EFFECTS OF THE llEVOLUTION. 



27 



sperity must, in process of time, be greatly aug- 

 mented by the operation of such wholesome 

 changes, their immediate benefit cannot be so di- 

 rect or manifest as that of the upper classes. ' 



In Chili, while the peasant remains nearly as 

 before, his superior has gained many advantages. 

 He has obtained political independence; he is 

 free, and secure in his person and property ; for 

 the first time in his life, he has a share in the- 

 government of his country ; he may aspire to the 

 highest oflSces of profit or distinction ; the value 

 of his property is enhanced by the market which 

 has been opened to carry off its produce ; and 

 he feels no reserve in displaying his wealth, or 

 in expressing his opinions ; in short, he is in pos- 

 session of civil liberty. 



The benefits resulting from free trade, as com- 

 pared with the restrictions and monopolies of old, 

 are those which come home the soonest to the 

 apprehension of all ranks ; and, although it can- 

 not be denied, that even the lowest peasant in the 

 country has felt the change which the Revolution 

 has produced on the price of goods, yet the ad- 

 vantage to the upper classes has been much more 



