410 



THREE YEARS IN THE PACIFIC. 



old continental soldiers, with black beards and bristly musta- 

 ches, which strongly renqinded us of our boyish days, when 

 we were delighted with the figures in Jesse Sharpless's wax- 

 works," at Philadelphia. These processions, which are paid for 

 by voluntary contributions from the Indians, serve to enliven 

 the place, but at the same time bring religion into disrespect 

 with the better informed. 



" How would you tolerate such puppets in your country, be- 

 fore which every body must stand uncovered ?" asked a friend. 



These are all inventions of the priests to filch money from 

 the ignorant, who give their pittance to secure for themselves 

 a short detention in purgatory, and a free passage through the 

 gate guarded by St. Peter!" 



" Before you condemn the clergy of these countries, look to 

 the United States, and tell me whether there are no abuses to 

 be corrected in them? How many hypocritical enthusiasts, 

 who have thrown aside the thimble and goose, or the lap-stone 

 and awl, ^ to obey a call,' are now robbing women of their 

 pin money, and children of their cakes, under the pious pre- 

 text of saving souls, in order to live in idleness themselves!" 

 It is these apostates of St. Crispin who bring religion into dis- 

 respect, and make us laughed at by the thinking of all parts of 

 the world ! 



We frequently visited the chicharia over the bridge; the 

 house, partly from antiquity, and partially from the frail nature 

 of the materials of which it is constructed, has a decided incli- 

 nation towards the street, which the owners have opposed with 

 stout logs of algarrobo placed against the eaves. The interior 

 presents a small apartment, or rather covered entrance, furnished 

 with two or three high leather backed chairs, and as many 

 wooden benches. At our last visit. Fray Tomas sat swinging 

 his legs, which did not reach the ground, and sipping chicha 

 from a mate of wholesome capacity. A little dried up custom 

 house officer, in a yellow striped jacket, occupied one of the 

 chairs opposite to him, smoking a paper cigar. Both these gen- 

 tlemen were listening to a gay story told by a tall, fine looking 

 man, who had been in the army, but is now administrador of 

 the custom house. Further, there was a little group of gentlemen, 



