Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/100

76 made to circulate through every part of the body? Of what import is it that a miner has money in his hand, if those belonging to the labouring class flee from his possessions, or cannot be persuaded to work on them? Under similar circumstances, I think I see a skilful and valorous general, an Epaminondas, or a Marlborough, provided with ammunition, and entrenched in an advantageous position, but without soldiers. In such a case what is he to do? He is unquestionably either obliged to surrender to the enemy, or to betake himself to flight.

"The negroes in Peru are absolutely unfit for the labours of the mines. A residence alone in the rigid climates of the mountainous territory, renders them incapable even of domestic service. Their complexion undergoes a change, and becomes of an ashy paleness. The greater part of them fall sick, and die. A thousand attempts have been made to employ negroes instead of Indians, in the gold mines even of the provinces of La Paz, &c. where the temperature of the air is warm and benign; but the results have been invariably fatal. Whether it be that the particles of antimony which float in the mines operate more forcibly, and with a greater malignance, on the temperament of Africans; or that the mechanical labour of ascending and descending, with heavy loads, by the orifices of the mines, is more painful to them; or, lastly, that this employment is repugnant both to their strength and inclination; it is certain that this class of individuals cannot be resorted to, when it is intended to people a mine.

"The Spaniards are as little qualified for this task. I have seen many robust young men, the greater part of them ters