476 VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. [December, 
forms of our own hallowed institutions ? From that moment to 
the present, who can point out a single instance in which they 
have wavered from their determination to establish and maintain 
their independence, notwithstanding all their sacrifices, civil com- 
motions, and abuses of men trusted too implicitly with power ? 
If they had not resolved on the establishment of free institu- 
tions, why did they not adopt a despotism, or some government 
more analogous than a republic to the one they had lived under ? 
The answer is easy, and at hand. A despotism can only exist, 
where the people are ignorant and superstitious ; but these peo- 
ple, in bursting their political bonds, in a good measure got rid 
of many deceptions, and greatly weakened the force of numerous 
superstitions. The elements for the establishment of a perma- 
nent despotic government, therefore, do not exist in these states. 
If the numerous instances in which men intrusted with the 
administration of affairs in these countries, through misguided 
views or bad motives, have tyrannised over the people for a time, 
be brought against this assertion, then we refer to the discontent of 
the people which followed, revolts in the districts, and the final 
overthrow of their oppressors, as a triumphant reply ! 
We have travelled some in these countries, from the ocean to 
the Cordilleras — in their capitals, principal towns, and remote 
districts ; have witnessed the celebration of their national jubilees, 
and days rendered memorable, on which signal victories have 
been won by an armed peasantry against superior numbers and 
discipline ; have seen the multitude rejoice, and the serious appear 
full of hope in the prospect of better times ; and following and min- 
gling in the train the youth of the country, chanting their patri- 
otic songs ; — and we could not doubt that these people would 
ultimately succeed in the establishment of their liberty. The 
soil that has drunk so much blood, shed in the cause of freedom, 
cannot for ever maintain a race of slaves ! Indeed, the love of 
liberty was scarcely more deeply rooted in the sequestered dells 
of Switzerland, than it is in these countries. Of this liberty, their 
ideas, we confess, are often rude and ill-defined; but still the 
germe is here. 
Of the bold assertors of the ignorance and incapacity of these 
people, who see so much cause of alarm, and are for ever draw- 
ing sinister conclusions from their frequent internal convulsions, 
