Note 13 — Chapter XVI
Reading edition
A cabinet minister was thus quoted on this subject in a foreign journal:
“‘You may put in the most up-to-date drainage, and introduce the most admirable sanitary improvements, but you cannot induce the low-class peons, such as form the bulk of the residents of this and other Chilean cities, to use them. The housing arrangements of the poorer classes are simply indescribable, and they live like animals, crowded together in miserable rooms for which they pay an exorbitant price. The people—and especially the respectable class of employees—find it is impossible to secure clean and wholesome accommodation. Even the smallest rooms in the most unattractive houses are set out at absurdly high rentals—say from $10 to $15 (15s. 10d. to 22s. 9d.) a month each room.
“‘Does the Government, then, do nothing to improve or control the conditions of the poor classes and protect them from the extortions and ill-treatment of the landlords?
“‘Unfortunately, no kind of sanitary or habitation laws exist at the present moment; but I have often talked over the matter with the President of the Republic, and both he and I are determined to do something, if we can, later on. Things move slowly in Chile, you know, and, although it may appear rather strange to you, coming from a European country, Chileans are not accustomed to see, and do not expect, radical alterations effected in their country. However, you have touched upon a most important social question, and one which I have had much at heart myself. Perhaps we may be able to do something in the direction of improvement.’”