8 

 LABOR AND ORGANIZATION OF AN ESTATE. 



LABOR. 



The bulk of the laborers are the natives of the country, descend- 

 ants of the people found in Peru by the Spainiards at the time of 

 the conquest. Their home is in the mountains where they grow small 

 crops and carry on a little trading. They are brought to the estates 

 by labor contractors. 



At one time China was called upon to make up the labor deficien- 

 cy. A number of importations of Chinese \vere made; the laborers were 

 taken to the estates and entered into long contracts. When the contracts 

 expired, most of them forsook the fields for something easier pre- 

 ferably the fonda or restaurant and the small merchandize store. 



As in all countries situated on the high road of sea travel, strag- 

 glers of many nationalities are to be found. The latest movement to 

 increase the labor supply, was the introduction of Japanese. Reports 

 concerning them are both favorable and unfavorable. 



Life of the laborer on an estate. The immediate employment of 

 laborers for an estate is through contractors who go to the moun- 

 tains, or send to the mountains, for them. Negotiations between the 

 estate and the laborers are made through the contractors. Petty dif- 

 ficulties between the laborers themselves are settled at the estate office. 

 For drunkenness or otherwise disturbing the peace, the offender may 

 be fined or shut in a room called the jail. Should the offence be atro- 

 cious, as in the case of a cutting affray, the matter is placed in the 

 hands of the authorities of the nearest town. 



The estate pays the wages through the contractor. It provides 

 houses and rations per tarea. The laborers may live quite comfortably 

 and independently, but they must conform to the regulations of the 

 estate. During* the week, for example, lights must be out at a certain 

 hour. Playing on musical instruments or carousing after this time is 

 punishable; but on Saturdays nights music, dancing, and all amuse- 

 ments may go on with perfect freedom. There are small stores and a 

 market place or plaza where vegetables, meat, fish, clothing etc., 

 can be bought. The baker, the tailor, the mikman and other trades- 

 men are represented here. 



The larger estates makeup a settlement of from two to three thou- 

 sand inhabitants. They employ a physician whose services are gratis 

 to all employees and laborers. A hospital is provided for the verv sick 

 patients; there is a drug store where medicines are dispensed free. 



