278 



PERU. 



public, and, at the same time, to visit them with 

 the reality of a despotism. He knew from per- 

 sonal experience, the mischief attending the pre- 

 cipitate establishment of free representative go- 

 vernments in South America : he was also aware, 

 that previous to raising any enduring political 

 superstructure, he must gradually clear away the 

 prejudice and error which overspread the land, and 

 then dig deep into the virgin soil for a foundation. 

 At this time there was neither knowledge nor ca- 

 pacity enough amongst the population to form a 

 free government ; nor even that love of freedom, 

 withoutwhich free institutions are sometimes worse 

 than useless ; since, in their effects, they are apt 

 to fall short of expectation ; and thus, by their 

 practical inefficacy, contribute to degrade in pub- 

 lic opinion the sound principles upon which they 

 rest. 



Unfortunately also the inhabitants of South 

 America are apt at first to mistake the true ope- 

 ration of such changes ; and to conceive that the 

 mere formal establishment of free institutions will 

 at once ensure their being duly understood and 

 enjoyed, whatever may have been the state of so- 



