304 Voyage of the Novara. 



elegantly-furnislied apartment of the pal ace -like Grovernment 

 House, the style of which is quite modern. Don Manuel 

 Montt, a short, under-sized gentleman, with dark strongly- 

 marked features, and straight, somewhat bristly, hair, had 

 during the recent troubles displayed more courage and 

 energy than his external appearance would have led one to 

 expect, and used his dictatorial authority with such discretion 

 and prudence, as to excite the astonishment and respect of 

 all well-wishers of his native land. He was attended at 

 the interview by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don 

 Jeronimo Urmeneta, a man of frank, attractive manners, 

 whose youth was spent in the United States, and who speaks 

 English fluently. 



The conversation turned chiefly upon the proposed com- 

 mercial and navigation treaty projected by the Imperial 

 Government, a sketch of which in the Spanish language was 

 read over to the President by the Commodore. Don Manuel 

 (as the highest authority in the free State of Chile was called 

 by the people) expressed the utmost readiness to carry out 

 this arrangement, and repeatedly avowed his wisli to enter 

 into intimate relations with the Austrian Government, and 

 execute all necessary papers, which could assist an object 

 fraught with such benefits to both nations. He also sj^oke 

 of the desirability of endeavouring to increase the inter- 

 course between the scientific institutes of Chile and Austria, 

 and in token of the interest he took in the objects of the 

 Expedition, presented a copy of Gay's splendid work, as also 



