334 



APPENDIX. 



in the state of society. The difference in the freedom of acting and 

 thinking, from that which preceded the revolution, must necessa- 

 rily be great. The freedom of commerce must have given a spring 

 to exertions of native enterprise and intelligence, while the active 

 scenes of war and politics, for the last ten years, have awakened 

 the genius of the country, which had so long slumbered. The ge- 

 neration now on the stage, may almost be said to have been reared 

 under a new order of things. The common stock of ideas among 

 the people, has been greatly augmented, the natural consequence 

 of the important political events which daily transpire, and in 

 which every man, like the citizen of Athens, feels an interest. 

 The newspapers are every where circulated, together with the ma- 

 nifestoes of the government, which is obliged to court the appro- 

 bation of public opinion, on all measures of moment. It is not very 

 unusual for the same countryman, who a few years ago, never 

 troubled himself about any thing beyond the narrow circle of his 

 domestic concerns, to purchase a newspaper on coming to town, 

 as a matter of course, and if unable to read, to request the first 

 one he meets to do him that favor. The country curates are more- 

 over enjoined to read the newspapers and manifestoes, regularly 

 to their flocks. The spirit of improvement may be seen in every 

 thing. Even some of those who are under the influence of strong 

 prejudices against the revolution, frequently remark the changes, 

 for better, which have taken place. Their habits, manners, dress, 

 and mode of living, have been improved by intercourse with stran- 

 gers, and the free introduction of foreign customs, particularly 

 English, American, and French. Great prejudices prevail against 

 whatever is Spanish. It is even offensive to them, to be called by 

 this name; they prefer to be identified with the aborigines of the 

 country. The appellation which they have assumed, and in which 

 they take a pride, is that of South Americans. 



A powerful stimulus must necessarily have been given to their 

 industry, by two important circumstances: the diminution in pri- 

 ces of foreign merchandise, an d the great increase in value of the 

 products of the country, with the consequent rise of property. 

 Though the grounds in the neighborhood of cities are highly im- 

 proved, as I have already stated, agriculture, comparatively speak- 

 ing, is in a low condition. In general, the lands are badly tilled. 

 The plough is rarely used, and the substitute, is a very indifferent 

 one. But notwithstanding the disadvantages of the present me- 



