Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/200

172 the place of the rector in cases of sickness or absence; but when he has completed his year, the chapter is free, on the re-election, to appoint two other counsellors at its pleasure, he whose degree has a priority of date becoming the vice-rector. There are besides, two minor counsellors, belonging to the community of bachelors, one of whom was formerly a prebendary of the principal college of St. Philip, the other of that of St. Martin. These two posts are now occupied by the students belonging to the royal seminary of St. Charles, The procurator-general is likewise one of the principal ministers of the academy. His office corresponds to that of fiscal, his opinion being usually taken before any important resolution is adopted. This appointment is commonly bestowed for life on one of the professors of canons or laws; and the offices of chaplain, treasurer, principal beadle, minor beadle, and alguazil of the academy, are also holden in perpetuity.

The solid and established rents of the university amount to one thousand two hundred and thirty piastres only, the produce of a few small sums laid out in annuities, destined to defray the expences of the festivals of the patrons, St. Mark, and Santa Rosa, and the other charges incurred in the ornaments and repairs of the building. They would not suffice for these purposes, if several of the chairs formerly occupied by professors were not vacant, and if those by whom the others are filled did not give up the one-half of their salaries, to augment the capital of the establishment.

Notwithstanding this paucity of means, the academy has on every occasion displayed its generosity. The sumptuous gifts it has presented to the crown, in moments of difficulty, are recorded