DISSENSIONS IN LIMA. 



free colonial trade. In the meantime, the Chilian 

 squadron put an end to the discussion by enforc- 

 ing the celebrated Spanish code, the Laws of the 

 Indies, as to the Lima trade : the port was block- 

 aded, and the treasury remained empty. The con- 

 sequent bitter reproaches and taunts, now that they 

 were too late, took a still more virulent character 

 from the state of affairs ; so that these and similar 

 topics were discussed in a temper little suited to 

 lead, even in theory, to useful conclusions ; still 

 less to that practical cordiality so essential to the 

 welfare of the state, at such a moment. 



These ruinous dissensions were still further fo- 

 mented by the new spirit of independence, which, 

 early in the campaign, pervaded the country, but 

 hadnot heretofore attained the sameheightinLima 

 as in other parts of South America ; owing, per- 

 haps, to its containing a far greater proportion of 

 old Spaniards of wealth and consequence. Be the 

 cause what it may, the vigilance of Government 

 had hitherto succeeded in keeping down the ex- 

 pression of such feelings ; but now this was no 

 longer possible, and every day raised the hopes, 



