POLITICAL HISTORY OF PERU. 301 



Santa Cruz is a man of ordinary talents, but of sound common sense. 

 From his education (which is superior to that of his countrymen) he is 

 far in advance of them in his knowledge and appreciation of the insti- 

 tutions of other countries. He is indefatigable in his labours, and 

 always exacts the attention of others to their duties. His passions are 

 strong and his temper unforgiving. Mercenary in his disposition, and 

 economical in his habits, he has always been lavish of the public 

 treasure to promote his own views. From his liberal cast of mind, he 

 generally manifested a strong desire to forward the introduction of 

 improvements, and to adopt such measures as would tend to improve 

 the state and its people. His measures undertaken for this purpose, 

 were sometimes arbitrary, and by them, and his desire to engross all 

 the power in his own person, he lost much popularity. Foreigners 

 esteemed him as one of the most efficient chief magistrates that have 

 ever presided over this unfortunate country. 



For the purpose of elucidating the character of the proceedings of 

 the chiefs in this country, I will conclude by giving a translation of 

 one of the decrees, establishing the government of South Peru, by 

 Santa Cruz. 



Considerando. 



1. That the government of South Peru remains incomplete by the 

 death and absence of some of the persons composing it. 



2. That the necessity exists, that that government should have an 

 organization more simple than it has yet enjoyed. 



It is decreed. 



Article 1. That the government of South Peru be composed of a 

 Provisionally President, and a Secretary-General, who shall transact 

 all the ordinary affairs of the Interior and Hacienda, agreeably to the 

 laws, orders, and existing decrees. 



Article 2. The Provisional President will place his rubric to all the 

 resolutions and official papers, and sign, with the Secretary-General, 

 the decrees which he may issue. 



Article 3. The Provisional President and Secretary are responsible 

 for all the acts of his administration. 



Article 4. There shall be two Secretaries, one for the Interior, the 

 other for the Hacienda, with the necessary subordinates. 



Article 5. The Provisional President will fill all the vacant places, 

 and displace any from bad conduct, or the neglectful performance of 

 his duties, or transfer them to other posts, as he may deem best for 

 the public benefit. 



2A 



