MONTT, PEDRO (1848-1910), Chilean statesman, son of Manuel Montt (q.v.), was born in Santiago, Chile, in 1848. He graduated in law at the Institute Nacional in 1870, and four years later entered political life. In 1876 he was elected a member of the chamber of deputies, and in 1885 he became its president. During this period began his powerful influence in the public ad ministration and also in the direction of the National party which Manuel Montt had founded. He voyaged to Europe to study the political institutions of the leading European nations. In 1886 he was appointed minister of justice and public instruction and in 1887 minister of industry and public works. In spite of holding these two cabinet offices in the government of President Balma ceda, Montt figured in the parliamentary opposition to him in 1890, and in 1891 took a very active part in the revolution which put an end to his power. He went to the United States first as
agent of the Revolutionary Junta and, after the recognition of the new government, remained as Minister of Chile. In 1901 he was an unsuccessful candidate for the presidency, but in 1906, as the candidate of the National Union ticket and supported by all important elements, he was elected by a large majority. During his term he helped to prevent armed conflict between Chile and Argentina, fostered railway development, worked for sound finances and for sanitation and health projects. He was greatly interested in education and during all his political career was a member of the council of public instruction. His interest in books led him to acquire a private library, the largest in Chile at the time of his death. In 1910, his health failing, he went to Europe, to seek treatment and died on Aug. 16, at Bremen, Germany.