226 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



ments, the old laws remain in force ; and 

 the Cabildos, or municipal bodies, retain 

 their former privileges and authority. 



The mention of this fact may, perhaps, 

 be of use in correcting some notions which 

 have prevailed respecting the revolution in 

 Spanish America. In Colombia, the basis 

 of a good government has been well laid ; 

 but many years must elapse before a su- 

 perstructure can be raised corresponding 

 to the liberality of the principles which 

 compact the foundation. Buenos Ayres, 

 Chili, and Mexico now possess similar 

 advantages ; and it is to be hoped that 

 "Peru, entirely throwing off the Spanish 

 yoke, will ultimately enjoy the blessings 

 of freedom. 



The doubts in which the whole subject 

 is enveloped, arise from the various, and 



