88 



PERU. 



were rapidly developing themselves in a thou- 

 sand shapes. In Peru, on the contrary, the word 

 Independence was now heard for the first time ; 

 but as yet only in whispers, under the protection 

 of San Martin'^s cannon. In Lima, where such 

 free sentiments were still deemed treasonable, 

 prejudice and error had established their head- 

 quarters; and the obstinate bigotry with which 

 old customs and opinions were adhered to, was 

 rather strengthened than diminished by the ap- 

 prehension of a total subversion of the whole sys- 

 tem. The contrast between the two countries. 

 Chili and Peru, as it met our eyes, was most 

 striking ; and if due justice could be done to the 

 description of each, a pleasing inference would 

 be drawn by every Englishman in favour of the 

 popular side of the question. 



The contrast between a country in a state of 

 war, and one in a state of peace was, perhaps, 

 never more strikingly displayed than upon this 

 occasion : but, besides the interest arising out of 

 such contrast, as applicable to the states of peace 

 and war, the view was curious and instructive, 

 as displaying the rapid effect produced by a 



