation's grasslands. Only in the capital
the nation's parliament-even when legis-
city was there a group of people with more
lators voiced views directly opposed to
than the barest essentials of education,
those of the executive branch.
and this constituted an unrepresentative
For the next 70 years Uruguay's contin-
elite. Yet it was precisely this group that
ued existence was threatened by nearby
Independent Picture Service
had to wrestle with the problem of creat-
countries and by internal strife. Perhaps
In a period painting, Uruguay's 33 Immortals swear allegiance to their homeland. Their successful campaign to win
ing a nation.
as a strengthening measure, the nation
freedom for Uruguay began in 1825.
On July 18, 1830, Uruguay enacted its
early adopted a two-party system of poli-
first constitution. The drafters either did
tics and government. By 1836 two well-de-
their job exceedingly well, or their suc-
fined parties, each with its own private
cessors had neither inclination nor skill to
gaucho army, had grown up around former
Buenos Aires, seeing a chance to incorpor-
in the area, and British diplomats in 1828
do better. This first constitution remained
leaders of the rebellious 33 Immortals.
ate the Banda Oriental into their sphere
succeeded in negotiating a settlement be-
in effect for 89 years-a remarkable record
Manuel Oribe became the chief of a group
of influence, sent land and naval forces to
tween the two warring South American
considering the frequency with which con-
of conservatives called Blancos, or Whites,
help the rebels.
rivals. As part of the settlement, Uruguay
stitutions were scrapped and rewritten in
because of the white ribbons they wore on
Argentine intervention brought war be-
was designated as a buffer between Argen-
other South American republics.
their hatbands for identification. Their
tween Argentina and Brazil, with the Bra-
tina and Brazil. From this negotiated
zilians subjecting Buenos Aires to a tight
beginning, Uruguay has maintained its in-
and effective naval blockade. The blockade
dependence-though at times somewhat
put a virtual stop to Great Britain's trade
precariously-ever since.
11
Rich in dramatic style and realism,
The Two Ways-by nineteenth-cen-
tury Uruguayan artist Juan Manuel
Blanes-depicts two gauchos at a
Courtesy of Organization of American States
crossroads.
Eighteenth of July Avenue runs into Plaza Independencia in this 1865 street scene.
Courtesy of Organization of American States
28
29
D.C.??
At Plaza del Entrevero in Montevi-
deo, this statue (right and below) by
Uruguayan sculptor José Luis Zorilla
de San Martin depicts a group of
gauchos engaged in battle.
Photo by Don Irish
Courtesy of Mike R. Rassier
The School of Law (above) is one of many departments at
the University of the Republic, founded in 1849 in Mon-
tevideo. This and earlier views of the law school (right) and
of the School of Medicine (below)-also in Montevideo-
reflect the massive, ornate style of the late nineteenth
century.
Photo by Angel Hurtado, Museum of Modern Art of Latin America
opponents, led by José Fructuoso Rivera,
Independent Picture Service
The fighting included a prolonged Ar-
wore red ribbons and were called the Co-
gentine siege of Montevideo, which was
lorados, or Reds.
held by the Colorados. The Blancos, aided
by the Argentines, imposed a naval block-
A New Troy
ade and intermittent land assaults. In
Paris the Uruguayan struggle inspired the
The rivalry of the Blancos and Colorados,
great French writer Alexandre Dumas-
which continues to this day, has been peri-
in a book called Montevideo: A New Troy
odically complicated by the meddlesome
-to compare the lot of the Uruguayan
interventions of other nations. In 1843, for
capital to that of ancient Troy, long ago
example, the Argentine dictator Manuel
laid siege by the Greeks.
Rosas supported the Blancos and thereby
Besides becoming the focus of interna-
helped touch off an eight-and-a-half-year
tional attention, the war took on the pro-
struggle, known in local history as the
portions of a civil war in Argentina as well
Great War.
as in Uruguay, with the opposing sides
Independent Picture Service
30
31
strife. The Colorados easily emerged the
Uruguay's struggle for stability, it was
winners, and by 1872 it had become appar-
perhaps the accord that followed the assas-
ent that they were strong enough to main-
sination of President Juan Idiarte Borda in
tain their political hold indefinitely. Wide-
1897. Idiarte Borda-a Colorado with dic-
spread acceptance of this fact led both
tatorial tendencies-relied on the army for
Colorado and Blanco civil and military
support, which led to civil war. Upon his
leaders to strike a deal. The Blancos were
death, leaders of both political parties laid
given control of key public offices and local
down their arms and signed an agreement
police forces in four of the country's nine
that guaranteed the political rights of all
departments (provinces), while the Colo-
citizens.
rados were allowed to dominate the balance
The incoming Colorado president, Juan
of the departments and to run the national
Lindolfo Cuestas, made the achievement
government. Following a brief uprising in
of domestic peace his highest priority and
Courtesy of Organization of American States
The battlefront of the War of the Triple Alliance- which the forces of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina joined against
1897, Blanco control was increased to in-
put an end to the civil strife that had
Paraguay depicted in this historical painting.
clude six departments.
stagnated productivity on the nation's
This arrangement provided the basic
farms. Uruguayans, who had seen or par-
organization of Uruguay's two-party sys-
ticipated in some 50 revolutions in the
either for or against the tyrant Rosas.
tranquillity short-lived. Twice during the
tem, which through the years has seen the
previous 70 years, breathed easier. Final-
Arriving from Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi-
next 16 years, President Venancio Flores
conservative Blanco party dominant among
ly, with the national spirit of harmony
one of the founders of the modern nation
of the Colorado party had to request Bra-
rural-based ranchers, and the more liberal
following the death of Idiarte Borda, there
of Italy-won a hero's laurels for his part
zilian help to maintain himself in office. In
Colorado party dominant in the cities, es-
was hope. Besides resolving their disagree-
in toppling Rosas during an Argentine up-
return for this help, Flores committed Uru-
pecially in Montevideo.
ments, Uruguay's feuding parties had
rising in 1851.
guay to join with Argentina and Brazil
While this system for exercising national
from 1865 to 1870 in the War of the Triple
and local power was being hammered out,
Alliance against heavily armed, but hope-
Uruguay itself was changing. In the latter
Revolutionary Strife
lessly overpowered, Paraguay.
decades of the nineteenth century, revolu-
With the signing of a peace treaty on Oc-
No sooner was this conflict over than
tionary violence subsided, and the nation's
tober 8, 1851, Uruguay found domestic
Uruguay was torn once again by internal
leaders succeeded each other peacefully. In
contrast to the earlier rough-hewn gaucho
caudillos, or political strongmen, more and
more of Uruguay's presidents and ranking
public officials were regular army officers.
The Late Nineteenth Century
During the late nineteenth century, social
and political changes were accelerated by
heavy immigration from Europe, particu-
larly from Italy. The immigrants and their
families-many of them skilled workers
hailing from countries with well-defined
political traditions-made a marked contri-
bution to Uruguayan life. They demanded
improvements in the country's schools,
they increased the nation's productivity,
and they added a fresh measure of social
Independent Picture Service
Independent Picture Service
The war against Paraguay lasted six years, until the Paraguayan dictator Francisco Solano López was killed. Here,
awareness to both of Uruguay's political
In 1900 Montevideo was a provincial capital, with low
the raising of the white flag of truce ends the war, while Uruguay's Florida battalion pays its respects to its com-
parties.
buildings and open, tranquil parks-such as the Plaza
mander, who has just fallen in battle.
If there was a single turning point in
Constitución.
32
33
perhaps unwittingly created an atmos-
the nation's forgotten workers and a then-
phere in which the nation's leaders could
silent middle class-two groups not pre-
work toward defining Uruguayan solu-
viously wooed by office seekers.
tions to Uruguayan problems.
Under Batlle's leadership, armed politics
gave way to electoral politics-though not
José Batlle y Ordóñez
without a fight. The fight was a Blanco
rebellion, which lasted nearly a year, from
As the nation's political situation improved,
its beginning on Christmas Day, 1903, to
José Batlle y Ordóñez appeared on the
the rebel defeat on September 1, 1904. In
scene. Son of a former president of Uru-
putting down the insurrection, Batlle ex-
guay, Batlle founded a leading newspaper
ercised firmness and persuasion. In the
and, after several years' service as a con-
process, he gave Uruguayans a sense of
gressman, was elected senator in 1898 and
purpose and a positive national morale.
president in 1903.
They began to believe that social progress
Armed with a strong personality, new
and a better life for all could be achieved.
ideas, and a genius for political organi-
Batlle energetically promoted education,
zation, Batlle not only led a new adminis-
improved conditions among the nation's
tration but also launched a new era. He
workers, and increased efficiency in public
served twice as president, from 1903 to
administration. During his years in office
Photo by Don trish
1907 and from 1911 to 1915, and remained
railways were built; ports were modern-
Built in 1897, this Parisian-style building-with wrought-iron
a dominant influence in Uruguayan poli-
Courtesy of Organization of American States
José Batlle y Ordóñez-Uruguay's president from 1903 to
ized; and waterworks, gas, electricity, and
balconies and intricately colored vertical panels-adds sub-
tics long after his death in 1929. Batlle
tie beauty to Eighteenth of July Avenue in Montevideo.
1907 and from 1911 to 1915-founded the liberal Colorado
telephones were introduced. He emanci-
based his appeal to the electorate on moral
party newspaper El Día and instituted liberal democratic
pated his country from foreign exploita-
force. He sought and won backing from
reforms.
tion and safeguarded free institutions.
By channeling the currents of change,
Batlle was able to give reforms focus and
sweeping force. At the same time, he held
off radicals who wanted faster reform, Con-
servatives who wanted no reform at all, and
dawdling politicians who were mainly in-
terested in pocketing the rewards of office.
As a result of his leadership, in the early
1900s, Uruguay achieved social and eco-
nomic goals that much of the world is still
far from reaching today.
Under Batlle's influence a new constitu-
tion became effective in 1919. The consti-
tution provided for a popularly elected
president, a nine-member national council of
administration, and a two-house congress.
The congress also was equipped with a
seven-member permanent commission that
was empowered to act while congress was
not in session. The Blancos did not oppose
this new charter. It was hard for them to
Photo by Don Irish
campaign against social security, workers'
Prominently displayed on Uruguay's government buildings,
the coat of arms dates from 1908. Framed by olive and laurel
Independent Picture Service
rights, and the breakdown of class divisions
branches, the emblem displays scales, standing for justice;
Named for the man who brought modern social legislation to the nation, Batile Park in Montevideo is the home of
when the country was, in fact, enjoying
the fortress of Montevideo, standing for strength; the bull,
this stadium, where full-capacity crowds throng the stands during soccer matches.
peace and prosperity.
representing abundance; and the horse, freedom.
34
35
The Mid-Twentieth Century
whose members were appointed by the
Following Batlle's principles, the govern-
president, not elected by the people.
ment of Uruguay worked fairly smoothly
This revised constitution worked well
until the Great Depression, which lasted
enough until the end of 1951, when the peo-
from 1929 until the mid-1930s. During
ple voted to substitute for the president a
these years of extreme, worldwide eco-
nine-member executive body-the National
nomic decline, the normal procedure of
Council of Government-under which the
government broke down. President Gabriel
presidency rotated from one member to
Terra quarreled with the National Coun-
another, allowing the Colorado and Blan-
cil of Administration and was the object
co parties to share power. Under this
of impeachment proceedings by the con-
system, the Blancos won a national election
gress. After using force to suppress his op-
in 1958 for the first time in 93 years.
position, Terra dissolved both the council
Uruguay's economy began to decline dur-
and the congress and for four years ruled
ing the 1950s. Inflation increased dra-
as a dictator. In 1934 he persuaded the
matically, and the country lost markets for
country to accept a new constitution, which
its agricultural exports. At the same time,
provided for a representative and demo-
the cost of imports and of the nation's
cratic form of government. The nation was
social programs increased. The National
headed by an elected president and assisted
Council of Government proved unable to
by a nine-member council of government-
deal with these problems effectively.
Courtesy of Organization of American States
A huge celebration in 1930 commemorated the centennial of the construction of the capitol.
I
Independent Picture Service
The presidential offices are housed in this impressive building on Montevideo's Plaza Independencia. The presidency
Courtesy of Organization of American States
of Uruguay has undergone a number of changes since the office was first established by the Constitution of 1830.
In 1960 Uruguayans marched in full-dress parade to welcome visiting U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
36
37
This dairy farmer and his family are
German-Swiss descendants who live
near the city of Treinta y Tres.
Courtesy of Inter-American Development Bank
Independent Picture Service
In Uruguay's mild climate, rural people often go barefoot and live in simple houses. They are much better off, however,
than the impoverished farm laborers in many other Latin American countries, for they are literate and very well
nourished.
In expressing beliefs of this nature, Uru-
horses probably mount a western-style
Although few Uruguayan farm work-
guayan farmers are well spoken, generally
saddle, rather than the sheepskin saddle
ers retain the traditional outfit, these
well informed and forthright. In contrast
of the rugged gaucho past. Many gauchos
gauchos still wear bombachas (baggy
to many of the campesinos (farm laborers)
trousers), leather boots, and facons-
carry a transistor radio and a thermos of
short, daggerlike knives carried on
of other Latin American nations-who
hot water for making maté (tea). They
the back of their belts.
scratch out a poverty-level existence from
have also added vegetables to their once
worn-out, rocky soil-Uruguayan farmers
meat-heavy diet.
till and ranch some of the most prosperous
Although Uruguay's gaucho has clear-
lands in South America. Well-fed and often
ly changed, the memory of the old-time
Courtesy of David Mangurian
well-educated, Uruguayan farmers and their
gaucho-clad in a long woolen poncho,
families are productively self-employed.
riding hard, and fighting with a facon
(knife) at every opportunity-is still in
The Gaucho
the national consciousness. The traditional
image of the South American gaucho was
Uruguay's legendary gaucho-who is
immortalized by José Hernández, an Ar-
something like the stereotyped cowboy of
gentine who over a century ago wrote the
North America's Wild West-is an ideal-
epic poem, Martín Fierro. Widely read in
ized version of the real-life gaucho. Today's
Uruguay as well as in Argentina, this epic
gauchos wear blue jeans, topcoats, and
has become a part of the national heritage.
soft black hats with the brim upturned in
Parts of it have even been absorbed into
the front. While horseback riding is still
the modern Spanish language, just as
a popular sport in Uruguay, today's gau-
parts of Shakespeare's works and the King
chos are more likely to drive a jeep or
James version of the Bible have been
truck when working. Those who do ride
Gauchos wearing traditional clothing
assimilated into the English language.
"break" a horse for riding.
Independent Picture Service
48
49
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
80
th you, Mr. Presi-
80
I
Address Before a Joint Session of the
to meeting many
National Congress of Uruguay. March 2, 1960
Mr. President, distinguished members of the Congress, ladies and gentle-
men, citizens of Uruguay:
Government, Foreign
artinez, and U.S. Am-
Before I give to you my communications, the thoughts that I have
Voodward.
wanted to say to you, I want to express something of my feelings concern-
ing the welcome that has been given me by Montevideo-all the way
dal From the
along the beaches, through the streets with their majestic buildings, and
of
by a people that seemed to be expressing the utmost in friendship.
My only regret is that every member in every dwelling in the farms
and cities of my country could not have seen this day, because they would
have realized that this people was trying to say "We are with you, in
City Council of
believing in freedom, in our dedication to liberty, and because we are so
joined with you we send across these oceans to you from North America,
ve me this medal
our very best wishes."
S indeed a unique
I deem it a high honor to address you, the democratically elected repre-
sentatives of the people of Uruguay.
1 to constitutional
I bring you from my people and my government earnest expressions
the doctrines of
of friendship and good will.
edom of all time,
The United States shares with Uruguay an abiding desire to live in
freedom, human dignity, and peace with justice.
has been earned
The great wonder of history is that leaders-knowing that peoples
of Uruguay have
everywhere, regardless of economic station, race, or creed, possess a burn-
have been ready
ing desire to achieve these values-still have been unable to prevent
hold together two
the world from becoming tragically divided by mistrust, threat, and even
overt hostility.
; a matter of fact,
In our time, the destructive power available for misuse is awesome.
:
same sentiments
We have now reached the point in human progress where the choice
dependence, and
before us is mutual annihilation or abiding cooperation in the construc-
tion of the peace that lives as a cherished dream in the hearts of people
everywhere.
E Montevideo.
At this fateful time, the people of the United States find themselves
vas presented by Mr.
carrying unbelievably heavy burdens. They do this not just in their own
cription "Homenaje
Concejo Departa-
interest, but for the benefit of all who cherish freedom-all who believe
)wight Eisenhower."
that human affairs should be managed in harmony with basic moral law.
They do this for all who are deeply convinced that peoples have the
267
80
Public Papers of the Presidents
inalienable right to live in peace, with their creative energies devoted
These ef
exclusively to building the social, cultural, and economic institutions
most burde
consonant with their own desires.
caused us t
My country makes these sacrifices with no avaricious end in view.
projects.
The United States does not covet a single acre of land that belongs to
affairs. B
another. We do not wish to control or dictate to another government.
America fr
We do not desire to impose our concepts of political, cultural, or economic
and techni
life upon either the largest or the smallest, the strongest or the weakest,
Indeed I И
of the nations of the earth. We believe that the people of every nation
effect, of tl
are endowed with the right of free choice, and that the most sacred
States sour
obligation of the world community is to guarantee such choice to all.
lic funds n
Need I document these assertions? The Philippines today are inde-
its compan
pendent-by their own choice. Alaska and Hawaii are now, proudly,
a figure rep
equal partners in our federated, democratic enterprise-by their own
of new jobs
choice. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth within the United States sys-
Yes, whi
tem-by its own choice. After World War I, World War II, and
human tras
the Korean War, the United States did not in any way enrich itself at
to indulge
another's expense-even from former enemies.
ship and C
Indeed, it did the opposite. We offered substantive help to others,
importance
first for reconstruction, and then, because of thundering threats, for the
with those
creation of a cooperative defense system to protect the free world from
Of cour
deliberate attack or the miscalculation of arrogance.
We have th
I am aware of the feeling of many people in Latin America that the
As for 01
United States, while giving bounteously for postwar reconstruction and
been suscep
mutual security, has been less generous with our good neighbors of this
been applie
hemisphere.
I am ke
I am the first to acknowledge the fallibility of nations and leaders,
exception-
even those with the best intentions. But I ask you and all our good friends
America ha
of the Americas to consider this:
facilities, ar
The aid we gave to Europe after the Great War helped restore that
Progress
area as a producer and buyer, to the benefit of Latin America as well as
institutions.
to ourselves. During the war, the trade of Latin America with the
any way it
United States increased six-fold, and has been sustained at a higher level
and the lim
since then.
tant I hop
The resources we have exported for the construction of a defense
prosperity
perimeter have been for the benefit of all who desire freedom, inde-
oped count
pendence and the right to be unmolested as they work for the improved
every natio
well-being of their own people.
tribute to tl
268
Attn Writers
:
New dawn in the
I
New World theme
for big speeches in So. America.
(Lange/Cawley)
November 26, 1990
5:15 p.m.
[BRAZIL.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
JOINT SESSION, BRAZILIAN CONGRESS
BRASILIA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990
11:15 A.M.
[[ Obrigado [oh-bree-GAH-tho]. Mr. President of the National
Congress [Senator Nelson Carneiro]; Mr. President of the Chamber
of Deputies [Deputy Paes de Andrade]; Senator [welcome speech];
Deputy [welcome speech]; Mr. President of the Supreme Court [Dr.
Neri da Silveira]; esteemed Papal Nuncio, and members of the
diplomatic corps; Mr. Archbishop [Dom Freire Falcao]; Honorable
Ministers of State; Honorable Deputies and Senators. 11 It is a
privilege to join you in this great hall of democracy --- and an
honor that so many members could be here today. I deeply
appreciate your presence.
My thoughts today could have no better forum -- my words, no
better audience -- than here, in Brasilia. A city that so aptly
symbolizes the energy and aspirations of a great people -- the
bold and expansive spirit of a great nation -- and the promise of
a bright future for all of the Americas.
We meet at an extraordinary moment in our shared history. A
time of serious challenges and important choices, that calls for
mutual respect, candor, and collective will.
I have met with many Latin and Caribbean leaders. And
throughout the range of issues we've discussed, all of us, I
think, have been seeking for a way to express what we see as a
new, more mature relationship among the Americas.
2
President Collor, who represents a new breed of leadership
now sweeping across Latin America, is Brazil's first popularly-
elected President in almost three decades. Your gubernatorial
and legislative elections are another brilliant achievement in
Brazilian democracy -- and I congratulate you and all Brazilians.
President Collor has spoken eloquently of Brazil's rightful
place at the table of the First World -- and I agree.
I believe it is time, in fact, to end the false distinctions
between First World and Third World that have too long
compromised political and economic relations in the Americas.
Let us instead speak of the New World.
This hemisphere has always found strength in diversity.
After all, here I stand, addressing Portuguese-speakers in
English, because of an Italian sailing on behalf of Spain, guided
by the theories of theologian in France, five centuries ago.
What we hold in common transcends borders and translates
into any language. The nations of America all struggled and
gained independence from the old ways of the Old World -- ended
the injustice of slavery -- and built republics of promise and
renewal around the dignity and power of the individual, the rule
of law, and the rights of man.
Now, as we approach the 500th anniversary of Columbus'
discovery of the Americas -- and the arrival of Cabral's
Portuguese fleet in Brazil --- this is a moment to look to the
future of the New World. For while we have all witnessed in
wonder the dawn of democracy in Eastern Europe, in the Americas,
3
too, we have heard the rolling thunder of political and economic
revolution. And while some may claim our frontiers have all been
explored, I contend we have just begun to press forward, toward
the real promise of the Americas.
Ideals endure. Territories may end at borders, continents
may end at the water's edge, but human potential knows only those
limits set by human imagination. The Americas' role in the world
is not defined by geography. The sun is not setting in the West.
I believe we are approaching a new dawn in the New World.
To be true to our forefather's legacy -- to be worthy of
these continents' cost in sweat, blood and courage -- our
thinking must be as bold -- our dreams, as brave -- our will, as
resolute. Our challenge now, is to hew out of a wilderness of
competing interests a new kind of opportunity in the Americas.
To truly fulfill the New World's freedoms, all of the
Americas and the Caribbean must now embark on a venture for the
coming century: to create the first fully free, fully democratic
hemisphere in the history of mankind. The first hemisphere
wholly devoted to freedom -- to free speech, free trade, free
elections, and free markets unfettered by the state.
It is within our power to make this hemisphere the largest
trading center of sovereign nations in the world. From the
northern-most reaches of Canada to the tip of Argentina, we see a
future where growing opportunity, the power of technology and the
benefits of prosperity are developed and shared by all.
4
Such a vision will often mean redefining institutions --
rethinking their relationship with the people they exist to
serve. In many cases, change will not come easily. Economies
now dependent on protection and state regulation must open to
competition. The transition, for a time, will be painful. But
the results -- growing economies and sound currencies -- will
bring unprecedented prosperity and stability.
Latin America's economic adjustment is already in motion.
Exports are rising. Fiscal reform is underway. In eight months,
President Collor and this Congress have driven down inflation,
started to free the private sector from government control and
subsidy, and begun to open the economy to greater competition and
vitality -- the unparalleled prosperity of the open market.
This new model of Latin American development presents a
challenge to traditional political culture. Many of the Americas
will have to make serious adjustments to compete with Southeast
Asia, and to take advantage of the European Market after 1992.
But we're confident that solutions will be found -- by
Brazilians, by Chileans, by Peruvians --- by all of the Americas.
That was the spirit of the Enterprise for the Americas
Initiative we announced last June. It calls for a major
hemispheric effort to unify the New World in the three key areas
of trade, investment, and debt.
In trade, our first priority should be to promote long-term
growth -- and the most effective first step is the successful
conclusion of the Uruguay Round, now in its final stages in
5
Geneva. An end to export subsidies and new openings for
developing country exports mean new market opportunities -- and a
higher standard of living -- for the farmer in Mato Grosso, the
textile worker in Parana, and the engineer in Sao Paulo.
But the Uruguay Round and Bilateral Trade Agreements are
only first steps. The Southern Cone Common Market, now
developing under the leadership of President Collor and his
colleagues in neighboring countries, is a major step toward the
world's first hemispheric free trade zone.
For investment in the Americas, the dead hand of state
control must be lifted. We must allow entrepreneurs the
flexibility to adapt, create, and produce -- to provide
meaningful and well-paying jobs for your workers -- and to lift
Latin America's peoples out of poverty. Brazilians know what
foreign investment can do -- just witness its role in the
dynamism of Sao Paulo, and the $10 billion of U.S. investment
already in this country.
Free markets work. They create widespread prosperity. And
the reason is as simple as it is profound. Every man and woman
is capable of success. By promoting the potential of the
individual over the power of government --- by giving people the
means to chart their own destiny -- the frontiers of the Americas
will stretch on forever. Like Brazil's mythical bandeirantes,
who opened "new paths never trod, never known," we, too must be
willing to move in new directions.
But individuals cannot succeed if government is burdened by
6
debt. That's why the third leg of our Enterprise for the
Americas is a comprehensive commitment to work with Brazil and
others in Latin America to restructure U.S. official debts on
concessionary terms. These swaps can free up substantial
resources for use in environmental projects.
Our new approach to official debt will complement commercial
debt restructuring through the Brady plan. I understand the
importance to Brazil, and to the international financial
community, of reaching a new and effective agreement on
commercial debt. Global capital flows will be vital to your
development -- and we are ready to assist wherever possible.
We've submitted a request to our Congress for the authority
to implement our proposals. But we know that real solutions must
be collective. That's why, for every shared concern, we envision
a permanent partnership between all the nations of the Americas,
to confront challenges that know no borders.
We envision a hemisphere where a genuinely collaborative
commitment is shared to protect our environmental legacy. There
can be no sustained economic growth without respect for the
environment -- and there may be no greater impediment to
protecting the environment than poverty. The linkage is crucial.
That's why the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative links
bilateral debt relief with environmental protection -- not as a
challenge to national sovereignty, but as an affirmation of
shared international interests. Here in Brazil, a consortium of
organizations has presented a proposal to the government for such
7
a debt-for-nature swap. I encourage other creditor nations to
convert debt into funds for the environment.
The Declaration of Brasilia in 1989 reflected the wisdom and
dedication of this region to wise stewardship of your unique
natural resources. And your hosting of the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 places Brazil
in a position of true global leadership.
[
We hope an agreement to protect the world's forests will be
ready for signing at that Conference. We believe more progress
will be made if the forest agreement is negotiated apart from the
Climate Change convention -- which, in focusing on carbon
sequestration, only relates to one of the many benefits forests
have for the planet. ]
The wise management of the Americas' rich endowment of
forests and wildlife will be an important test. For the sake of
present and future generations, we have an opportunity to make
the Western hemisphere a model for sustainable development.
We also are challenged to make ours a hemisphere where
sovereign nations are joined in collective determination to
eradicate the disease of drugs. The time for blame is long over.
We in the U.S. recognize we must do more to reduce demand. And
you understand that the spreading tentacles of the drug trade
threaten democratic society.
President Collor has taken a strong position against drugs
for the sake of youth here in Brazil -- and I pledge the full
efforts of my government to continue to dampen demand. There is
8
only one answer to the drug problem in this hemisphere. It is
the answer we reach together.
And finally, in this era of great challenges around the
world, we want the Western hemisphere to be a model to the world
for security and stability -- in regional arms control, in
nuclear and chemical non-proliferation, and in collective
commitment to facing down aggression. Just as Brazil made
valiant contributions to the cause of freedom in World War II,
you were among the first to implement sanctions against Iraq. I
applaud your role in the world community's universal condemnation
of Iraq's aggression.
But underlying all of the issues we face together is a more
fundamental challenge, whose success will affect them all.
We must usher in an economic revolution the equal of the
political revolutions we've witnessed. We must make ours a
hemisphere where economic competition is embraced -- not as a
threat to privilege, but as the key to prosperity.
Where neighbors prosper, neighborhoods flourish. And just
as all of the American nations struggled to avoid the
interventions of Old World government in their affairs, so should
we give that spirit rein in every individual.
Let us hold firmly in our minds an unshakable conviction in
the importance and benefit of free enterprise. From Boston to
Buenos Aires, from Labrador to Lima, let us together enact the
unwritten equivalent of an economic Bill of Rights -- so that any
man or woman who wants to launch a new enterprise views the state
9
as an ally, not an obstacle -- and all who pursue the fruits of
the free market see other nations not as threats to sovereignty,
but as opportunities for mutual prosperity.
We long ago achieved independence from the Old World. Now
let us work toward a new declaration of interdependence among the
American nations of the New World.
This vision of a completely free, completely democratic
hemisphere -- the promise of the New World -- is now within our
reach. If, as Jose Bonifacio once said, "Brazilians are
enthusiasts of a beautiful ideal," let us not limit the New
World's potential with old thinking. After the half millenium we
have had in this hemisphere to form our nations and find our way,
let us now make our relations the world's inspiration.
With our hearts and minds and hands, let us meet a challenge
worthy of our heritage -- worthy of this land of boundless
frontiers and limitless opportunity.
Standing on this central plateau, soon to be the seat of
great decisions, President Juscelino Kubitschek said, "I look
once again at the future of my country, and see this dawn with
unyielding faith and unlimited confidence in its great destiny."
My friends, my neighbors -- let the new dawn come to the New
World. Let us fulfill the promise of these great lands.
Thank you very much. And may God bless the Brazilian
people.
# # #
xvi
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
the economy worsened. Institutions that had managed to contain conflict
in the past proved to be inadequate. The collegial executive was replaced
in the 1967 constitution by a more powerful single executive. Unrest
increased in the university and secondary schools. The trade union
movement was radicalized. The Left began to unify in opposition to
1
the Blanco and Colorado hold on the electorate. The Tupamaro guerrilla
movement emerged out of frustration and idealism. And, most important,
most Uruguayans clung to a security blanket of welfare-state populism
The Land and the People:
that was dying with hardly anyone really noticing. The military would
quickly wake everyone up with a nightmare that was all too real.
I dealt with some of these themes and issues in 1975 in my first
A Heritage of Moderation
book, Uruguay: The Politics of Failure. This volume will not ignore the
and Culture
historical context, and it will build on the knowledge and controversy
engendered by its predecessor. I hope this work will give the reader
an understanding of how Uruguay developed and how it misdeveloped.
But the bulk of this study will concentrate on the decline of Uruguay's
"exceptionalism," the nature and effects of the twelve-year military
dictatorship, and the exciting, if problematic, reconstruction of democracy
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay sits between Argentina and
that Uruguay has undergone in the last two and one-half years, as was
southern Brazil at the beginning of the remarkable estuary known as
time. revealed to me during three trips I made to Montevideo during that
the Río de la Plata (see Map 1.1). The nation's official designation as
the Oriental Republic stems from its location on the east bank of the
This work would not have been possible without the courage of
Río Uruguay; that river, the border between Argentina and Uruguay,
the Uruguayan people and the support of my friends and colleagues,
flows into the River Plate estuary. Prior to independence in 1828, the
most especially, Louise Popkin, Ronald Hellman, Juan Rial, and Freida
country was known as the Banda Oriental (eastern shore).
Silvert. As always, I owe my greatest debt of gratitude to my wife,
Ruth, without whose inspiration and encouragement this book would
THE LAND
not have come to be.
Uruguay is the smallest country in South America; its land area
of approximately 72,000 square miles is about the size of North Dakota.
Martin Weinstein
Even so, its territory is equal to that of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and
Costa Rica combined. Uruguay has no significant mountain ranges, its
highest peak being only 1,644 feet high. Its undulating grasslands contain
no significant mineral resources, but almost 90 percent of its land surface
is capable of growing crops, and 70 percent is tillable soil. The country
shares the flatness of the Argentine pampa but not the richness of soil
with which its neighbor is blessed. In this regard it has much more in
common with the land of southern Brazil, Río Grande do Sul, of which,
in fact, it is a natural extension.
Uruguay is almost totally bordered by water. Only some 175 miles
of its 1,147 miles of geographical boundaries are not ocean, river, or
estuary. Sitting in the La Plata basin, which is fed by the Parana and
Uruguay rivers, the country has excellent hydroelectric resources. In
addition to the Río Uruguay, the country's other major river is the Río
1
2
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
3
RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION
URUGUAY
PAN AMERICAN HIGHWAY
Uruguay is a country of European stock. Some 90 percent of the
OTHER ROADS
B
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES
population is of Spanish or Italian heritage. The small Indian population
DEPARTMENT BOUNDARIES
Artigos
the Spanish encountered when they arrived in the seventeenth century
NATIONAL CAPITAL
ARTIGAS
Rivera
CAPITALS OF DEPARTMENTS
was killed off, fled, or eventually intermarried, so that by the 1850s
RAILWAYS
there were no pure-blooded Indians left. Two small Indian tribes in the
SCALE
SALTO
Salto
Banda Oriental when the Spaniards arrived, the Charrúa and the Chana,
RIVERA
had been pushed there by the expanding Guaraní empire in Paraguay.
Tacuaremba
PAYSANDU
TACUAREMBO
YAGUARON
Indians resisted the first European explorers and in fact killed many
URUGUAY RIVER
CERRO LARGO
members of the first expedition in 1516. The Indians' continued resistance
Paysandu
Melo
RIVER
slowed colonization in the area during the sixteenth and early part of
Río Branco
NEGRO
the seventeenth century. Eventually they were displaced by the growing
RIO
groups of Argentines and Brazilians who entered the Banda pursuing
Negro
DURAZNO
TRENTA TRES
Fray
Mercedes
Treinto
cattle and horses. It is estimated that the Mestizos (mixed Indian-
Tres
Durazno
Europeans) may comprise 5 to 8 percent of the total population, and
Trinidad
SORI
ANO
FLORES
FLORIDA
ROCHA
they are concentrated in the northern provinces along the Brazilian
border.
Carmelo
SAN
Florida
E
JOSE
Minas
The black population numbers some 40,000-60,000. In the second
CANELONES
half of the nineteenth century thousands of African slaves were brought
G
Colonia
to Montevideo. By the end of that century, blacks constituted 20 percent
RIO DE LA MONTEVIDEO PLATA
del Este
ATLANTIC Maldonado OCEAN
of the population of Montevideo and thus an important part of the
labor force. With the influx of Europeans, the black population came
to represent a smaller and smaller faction. Although some blacks still
live in the area of Montevideo known as the Cerro, where some of the
Map 1.1 Uruguay. Source: Introduction to Uruguay (Washington, D.C.: Pan
meat-packing plants are located, the majority of the black and mulatto
American Union, n.d.), p. 1.
population is found in the northern departments near the Brazilian
border.
Uruguay's Jewish population has declined tremendously in the last
Negro, which begins in southern Brazil and continues for some 500
two decades. Estimated at 40,000 in 1970, the community is now
miles down the middle of Uruguay. On the eastern border of Uruguay
considered to number less than 25,000. Most of the Jews left because
is the Atlantic Ocean and toward its northeastern limit is a large tidal
of the deteriorating economic situation and the rise of military dicta-
lagoon, Laguna Merin, that it shares with Brazil. The southern coast is
torship. Jews are active in the legal and medical professions and in
bounded by the Río de la Plata estuary on which Montevideo, with its
some commercial enterprises. Originally attracted to Uruguay by its
excellent harbor, is situated.
stable democratic and secular culture, they were never active in the
Uruguay's strategic location makes it a geographic-and thus po-
political arena. Although living in Montevideo and involved in the liberal
litical-buffer between Brazil and Argentina, and its viability has always
professions, they have been heavily Colorado in their political loyalties.
been historically important to the commercial trade of the entire region.
Uruguay's first census, taken in 1908, showed a total population
It was for this reason that the British became increasingly interested in
of 1,042,686. Uruguay, like Argentina, had thus apparently experienced
the stability and independence of the Banda Oriental, a goal aided by
a huge growth in population during the preceding generation, owing
rising political consciousness in the region that led, with British diplomatic
to an influx of Spanish and Italian immigrants. The census indicated
intervention, to political sovereignty.
that an incredible 42 percent of the population of Montevideo was
4
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
5
TABLE 1.1
Estimated Total Population and Demographic Rates, 1895-1975
(five-year averages)
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Total
Uruguay, especially by Third World or Latin American standards,
population
Natural
Total
is a middle-class country. Whether we characterize the middle stratas
(thousands)
Births
Deaths
increase
Migration
increase
by economic, social, educational, or valorative criteria, Uruguay, and
(rate per thousand)
especially the subsystem of Montevideo, may be characterized as middle
1895-99
826.3
43.4
14.8
28.6
0.1
28.7
class. As Antonio Grompone concludes in his study Las Clases Medias
1900-04
934.8
38.9
13.7
25.2
0.9
26.1
1905-09
1054.5
37.6
14.0
23.6
2.2
25.8
en el Uruguay: "Synthesizing, then, Uruguay is
a country in which
1910-14
1189.5
36.5
13.5
23.0
1.3
24.3
1915-19
1318.8
31.9
14.1
17.8
0.2
18.0
members of the middle class, urban as well as rural, and those who
1920-24
1448.4
30.1
12.6
17.5
2.6
20.1
1925-29
1606.5
28.6
11.9
16.7
3.9
20.6
have ties with governmental activities predominate in everything. This
1930-34
1758.8
25.8
11.5
14.3
1.2
15.5
explains the idiosyncracies of their mentality and the social interest that
1935-39
1880.6
22.3
11.1
11.2
0.6
11.8
1940-44
1991.6
21.6
10.3
11.3
-0.1
11.2
appears in the resolution of particular types of conflicts-political,
1945-49
2111.5
21.1
9.1
12.0
0.5
12.5
economic and social."¹
1950-54
2263.4
21.2
8.5
12.7
1.4
14.1
1955-59
2436.4
21.8
8.8
13.0
.04
13.4
The domination by the middle class of the political and economic
1960-64
2611.4
22.0
8.6
13.4
0.4
13.8
1969-71ª
n.a.
22.1
9.6
12.5
n.a.
n.a.
life of the capital, coupled with the European ethnic profile, created a
1975ᵇ
2781.8
21.1
9.9
11.2
-5.4
5.8
sense of a totally integrated society. Although this picture of social
aThree-year average
ᵇ1975 only
integration may be accurate within the capital, it does not accurately
Source: M.H.J. Finch, A Political Economy of Uruguay Since 1870
reflect the differences between urban and rural Uruguay. The split
(New York: St. Martin's Press, 1981), p. 24.
between city and countryside is wide and deep. Almost four-fifths of
Uruguay's industrial production takes place in or around Montevideo.
foreign born; the figure for the country as a whole was 17 percent. The
The census shows that there are four times as many people per physician
data in Table 1.1 show that the growth in population, explosive around
in the interior as there are in the capital. Infant mortality is twice as
the turn of the century, has been meager in the last two decades.
high in the interior as it is in Montevideo, and a higher proportion of
According to the 1985 census, Uruguay has a population of just
the population in rural areas is under fifteen years of age. More important,
under 3 million inhabitants, up only slightly from the 2.6 million at
life chances in terms of schooling show a significant geographic variation.
the time of the 1963 census. The low birthrate and heavy emigration
The proportion of students completing liceo (high school) and going on
of the last two decades, both a reflection of economic decline and
to the university drops precipitously as one moves away from Montevideo.
political breakdown, account for this very slow growth in population.
Uruguay can be accurately described as a city-state in spite of the
By 1970 Uruguay had the lowest percentage of population under fourteen
fact that historically its export capability has been determined by its
years of age and the highest percentage over sixty-five years of age of
livestock and agricultural sectors. The 1985 census showed a total
any country in Latin America. It is estimated that the median age in
population of 2,921,000, of which Montevideo's population of 1,297,000
Uruguay, as of 1986, is 40, easily the highest in Latin America and one
is an extraordinary 44 percent. To comprehend the overwhelming im-
of the highest in the world.
portance of Montevideo, it should be noted that Salto, the second largest
Montevideo, because of its strategic location on the River Plate,
city in Uruguay, has only 81,000 people and that there are only three
other urban centers with more than 50,000. Montevideo's dominance is
has always been the principal city of Uruguay and, from the beginning
of the country's history, has contained a significant percentage of its
not simply based on population, however. Uruguay's public university
population. In recent decades, the economic stagnation of rural areas
(in 1985 a small private Catholic university was established, in Mon-
has led to an internal migration to Montevideo that has maintained the
tevideo) is located in Montevideo, as are all of the country's major
city's population even in the face of the significant (some might say
newspapers and television and radio stations. Over 70 percent of the
extraordinary) emigration the country has experienced since the 1960s.
country's industrial production is concentrated in the department of
Montevideo. There is no residency requirement for election to the Senate
6
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
7
TABLE 1.2
Agrarian Structure and Performance: Distribution of Land
by Farm Size Categories, 1908-1970
1908
1913
1937
1951
1956
1961
1966
1970
Percent
distribution
of farms
Large
8.7
6.1
4.7
4.2
4.0
4.4
4.9
5.1
Medium
35.2
32.4
23.8
21.8
20.9
20.8
21.7
22.0
Small
56.1
61.5
71.5
74.0
75.1
74.8
73.4
72.9
Percent
distribution
of land
Large
64.2
55.5
n.a.
56.5
55.8
56.9
58.4
58.4
Medium
30.8
35.7
n.a.
34.3
34.7
34.3
33.7
34.0
Small
5.0
8.8
n.a.
9.2
9.5
8.8
7.9
7.6
Source: M.H.J. Finch, A Political Economy of Uruguay Since 1870
(New York: St. Martin's Press, 1981), p. 105.
Cowhides were the product that would attract the gaucho to the Banda
Oriental for the next 150 years. Only with the salting and curing of
Young people in Montevideo. Photo courtesy of Di-
meat and the increased demand for tallow did the agricultural activity
rección Nacional de Relaciones Públicas del Uruguay.
take on some diversification. The opening of a meat extract plant by
Liebig at Fray Bentos in 1864 is viewed as the beginning of the modern
or Chamber of Deputies, and thus almost all of Uruguay's politicians
meat industry in Uruguay. When the saladeros, or meat-salting plants,
live and work in Montevideo.
were replaced by the first refrigeration plants (frigoríficos), which prepared
chilled, frozen, or canned beef, Uruguay's product was finally available
AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
to the European market. The introduction of refrigerated ships during
the last two decades of the nineteenth century led to the rapid expansion
The land has historically been the heart of Uruguay's economy.
of beef and lamb exports.
The soil is not particularly rich; however, it is suited to the natural
The Uruguayan grasslands that W. H. Hudson called the "Purple
grazing of the millions of cattle and sheep that are the mainstay of the
Land" in his remarkable semiautobiographical volume by that name
country's exports. In 1985 this country of barely 3 million people
enjoy a temperate climate broken only by some violent winter storms
contained over 9 million head of cattle and 23 million sheep. The
that are the result of the cold winds of Antarctica coming up against
extensive use of natural pastures has given Uruguay a land-use pro-
the subtropical air of southern Brazil. Uruguay has little forest (some
ductivity figure of some 90 percent, but it is important to remember
3 percent of its land surface) and no hydrocarbon resources. Its only
that most of this land is unimproved pasture. Nevertheless, the ranches,
mineral wealth consists of some semiprecious stones such as amethyst
farms, and facilities for dairy production have many of the characteristics
and topaz.
of the minifundia (small, subsistence farms) and latifundia (large farms)
Uruguay's agricultural sector has historically been abundant and
found elsewhere in Latin America (see Table 1.2).
kind to the 3 million people it now serves, but stagnation and decline
Livestock were turned loose in the Banda Oriental by the Spanish
have left rural Uruguay relatively inefficient and unproductive in the
under Hernando Arias in 1603. The wild herds multiplied so rapidly
face of changing international market conditions. The Uruguayan campo
that by the time of the founding of Montevideo in 1726 there were an
can be roughly divided into three distinct production areas. In the South,
estimated 25 million head of cattle in the region. The result was the
near the capital, the land is exploited intensively to provide Montevideo
designation of the subsequent period in Uruguay as the "Age of Leather."
with fruits and vegetables. The North is the site of the extensive ranches
8
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
9
TABLE 1.3
Land Distribution in Uruguay in 1951
The most productive rural area in Uruguay is in the Southeast-
Number as
the departments of Río Negro, Soriano, and Colonia-where wheat,
Size of
percent of
Area as
holding
other cereals, milk, and cheese production make the area the country's
total number
Area
percent of
(acres)
Number
of holdings
(acres)
total area
breadbasket. The southernmost departments of San José, Canalones,
Under 12.5
Florida, and the agricultural area of Montevideo itself are devoted to
10,953
13
71,939)
12.5-25
11,117
13
189,350
2
the intensive production of the fruits, vegetables, and wine that provision
25-50
13,771
16
476,441
50-125
16,910
20
1,321,485
3
the capital. Yet even this area lost 10,000 workers in the decade of the
125-250
10,375
12
1,809,127
4
250-500
7,814
9
1970s because of the reduced demand precipitated by economic decline
2,725,936
7
500-1,250
7,241
9
5,611,875
13
and the collapse of the beet-sugar industry, which lost its subsidy in
1,250-2,500
3,475
4
6,036,623
15
2,500-6,250
1975.
2,452
3
9,409,969
22
6,250-12,500
763)
6,381,672
15
12,500-25,000
316
1
The underclass in the countryside lives in shantytowns that are
5,099,932
12
Over 25,000
71)
2,790,522
7
referred to as rancheríos or poblaciones de ratas (rat towns). Their numbers
Totals
85,258
100
41,924,871
100
are dwindling but it is estimated that at least 300,000 people, or 10
percent of Uruguay's population, live in these communities.
Source: Cited in Russell H. Fitzgibbon, Uruguay: Portrait of
a Democracy (New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1954),
Surprisingly, several departments have shown significant population
p. 76.
growth. The northern province of Artigas experienced growth along the
border with Brazil, most especially in the area around the town of Bella
on which sheep and cattle are raised. The eastern farm belt of the
Union, with its agroindustrial cooperatives. The department of Treinta
country serves as the principal grain- and cereal-producing region.
y Tres has attracted labor because of the successful growth of its rice-
The principal livestock export products are wool and beef, although
exporting industry. The department of Maldonado's growth was caused
milk and cheese products are also produced in abundance. Corn is
by its proximity to the resort community of Punta del Este and the
grown as a feed concentrate, wheat for bread, and rice both for domestic
construction boom there in 1979 and 1980.
consumption and as an increasingly important export crop. Beet sugar
In the past, Uruguay's economic health has been based on a
accounts for 80 percent of sugar production, but total sugar production
dynamic export economy and the conscious distribution of its benefits.
only accounts for 50 percent of the country's consumption.
Uruguay was built on cattle and sheep, the products of which-wool,
Although one cannot speak of a famous "Fourteen Families" as
meat, and hides-were fortunately tied to the voracious appetite of a
in El Salvador, and the distribution of land has never been a pressing
political issue (as Uruguay is underpopulated), concentration of ownership
Britain propelled by the industrial revolution. This was especially true
has always been a reality. The data in Table 1.3 describe land distribution
at the beginning of the twentieth century when, in the period dominated
by José Batlle y Ordóñez (1903-1929), the value of exports doubled,
in Uruguay in 1951, at the height of the country's economic well-being
after World War II.
principally because of the market for frozen meat. In 1930, just before
the Great Depression, all chilled beef, 83 percent of mutton, and 39
The 1980 census showed that 5.7 percent of farms controlled 56.6
percent of frozen beef went to Britain.
percent of the land, whereas 68.6 percent of the farms or ranches
comprised only 6.9 percent of the land. In addition, most of the large
Uruguay's industry has been based on the processing of meat and
wool and the production of domestic consumables, with the food and
landholdings are of unimproved pastureland and employ very few ranch
hands. The number of agricultural workers, which stood at 293,000 in
beverage industry making the largest contribution. Meat processing and
1956, is believed to number over 150,000 in 1987.
dairy production are the most important activities, followed by textile
manufacturing. These industries grew as a result of the urban welfare-
If we group the departments that are the sites of extensive livestock
raising-Durazno, Rivera, Rocha, Tacuarembo, Cerro Largo, La Valleja,
oriented distributive policies of Batllismo (as the ideology and policies
and Flores-we encounter an increasingly depopulated countryside with
of José Batlle are known) but received an extra stimulus from the import-
fewer and fewer salaried workers. The ranches in these areas are referred
substitution industrialization policies that reached their peak in the late
1940s and early 1950s.
to as estancias cimarronas (wild ranches) because of the lack of productive
activity.
Uruguay's agricultural production is most notable for its slow growth
throughout the century-despite the expansion of exports-and its
10
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
11
in Uruguay: A Study of the Causes That Retard National Progress) published
in 1930.² M.H.J. Finch, however, has demonstrated that José Batlle's
fiscal policies, although clearly conscious of their redistributive activities,
do not account for rural stagnation. Rather, Finch argues that the
latifundistas themselves were not interested in investing in the inten-
sification of land use, and that the outflow of capital from the rural
sector was voluntary before 1930.
Batlle took advantage of the funds generated by the livestock sector
and the rapid urbanization of Montevideo to build a political base that
gave the Colorado party the power to expand the social welfare functions
of the state, buy social peace, and strengthen political institutions. At
the time he came to power, 30 percent of the country's population
already lived in Montevideo. The most extraordinary legacy of Batllismo
was the integration of this population into a stable two-party democratic
political system.
EDUCATION
The transformation of public education in Uruguay was the crowning
achievement of José Pedro Varela, a friend and disciple of Horace Mann.
Varela served in the administration of Lorenzo Latorre (1876-1880),
whose regime was the closest thing to an integrating dictatorship that
Uruguay would experience in the nineteenth century. His work led in
1877 to the passage of the Law of Common Education, which established
the principle of free, secular, and compulsory primary education. Central
government expenditures on education during the twentieth century
have been among the highest in Latin America. Even as late as 1968,
during a very troubled time for Uruguay politically and economically,
such expenditures were the second highest in Latin America.
There are several excellent private schools in Uruguay; the British
School is considered the best and the one to which most of the elite
The economic basis of Uruguay's welfare state. Photo courtesy of Dirección
Nacional de Relaciones Públicas del Uruguay.
send their children. Primary-school enrollment quadrupled from 1880
until the time of Batlle's death in 1929. From 1930 to 1963 the index
of primary enrollment rose from 100 to 226. The numbers are equally
stagnation since the early 1960s. Lack of investment is a crucial factor
impressive for secondary education. From 1950 to 1965 secondary-school
in this phenomenon, and it is in this regard that the policies of mostly
enrollment was up 167 percent. In 1960 Uruguay had the highest
urban-oriented Colorado governments should be examined. The usual
percentage of secondary-school-aged population in school for all of
denunciation of Colorado governments for killing the golden calf-that
Latin America. Education received enormous stimulus under José Batlle,
is, destroying the incentive for productive investment in the agricultural
to the extent that by 1930 over three-quarters of all children of primary-
sector by promoting proindustrial welfare-state policies-finds its most
school age were attending school. By 1970 this figure was a remarkable
famous expression in Julio Martínez Lamas' Riqueza y Pobreza del Uruguay:
96 percent. Secondary-school enrollment increased some 600 percent
Estudio de las Causas que Retardan el Progreso Nacional (Wealth and Poverty
between 1942 and 1970. These figures deteriorated somewhat under the
12
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
13
had been in the university ten years or longer; during that time, enrollment
was 15,000, but the average graduating class numbered only 750. The
yearly number of graduates as a percentage of incoming students fell
from an average of 56 percent in the 1940s to less than 30 percent in
the late 1950s and early 1960s. The situation became even worse in the
late 1960s and early 1970s because of student and political unrest.
These data are not totally indicative of the role of higher education
in Uruguay. Of course, the university is supposed to provide for social
mobility and the training of new professionals and the certification of
elites. It performed these roles in the earlier part of the century and
was a principal certifying mechanism for the sons and daughters of the
middle class from the 1920s to the 1950s. However, a stagnant economy
and the failure of political elites to get the country moving again took
their toll on university productivity and the life chances of those who
were graduated. It appears to me that, since the late 1960s, attending
the university and thus being able to call oneself a universitario has
become an occupational category for Uruguay's young adults. It is one
way to keep the sons and daughters of the middle and upper stratas
off the streets. Being a universitario may confer some status and a false
University of the Republic. Photo from U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
sense of security, but it is not giving the society the scientifically and
Public Affairs, Background Notes: Uruguay (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government
technologically trained cadres it will need for the twenty-first century.
Printing Office, 1985).
This is especially true because of the inadequate budgets for professors
and equipment that has plagued the system for decades and continues
military dictatorship because of the economic difficulties encountered
to hamper it under President Julio María Sanguinetti's austerity budget.
by the working class.
The university population has expanded dramatically in the 1980s,
Uruguay's only public university is the University of the Republic
from a total of 34,000 students in 1980 to over 78,000 in 1985. The
located in Montevideo. It is divided into ten facultades, or schools, each
number of new admissions skyrocketed in 1984 and 1985, undoubtedly
of which has a high degree of autonomy through its dean and elected
reflecting the return to civilian government and optimism concerning
council. The university also has a specialized institute, the Instituto de
the university. Law continues to be the most popular career option, with
Profesores Artigas, that turns out educational administrators and, more
engineering enjoying increased student attention in recent years. It still
recently, is responsible for the training of career diplomats. Enrollment
takes over eight years for the average student to complete his or her
is open to everyone who successfully completes the secondary-school
degree.
cycle, and tuition is free. In the past, the bulk of students enrolled in
the schools of Medicine and Law. The majority of students are from
ART AND CULTURE
the middle or upper class from Montevideo or from urban centers in
the interior. Most students consider themselves to be liberal, and the
For a small country with no great indigenous heritage, Uruguay's
Federation of University Students of Uruguay (FEUU, Federación de
cultural life has been rich, varied, and influential. An early commitment
Estudiantes Universitarios del Uruguay) is dominated by leftist activists.
to public education and cultural freedom contributed to this heritage,
As the system is modeled after those of continental Europe, most students'
as did the European influence on artists and intellectuals.
degree programs are five to six years in length. In practice, the typical
Literary history and criticism have a strong tradition in Uruguay.
student will spend at least two more years completing all his or her
A massive seventeen-volume study, Historia Crítica de la Literatura
requirements. In 1964, when things were far more "normal" in the
Uruguaya, was published in 1913 by Carlos Roxlo. Alberto Zum Felde's
university than they have been since that time, one-quarter of all students
Proceso Intelectual del Uruguay, which appeared in 1930, remains the
14
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE
15
seminal work on Uruguay's intellectual and literary work during its first
place at the gallery of the Center for Inter-American Relations in New
century of independence. The most enduring modern testament to artistic,
York during 1985 and 1986.
intellectual, and literary criticism was Marcha, an independent weekly
Many newspapers are available in Uruguay, although far fewer
founded by Carlos Quijano in 1939. Until its closure by the dictatorship
than in the 1960s. None are very good. All the daily newspapers are
in 1974, Marcha was the proving ground for such brilliant writers and
identified with factions of the political parties, and journalistic standards
critics as Emir Rodríguez Monegal, Angel Rama, and Eduardo Galeano.
are very low. The best newspaper currently published is a weekly
There has never been a more erudite weekly on literature and politics
independent publication, Búsqueda, which attempts fairly successfully to
in Latin America than Marcha, and its existence in Uruguay is a testament
summarize the previous week's news and has extensive coverage of the
to the truth that cultural expression is not a function of size.
economic situation. Marcha has been resurrected as Brecha, which despite
Uruguay's first writer of note was Juan Zorrilla de San Martín
some lively writing and commentary has not yet approached the level
(1888-1931), a romantic novelist who infused his work with a spirit of
of its predecessor.
nationalism. His most famous work is an epic poem, "Tabaré," recounting
Regarding folk music, the gaucho gave Uruguay its national folk
the history of Uruguay's small indigenous Indian tribe, the Charrúas.
dance, the pericón, and the tango is almost as popular in Uruguay as
He also wrote a prose piece entitled "La Epopeya de Artigas," which
it has been in Argentina. As for artisan crafts, a carved gourd known
exalted the virtues of the man considered to be the father of Uruguay's
as a maté in which the tealike herb maté is brewed and carried is the
independence, José Gervasio Artigas.
most distinctive example of gaucho culture that has become a permanent
The most famous Uruguayan man of letters is undoubtedly José
fixture in everyday Montevideo. In more recent years, a cottage industry
Enrique Rodó (1872-1917), whose short masterpiece Ariel, written in
involving the hand-knitting of sweaters-Manos del Uruguay (Hands
1900, remains the classic statement on the confrontation between South
of Uruguay)-has proven very successful, with major exports to Europe
American spirit and culture and the materialism and drive for power
and the United States.
that, for Rodó, characterized North American civilization.
As is clear from this brief discussion, for a small country, Uruguay
Of Uruguay's major poets, Juana de Ibarbourou stands out among
has a rich and varied cultural and literary heritage. This heritage was
several accomplished female poets. Short stories are very popular among
nurtured by a sophisticated and democratic political and social system,
Uruguay's print-oriented population; Mario Benedetti and Juan Carlos
the foundations of which are the subject of the following chapter.
Onetti are recognized as the most accomplished story writers; Benedetti's
Gracias por el fuego (Thanks for the Fire) is considered the best novella
written in Uruguay since the end of World War II.
The theater has always been popular in the Río de la Plata, and
the most famous Uruguayan dramatist, Florencio Sanchez, is recognized
as the country's greatest playwright, having brought social realism to
the theater in the 1920s. In the contemporary period, Mauricio Rosencof,
with such works as "Las Ranas," had already established himself as a
popular playwright in the early 1960s, but gave up his literary career
to help found the Tupamaro guerrilla movement. He has thus emerged
as a controversial, if not notorious, figure. Since his release from prison
in March 1985, many of his poems and plays, written in prison to help
him survive the ordeal of torture and isolation to which he was subjected,
have been published and performed to generally favorable critical review.
Uruguay's three most important artists are Juan Manuel Blanes,
known for his lifelike historical scenes, Torres Garcia, and Pedro Figari.
Figari's impressionistic scenes of rural life and folk dancing have gradually
caused him to be recognized as one of South America's most important
twentieth-century artists. A very important exhibition of his work took
EMBAS SY OFFICE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
23.60 61 /48 77 77
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Executive Section
EXT
EXT
The Ambassador
300
ROO, Carlos J.
264
JURECKY, John P.
301
VALLARINO, Cesar D.
264,327
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301
VIERA, Hector A.
264,326
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293
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281
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253,254
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GONZALEZ-FERRER, [Tra
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370,374
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337
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217
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AGENCY for INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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215
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215
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272,273
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215,216
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215,216
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272,273
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215,216
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CUSTOMS ATTACHE 'S OFFICE
FICKLING, Susan C.
277
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338,339
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277
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338,339
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DEFENSE ATTACHE'S OFFICE
PARTON, Kenneth E.
331
BRONSON, CAPT Marshall W.
314,315
INGVOLDSTAD, Kirk W.
331
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314,315
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258
BAKER, MAJ. Douglas S.
240
MARENGO, Ruben M.
265
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240
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265
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General Services Office
MASLANKA, Elleen T.
230,231
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268,236
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232,281
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281
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229,230
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230,231
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230,231
NUSA, Mar lo E.
28
OROMI, Gabriela
230,231
Malntenance
WASJKOPF, [uls
264,328
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261
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264
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264
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264,325
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264
AUGUST 1990
EXT
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314,315
AMB'S RESIDENCE
303
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315
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237
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265
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BARBER'S SHOP
263
FRATOCCHI, Mauro 1.
362
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264
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362
41 66
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271
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268
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202,380
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234
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202,380
CONS OFFICER'S RESIDENCE
296
SHOUPE, Linda L.
202,380
CHAUFFEUR'S ROOM (CAR POOL)
236,268
CHAUFFEUR'S ROOM (USIS)
295
LEGAL ATTACIE OFFICE
COMMISSARY
272
WALKER, Stephen P.
279,358
COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM UNIT
331
TORONTO, Roger F.
279,358
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310
STEWART, Lora M.
279,358
FRONT GATE GJARD
379
HERNANDEZ, Stephanie
279,358
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267
LEWIN, Anna Ponce
279,358
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312,278
BACHOR, Helen 1.
279,358
MARINE HOUSE
317
SCHRIMP, David W.
279,358
60 04 92
MECHANICS
281
MEDICAL UNIT
352
OFFICE OF DEFENSE COOPERATION
OFFICE SUPPLIES
281
MORRTS, COL. Curtis S.
334,335
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297
RIVERA-SANCHEZ, LTC Miguel A.
334,335
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257
BUTLER, LCDR Kim
334,335
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239
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333,334
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333,334
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287,288
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213
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247,274
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November 23, 1900
1:15 p.m.
Bob and Ed:
Don Johnson just called down from NSC -- the US Ambassador
to Uruguay called him with the following note:
The Uruguay Joint Session Speech:
The entire Supreme Court will be seated in the well in front
of the podium. The Ambassador/NSC would like you to include
a graph recognizing them and the importance of the
judiciary in a democracy, etc.
If you've got questions, call Don Johnson -- X4592
Carolyn
NOTES FROM MEETING WITH BERNARD ARONSON & CHIEFS OF MISSION
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
July 19, 1990
ARONSON (overview):
This is a big event for S. America -- considered by them as
historic.
The President's personal relationship is important with
these leaders.
The President words will be carefully examined and weighed
at each stop. In their eyes, his words represent a commitment by
the U.S. government.
All (except Chile) are carrying out complicated, difficult
economic reforms. These leaders must be encouraged to continue.
We are working to build the world's first completely
democratic hemisphere.
We need to give economic reforms a populist tone in these
speeches, not theoretical or professorial. Use concrete examples
of how they will benefit people, i.e. Hernando De Soto. Talk
about how "the people can prosper,' not the elites who have been
running these countries forever. Stress upward mobility. Free
markets work; they deliver prosperity.
The Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations will promote free
trade in general, agriculture specifically. It will benefit
Latin America, because they can sell more of their agricultural
products all over the world.
Latins fear environmentalism as a way to stop their own
development. (They aren't uncaring; they just don't want it to
prevent them from joining the First World.) Debt-for-nature
swaps viewed favorably.
Latins are proud. Hate it when they are not consulted.
There are no serious drug problems in the countries on this
trip, although there are fears of it moving into Brazil,
Venezuela and Argentina. Say it's our problem too on the demand
side, but let's stop it from spreading before it undermines your
countries too.
URUGUAY:
They have always felt squeezed between Brazil and Argentina.
They are privatizing industries, raising taxes, lowering the
budget deficit. They have never missed a payment on their large
debt.
2
The Uruguay Round of the GATT began there 4 years ago and
will conclude there in December. (The intervening negotiations
occur at GATT HQ in Geneva.)
Give them credit for undertaking difficult economic reforms.
Uruguay is a small country, but it is important because they
often take the lead on S. American issues, i.e. free trade.
Montevideo has a Marxist mayor and a leftist government
dominates much of the country, despite the right of center
President LaCalle [le KI-yay], who took office this year. His
party has a minority in the legislature.
Uruguay shares our interests in reducing ag. subsidies in
the GATT negotiations. They have some of the best farmland in
the world. Flying over it (on Air Force 1), it looks like the
heartland of the U.S.
# # #
Rough high school Spanish translation:
In the chamber of Deputies presides a
great work/piece by the painter Fernando
La Roche (Frenchman). It depicts the
encounter /meeting betw. Gen Artigas &, Gen.
Rondean in Montevideo on Feb. 26, 1813
Visita Guiada
Todo esfuerzo por conocer un hecho histórico es el mejor
camino para interpretarlo y comprenderlo; de ahí que
aproximarnos a nuestro Palacio Legislativo con el
conocimiento de las etapas principales de su edificación sea
importante para gustarlo plenamente.
El proceso de construcción del Palacio, tuvo tres etapas
PALACIO
principales.
1904. Víctor Meano (italiano, 1860 1904) gana el
concurso internacional para erigir un Palacio Legislativo en
Montevideo. Según este proyecto el edificio debía levantarse
LEGISLATIVO
en el solar ocupado por el Instituto Nacional de Docencia
General Artigas (Avda. Libertador Brigadier General
Lavalleja, frente a la iglesia de la Aguada).
1905.- Se resuelve elegir otro solar -el actual- y ampliar
los planos de Meano conservando su estilo y disposición.
Este trabajo lo realizan los arquitectos Jacobo Vázquez
Varela (uruguayo, 1872 1954) y Antonio Banchini (italiano).
Planta principal
El 18 de julio de 1906 se coloca la piedra fundamental
1 Escalinata principal (ascenso)
del Palacio y en 1908 se comienzan las obras según los
2 Ingreso por el frente principal
planos de Vázquez Varela y Banchini.
3 Vestíbulo de Honor
1913.- El gobierno contrata a Cayetano Moretti (italiano,
4 Pasos Perdidos (en dirección norte)
1860 1938).
5 Sala de Fiestas.
Este recubre el Palacio de mármol e introduce en el mismo
Corredor Planta principal N.O.
profundas modificaciones; algunas de éstas son total
6 Vista patio interior N.O. con esgrafiados.
recreación del mismo Moretti, como el Salón de los Pasos
Ascenso por escalera Diputados N.O.
Perdidos y la Linterna que corona el edificio.
15 Ambulatorio de Diputados.
16 Antesala Cámara Diputados.
Todos los granitos, pórfidos y mármoles empleados son
17 Desemboque en Crucero de Pasos Perdidos
nacionales.
18 Desplazamiento por Pasos Perdidos, en dirección S.
El edificio fue inaugurado el 25 de agosto de 1925.
19 Vestíbulo de Honor
En el Vestíbulo de Honor se encuentra el célebre cuadro
20 Salida por la puerta principal.
del pintor uruguayo Pedro Blanes Viale (1879 1926)
Escalinata principal (descenso)
"La jura de la Constitución de 1830" (mts. 4.75 X 4.75).
El Salón de los Pasos Perdidos esplende en mármoles y
pórfidos.
Obsérvese la composición arquitectónica correspondiente
a las entradas monumentales de la Cámara de Diputados
y de Senadores. Entre las obras de arte que atesora este
inmenso salón son dignas de nota los dos grandes vitrales
de colores, según proyectos de Juan Buffa (italiano
1871 1954).
En la amplia Sala de Fiestas se puede admirar el cuadro
de Pedro Blanes Viale "Congreso de abril de 1813"
(mts. 5.20 X 2.70) en cuya ocasión Artigas presentara las
célebres Instrucciones del año XIII.
El aula de la Cámara de Diputados está presidida por una
gran tela del pintor Fernando Laroche (francés, 1866 1939)
representando el encuentro del general Artigas con el
general Rondeau en el segundo sitio de Montevideo, 26 de
febrero de 1813 (mts. 5.10 X 7.00).
La sala destinada a reuniones del Senado es un recinto de
suntuosa y relevante arquitectura; obsérvese el alto zócalo
Planta Alta
de caoba, sobre el que reposa la teoría de arcos que
MONTEVIDEO
rodea la Sala.
7 Corredor planta alta N.O. en dirección E.
Vista de la Linterna con las Cariátides, caras O. y N.
En el piso alto SC encuentra la Biblioteca.
8 Biblioteca, Salón Central (vista del Cerrito)
Su salón central está dispuesto con ponderada suntuosidad,
9 Vista de Pasos Perdidos desde planta alta, dirección N.S.
contribuyendo a ello una muy fina carpintería. La
URUGUAY
10 Vista de la Linterna con las Cariátides, caras E. y N.
Biblioteca custodia alto número de volúmenes y posee
Descenso por escalera Senado N.E. hasta la Barra.
varios miles de títulos de publicaciones periódicas (diarios,
11 Barra del Senado, con vista Sala de Sesiones.
revistas, boletines, etc.) precioso material que está a
Ascenso por escalera Senado S.E.
disposición del estudiantado y del público en general en
12 Corredor Senado planta alta S.E.
los horarios establecidos.
Vista Vestíbulo de Honor, desde planta alta.
13 Vista de Pasos Perdidos desde planta alta, dirección S.N.
Descenso por escalera Diputados S.O.
14 Barra de Diputados planta alta, con vista Sala de Sesiones.
Descenso por escalera Diputados N.O. hasta Ambulatorio.
Imprimex S. D.L. 208.393
E
THE
/
0 / / ********* of
"La Escultura "La Música"
"Sculpture" "Music"
"A Escultura" "A Música"
"La Sculpture". "La Musique"
Salón de los Pasos Perdidos
"La Justicia" (N.O.)
Lost Steps Room
"Justice" (N.W.)
Salão dos Passos Perdidos
"A Justiça" (N.O.)
Salle des pas perdus
"La Justice" (N.O.)
Sala de Fiestas
Reception Hall
Salão de Festas
Salle des fêtes
Pasos Perdidos (detalle)
Lost Steps Room (detail)
Cámara de Senadores
Passos Perdidos (detalhe)
Chamber of Senators
Salle des pas perdus (détail)
Câmara de Senadores
Biblioteca
Chambre des Sénateurs
Library
Biblioteca
Bibliothèque
Mi AUTORIDAD EMANA DE VOSOTROS Y LLLA
CISA FOR VUESTRA PRESENCIA SOBERANA
Grupo escultórico en bronce
Sculptural bronze group
Grupo escultórico em bronze
Groupe sculpturel en bronze
Joint Session site
Cámara de Diputados
Chamber of Representatives
Câmara de Diputados.
Chambre des députés
Note inscription s Painting (see memo)