CHILE OF TO-DAY 373 pie are not characterized by that lassitude which we observe in the Spanish inhabitants of warmer climates. Physical energy leads to sturdy independence of char- acter and self-confidence, as well as frugality and in- dustry. It gives better morals, better laws, better pa- triotism ; it leads to daring and to deeds of valor. An energetic people, brave and cheerful, they are also hos- pitable and kind; but they fight for their rights and give not a hair's breadth in compromises. They are aggressive, too, and use force, as men of the moun- tains do everywhere ; for from time immemorial, hill- dwellers have been in a manner freebooters, taking all they might be able to carry off, but generous even to foes. That Chile has an eye on Peru and Bolivia and desires a larger slice of the Argentine Republic, is quite probable. She has assisted all of them in time past to obtain and keep their independence; a ward of Peru in the beginning, she became the strong child in the end. The Chileans hold themselves in high esteem, and take great pride in being Chileans. They admire true greatness and worth in foreigners. They put O'Hig- gins, Mackenna, Miller, Cochrane and Lynch with their own heroes. But the Chilean is sufficiently national in feeling to look upon himself as somewhat better than foreigners. Whatever is French, however, com- mends itself to him ; the educated Chilean will certainly speak French, and copies French models closely. The bookstalls, and there are many of them in the capital, are filled with French books, and the leading dailies publish nearly always a feuilleton translated from Oh- net, Maupassant, or other popular Parisian writers. Still, while the Chileans admire most the French, they have great respect for the English as a commer- cial people, though they criticise them as lacking in amiability. Steamships, railways, mines and commer-
