168 CHILI. 



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 ot 

 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 pur- 

 suits, and the lower orders much better disposed towards foreigners 

 than in other parts. Schools and colleges have been established, and 

 a desire to extend the benefits of education throughout the popu- 

 lation is evinced. This has been of late one of the constant aims of 

 government. 



The credit of forming this police is given to Portales. It consists 

 of two distinct bodies, one mounted, the other on foot. The watch- 

 men carry swords only. The former patrol the streets on horseback, 

 while the latter take their particular walk round a square or two, foi 

 which they are responsible. A message may be sent through them to 

 the farthest end of the city, and an answer returned, in fifteen minutes. 

 They carry a loud and shrill whistle, the sounds of which are varied 

 as occasion requires, and by it a concentration of force can be effected 

 in a few moments. The notes of the whistle when all is well, are 



