480 PUNISHMENT OF CRIMINALS. 



serenos and mounted police, who were moving between the guard-house and various parts 

 of the city with the utmost celerity, there was not a living soul encountered in a walk of nearly 

 a mile along the streets ! On Santa Lucia the guards challenged every one ; and, although my 

 keys and hooks were passports for myself, they strongly objected to my servant following, only 

 consenting on my pledge to bring him as low as the castle again. Though there were intima- 

 tions that the main blow was to be struck during the review that was soon to take place on the 

 plain south of the city, so sudden and effectual had been the government preventives that the 

 plot was crushed at the moment of the arrests. That the then President, and a majority of his 

 cabinet, were not only unpopular with the people, but also in a decided minority in Congress, 

 there could be no doubt ; yet, it is honestly believed there were few in Chile who had the power 

 to control affairs as well. Nominally a republic, the government is in reality a military dicta- 

 torship probably the only form which could last six months with a race too proud and apa- 

 thetic for labor, and who plot revolution in the hope that themselves and friends may obtain 

 offices and incomes. Apparently, a craving for office is the only reason for constant agitations 

 throughout Spanish America. If the success of principles were sought, at its consummation 

 those who had striven for the elevation of their party would be satisfied. Such is not the case 

 in any of the governments under the control of Spanish populations ; and no sooner is one 

 chief elevated to supreme authority than a new one begins undermining him. Undoubtedly 

 Chile is the most stable of them all ; but she can never remain long truly republican with the 

 incubus of any exclusive religion about the necks of her people. 

 All of these revolutionary leaders eventually " left their country for their country's good." 



