APPENDIX. 



339 



jnoval, by a kind of general oratory or acclamation, of those who 

 have been chosen, will gradually cease. 



Rather than disturb the order of society, they will endure with 

 patience, until the time arrives, for effecting a regular and consti- 

 tutional change. Since the election of the present director, none 

 of these tumults, before so frequent, have occurred. These tumults 

 have seldom been attended with bloodshed; yet they produce 

 great confusion and disorder, and give rise to habits of insubor- 

 dination, at the same time that they are ruinous to the character of 

 a nation. 



The viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres, differed from the rest in one 

 important particular. It contained no nobility, or if any, very 

 few. This may be regarded as a favorable circumstance in their 

 society. Another favorable feature, very necessary to the success- 

 ful administration of their affairs, is the conduct of many indi- 

 "viduals who have filled the highest office of state, in descending 

 from that dignified situation to inferior posts, and discharging their 

 duties with alacrity. Thus we behold general A. Balcarce, who 

 was formerly director, acting as second in command to colonel 

 San Martin; colonel Alvarez, also a director at one period, now 

 serving in the staff, under the chief of that department; general 

 Azcuenega and general Rondeau, once elected to the chair of 

 state, is at present employed in a minor office. There are others 

 who have occupied the same elevated post, who have retired to the 

 station of private citizens. 



The general capacities of the United Provinces for national de- 

 fence, are, also, important in maiiy respects. The nature and ex- 

 tent of the country, aflford the inhabitants numerous advantages 

 over an invading army. The ease with which their herds of cattle 

 may be driven to distant places, beyond the reach of an enemy, and 

 the rapid movements the troops of the country can make, from the 

 ample supply of horses and mules, are circumstances of great con- 

 sequence in a military view. Even the towns not fortified, from 

 the manner in which they are built, and from the construction of 

 their houses, furnish powerful means of defence, as the British 

 army, under general Whitelock, experienced in their attack on 

 Buenos Ayres. 



I am, sensible that, in the course of these statements and re- 

 marks, some inaccuracies and errors must have occurred, but they 

 have been unintentional. I have only to add, that the reception 



