SANTIAGO. 



been gratifying to the most enlightened men of the country. V.-t the government scorn* not 

 to have been satisfied with i-iihrr the matter taught, or tho manner in which it was taught ; for 

 on the appointment i.l'u new rector in Isii.'i, t lie decree naming him says: " The Institute being 

 tin- hope of the nation, the government not only desires to see adopted in it the best methods 

 of instruction, l.ut also expects that its pupils from tender age will be very especially inspired 

 \\ith sentiments ol' morality and decorum, cleanliness, propriety, hahits of order, and all other 

 qualities which j^.od CM I ncation and manners require, more particularly among those destined 

 to occupy offices and commissions under it. Until now, this part of their education has been 

 greatly neglected, or has been under the charge of persons who, whilst possessing sufficient zeal 

 and the best intentions, either from the education they themselves have received, or because they do 

 not mix with the world, have not been able to estimate what is due to it." Subsequent to this 

 reproof, the institution has slowly but steadily and surely advanced in usefulness, elevating the 

 standard of education, and, as the numbers of students increased, drawing its rule* more 

 stringently. At present it numbers 900 pupils, of whom 2CO are interns, or live wholly within 

 the precincts, and the remainder are day-scholars. 



The old building in the rear of the cathedral being both small and unsuited to the accommo- 

 dation of so many, a new one has recently been erected south of the Canada, which was opened 

 for use after our arrival in Chile. It is an extensive quadrangular block, two stories high, with 

 wide corridors surrounding its open courts, intended for communication between the several 

 rooms, and for exercise. There are gymnastic schools in three of the courts ; and all of them 

 are planted with young trees of foreign growth, which in time will greatly conduce to their 

 comfort during summer. The recitation rooms are of good size, and airy ; its dormitories 

 commodious, well ventilated, and neatly kept; and, indeed, all the arrangements for personal 

 wants are quite satisfactory. 



To conduct the establishment there is a rector, a vice-rector, thirty-six professors and tutors, a 

 treasurer, and a chaplain. These receive their appointments from government at the recom- 

 mendation of the Council of the University ; and for their pay, as well as for any deficiency in the 

 funds caused by an excess of expenditure over the receipts, an annual appropriation is made 

 by Congress. Pupils are admissible between the ages of nine and fifteen years ; or above that 

 age when offering as interns, if they produce certificates of good conduct and studious habits 

 from the school previously attended. Instruction is free to all ; the interns, only, being subject 

 to a charge of $150 per annum for their board. Sixty of these are at the cost of the govern- 

 ment, who nominally select for the benefices poor youths whose fathers have rendered services 

 entitling them to such mark of a nation's gratitude, or those who propose dedicating 

 themselves entirely to the country. Among the latter the most eligible are : 1st, those 

 who propose becoming teachers of normal schools ; 2d, those who embrace the study of 

 medical, natural, or mathematical science ; and 3d, externs who have been most distin- 

 guished in their classes, and whom the rector thus proposes to reward. Those living within 

 the Institute building are divided into three sections, each of which has its own enclosures; 

 and no communication is allowed with the others, except when permitted to make visits 

 on holidays. They are required to rise at 6 A. M., and, after a cup of chocolate or tea, attend 

 mass. With short intervals for recreation, they attend classes from that time until breakfast, 

 at 11 o'clock. An hour and a half is allowed between breakfast and dinner, at 6 P. M. ; 

 and after vespers all are required to retire at half-past nine, a tutor sleeping in each 

 dormitory for the preservation of order. Besides six weeks' vacation during summer, all the 

 feast days of the church, the national anniversaries in September, and the saints' days of the 

 rector and vice-rector, are holidays. Moreover, they are excused from study during the last 

 three days of Holy Week, and the three days preceding Ascension, in order that they may prepare 

 themselves for confession and communion. Corporal punishment is not permitted ; but offences 

 designated in the statutes, and separated into three classes, are dealt with according to their 

 gravity, by tasks, privation of holidays, incarceration in solitary cells, and diet of bread and 



