CHILI. 201 



vote recorded for toleration, on the adoption of the constitution, was 

 given by a Catholic bishop. 



The influence of the clergy is great, and they have much political 

 power in the state. The people may generally be called bigoted, and 

 under the control of the priests. The clergy as a body stand very 

 fair ; they encourage schools. The inhabitants are ignorant as yet ; 

 their opportunities for instruction are limited. There is no impediment 

 in the way of Protestants teaching. 



Although it may be somewhat trite to mention it, yet one cannot 

 but admire the sight of the Oracion, or sunset prayer. Whatever may 

 be our idea of Catholic worship, no one can witness it here without 

 feeling the solemn and impressive scene of a whole community, on the 

 striking of the evening bells, instantly stopping employment, both 

 within and without doors, and uncovering their heads to offer up their 

 thanks or prayer for a few minutes. It must bring reflection, unless 

 habit so blunts the mind and feeling as to make it callous to impres- 

 sions well calculated to make men consider their evil ways, and feel 

 thankful for the blessings they enjoy. 



The commerce of Chili is increasing rapidly. Valparaiso numbers 

 sixty coasting vessels, of from fifty to three hundred and fifty tons, 

 part of which are engaged in the trade from Valdivia and Chiloe to 

 the northern ports, with timber and staves ; and part are charged from 

 Maule and Concepcion with grain, returning in ballast to Valparaiso, 

 to load with foreign manufactures for the various ports of the republic. 

 The exports are taken away in foreign vessels, and consist of copper* 

 hides, wool, hemp, and plata pina. About sixty thousand quintals of 

 copper are exported from Huasco, Coquimbo, and Valparaiso annually ; 

 one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand quintals of 100 lbs. in 

 copper ores are shipped annually to England, and one hundred 

 thousand marks of 8 oz. in bar silver. The returns from sales of 

 English goods are made mostly in bullion. 



Thirty thousand hides are exported, principally from Valparaiso. 

 Five to six hundred quintals of wool are shipped annually from Con- 

 cepcion. The grain and country produce are generally sent to Peru 

 and Guayaquil. Very little silver is coined in the country, dollars 

 oeing an article of merchandise, worth from seven to nine per cent., 

 according to the supplies from Bolivia or Peru. From eight hundred 

 thousand to one million silver dollars come annually from Cobija to 

 Valparaiso, and are shipped thence to England. Gold coins are issued 

 from the mint at Santiago, doubloons, half, quarter, and eighth doubloon 

 pieces ; the current value of the ounce is seventeen dollars twenty-five 

 cents. 



vol. i. 26 



