INTRODUCTION. 53 



The discontent broke out in the San Martin and Araucana early in. 

 May ; but it was not until the middle of July that the only proper 

 and just remedy was applied, that of paying the people and officers, 

 which immediately restored tranquillity, and nothing of any moment 

 occurred before the sailing of the ti'oops for Peru. 



While the arms of Chile were thus successful, the civil government 

 was, at least, improving. Some sort of order had been introduced 

 into the financial department ; and, although the custom-house 

 regulations were still, in great part, formed upon the ancient narrow 

 Spanish system, there was a considerable improvement even in them. 

 A college had been instituted in Santiago, and other works of utility 

 had been carried into effect. A public library was founded, a theatre 

 was built, and the director had even intended to have erected a tele- 

 graph ; but the prejudices of the people, and especially the priests, 

 against such a miraculous mode of communication, were too strong, 

 and a telegraph must wait, at least, twenty years before it can be 

 admitted in Chile. 



But the army destined for Peru was now (August, 1820,) assembled 

 at Valparaiso, and the name of Exercito Libertadore (liberating 

 army) was resounded in all parts. The director had come to Val- 

 paraiso to be present at the sailing of the squadron ; and he and 

 General San Martin, who was appointed captain-general of the liber- 

 ating forces, renewed solemnly those protestations in favour of 

 Peruvian liberty which they had formerly made in the proclamations 

 issued by them, and distributed among the people of Peru, during 

 the preceding 18 months. In one of those of O'Higgins, dated 

 Feb. 1819 *, he says, after telling them the expedition is almost 

 ready — " Do not think that we pretend to treat you as a conquered 

 " people; such a desire could have entered into the heads of none 

 " but those who are inimical to our common happiness. We only 

 " aspire to see you free and happy : yourselves will frame your govern- 

 " merit, choosing that form which is most consistent with your cus- 



See Appendix. 



