182 



BENEVOLENT ESTABLISHMENTS. 



tions, to qualify them for which they receive a suitable edu- 

 cation. 



From the above details, many consequences, which, to 

 avoid prolixity, we leave to the penetration of the enlightened 

 reader, may be deduced. We shall simply add, that a zea- 

 lous, well supported, and respedlable administration, appears 

 to us to be the true principle of the aggrandizement and utility 

 of a pious work. 



Another establishment of the same nature, is that of the hos- 

 pital for male foundlings of Our Lady of Atocha, the account 

 of which is introduced by the following curious historical fa6ls. 



Humanity towards foundlings and helpless infants was exer- 

 cised in Peru, even before the epoch of its falling under the 

 yoke of Spain*. At the time of that memorable revolution, 

 our ancestors were seen wielding with the right hand the con- 

 quering sword, and extending the left to the poor sick man, 

 and unprote6led female. This spirit of charity having been 

 transmitted to our times, it cannot be said that, among the 

 Peruvians, beneficence has been fashionable for a season, as 

 has usually happened in France with relation to opinions as 

 well as to dress -f. When not the smallest idea was entertained 



* The Indians afforded an example of humanity which must surprize those wJio 

 have the presumption to style them barbarians. By order of the Ynca, the lands 

 belonging to the orphans and widows, were cultivated at the expence of the commu- 

 nity, immediately after those appertaining to the royal inheritance. A magistrate, 

 who vyas named Llaflacamayu, and whose office was sipiilar to that of a tribune of 

 the poor, was particularly charged with this operation. 



f The mode of thinking is a fashion among the French, like the apparel. When 

 the public are impressed with an opinion, it becomes their idol, and obliges every 

 other consideration to give way. — Treatise on 'Political Bodies. 



in 



4 



