172 CHILI. 
lowest order, and all the demoralizing effects that accompany them, 
prevailed. Every body engaged in trade was found more or less to 
recognise the system of fraud and deceit that had become the order 
of the day. The demoralizing influence of smuggling, and bribery 
in open day, without disguise, with the knowledge and connivance of 
the higher authorities, whose duty it was to apply the corrective, 
naturally brought about this state of things, and the inference was 
drawn, true or false, that they participated in the profits accruing 
from such transactions. 
I myself saw on my former visit several dead bodies exposed in the 
public squares, victims of the cuchillo. This was the result of a 
night's debauch, and the fracas attendant upon it. 
No other punishment awaited the culprits than the remorse of 
their own conscience. 
Now, Valparaiso, and indeed all Chili, shows a great change for 
the better; order reigns throughout; crime is rarely heard of, and 
never goes unpunished ; good order and decorum prevail outwardly 
every where ; that engine of good government, an active and efficient 
police, has been established. It is admirably regulated, and brought 
fully into action, not only for the protection of life and property, but 
in adding to the comforts of the inhabitants. 
There is no country that more strongly bears the impress of the 
working of a master spirit, in conjunction with a desire on the part 
of the people to maintain order by good government, than Chili. 
The civil power has now complete ascendency over the military, 
which had so long ruled Chili with despotic sway. The breaking 
down of the latter was the first step to the establishment of good 
order, and removed the spirit of disorganization that a military 
ascendency was for ever producing. Revolution had become another 
word in the army for promotion, for with it, every officer usually 
obtained a grade. Each officer was ever ready to seek self-aggran- 
dizement, whenever he could create a party in his favour; and no 
opportunity was lost in bringing about dissatisfaction at the mode in 
which the existing government conducted affairs. 
The predominant trait of the Chilians, when compared with other 
South Americans, is their love of country and attachment to their 
homes. This feeling is common to all classes. There is also a great 
feeling of independence and equality. Public opinion has weight in 
directing the affairs of state. The people are fond of agricultural 
pursuits, and the lower orders much better disposed towards foreigners 
