Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/101

Rh from the sea- service, who, being actuated either by necessity, or by avarice, applied themselves to the different labours of the mines; but who were in a short time forced to discontinue the pursuit, through a failure of their health and strength, and in consequence of the sufferings to which they had been exposed. A few years ago, a Peruvian undertook to harbour and conceal the deserters from the Spanish ships, and to send them to the mineral territory of Huarochiri, where, by his direction, they were immediately lodged and engaged in the operations of the mines. Not one of them was able to resist for the space of four months: those who did not perish, were forced to abandon their employment, overwhelmed with diseases. The mestizos, whether through pride, or for reasons of physical impossibility, do not apply themselves to this painful career, in which, to conclude in one word, the Indians alone are able to maintain themselves. The Indian, I say, accustomed to the rigorous climes and bad qualities of the countries in which the mines are generally situated, is alone calculated to work them. His arm is what we need; and in him consists the true prosperity of the miner's pursuit.

"I think I have proved my assertion, and thrown a new light on the letter of Egerio. In mine, it may have happened that the rules of logic have not been well observed; but it is within the comprehension of every one. What I have not dared to say, I have insinuated. I am persuaded that many miners will find cause of exultation in the perusal of this letter; and that, when they have proceeded thus far, they will expert of me to propose arbitrary measures by which the Indians may be compelled to labour in the mines, seeing that, out