PLANS OF INSURRECTION. 271 



design, however, was discovered and frus- 

 trated ; he was condemned to death, his 

 house razed to the ground; and a column 

 was erected upon the spot, to keep alive 

 the memory of his infamous project. The 

 perpetuation of detestation and horror at 

 attempts made against its authority, has 

 been frequently a favourite measure of the 

 government of Spain, in Spanish America; 

 but it may be doubted whether this sort 

 of commemoration has not, in some mea- 

 sure, served to promote and cherish a spirit 

 of independence. 



The second effort was the insurrection 

 which took place in Peru, in the year 1780. 

 This received its chief support from the 

 discontent of the Indians, who were re- 

 duced to the most abject state, in conse- 

 quence of the oppressive weight of the 

 system of the Repartimientos, Under this 

 system, they were obliged to receive their 



