B7\RRACKS. 



21 



their gold, and consequently can only dispose 

 of it at a very great loss, or else keep it in 

 ^ hand, which prevents them from hiring more 

 negroes to work their mines, or even to sup- 

 port those they have ; in fact this measure 

 paralyzes every branch of the state, inasmuch 

 as it gives a check to industry, and creates 

 mistrust. 



There are three sets of barracks, formed 

 from the old and forsaken monasteries ; and 

 two quartels, one for the militia in the 

 Grand Plaza on the left of the Cathedral, 

 the other in the square of San Francisco 

 for the President's body-guard when off duty. 

 There is a mestranza, or artillery depot, 

 where all military furniture and equipments 

 are made, but in a style which would be 

 much benefited by aid of European work- 

 men to direct and improve the whole. This 

 is the only place in Bogota where any repairs 

 can be made to articles of European fabric. 



