IMPOLICY OF SPA IK. 301 



the slightest chance of any amelioration in 

 their condition. 



Is it to be wondered at, that, under such 

 circumstances, a large portion of the Spa- 

 nish Americans should prefer a contest for 

 independence, to remaining quiet under 

 such a yoke ? Still, however, after the 

 war, which was thus provoked by the 

 Spanish authorities and leaders, had com- 

 menced, there were moments when conci- 

 liation might have been interposed with 

 the best effect ; and when, had it been so, 

 hostilities might probably have been put 

 an end to, and the now South American 

 States have, perhaps, still remained colo- 

 nies of Spain. But conciliation formed no 

 part of the system of Spanish rule, with 

 reference to South America, whoever hap- 

 pened to be the rulers ; on the contrary, 

 every thing that was done seemed only 

 intended for the purpose of exasperation. 



