The national constitution, on which is based the present political organization of Peru, stands a lasting monument to the patriotism and genius of the statesmen in whose hands was placed the responsibility of framing it, and does credit to the democratic principles of the nation whose sovereign will is manifested in its laws and provisions. For nearly half a century, the government of Peru has been building its strength on this solid foundation of broad purpose and practical ideals, and to-day the aspirations of its rulers are being realized with ever-increasing success. The aim of the present administration, admirably expressed by one of the leading statesmen of Peru, is that of a modern people striving to attain their highest welfare and aggrandizement: “To develop the immense resources and wealth with which nature has so wonderfully endowed the land; to render the territory accessible to labor and civilization by opening up means of communication, granting all kinds of facilities and giving security for the life, health, and welfare of the inhabitants, in order to obtain the population that large territories require; to educate and instruct the people, making them understand their personality, their liberty, their duties, and their rights; to develop their faculties and energies, their labor forces, their industrial and commercial capacity and power, elevate their moral dignity, consolidate and strengthen the national unity, insure definitely the government of the people, of justice, of order, and of peace; to attract capital and foreign immigration, develop and give impulse to the commercial relations with other countries, maintain a frank and true harmony and international solidarity, respect all mutual and reciprocal rights, and resolve all disagreements by friendly, just and honorable means; to perform, in short, a work of human civilization.” [Illustration: HIS EXCELLENCY DR. AUGUSTO B. LEGUIA, ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PERU 1908–1912, TO BE INAUGURATED SEPTEMBER 24, 1908.]