INTRODUCTION
Writers on South America generally dismiss Bolivia with a brief description which affords no adequate idea of its real place among the republics of the New World or of its unique interest from many points of view. The present volume, the fourth of my series on the Latin-American republics, is devoted to this important country with the object of making it better known, not only as the home of a liberty-loving nation, but as a land of unlimited commercial possibilities, destined to command universal attention.
The history of Bolivia is particularly fascinating for the glimpses its monuments give of the unsolved mysteries of antiquity, and because its people supply the keynote to the interpretation of Spanish-American character. The colonists of Alto Peru became Americanized earlier than did the people of any of the other Spanish possessions in the New World. The Criollo’s sympathies were, from the first, more American than Spanish; and while he preserved many inherited characteristics, he acquired others which in time developed within him that unconquerable spirit of freedom—the influence of the West working its spell upon heart and life—which led inevitably to national independence.
Aside from its historical and scientific interest, Bolivia is a subject worthy of study for more practical reasons. By its position as the central highway of South America, it is the natural distributing point for traffic across the continent, lying midway between the Atlantic and Pacific coast countries, its borders touching Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Its industrial possibilities are awakening general interest and enterprise, and there is every prospect of a speedy revival of the prestige which this country enjoyed three centuries ago, as one of the richest and most prosperous lands in the world, when the name of its famous city of Potosí gave to the language of all countries a synonym for fabulous wealth.
No one can make a just and impartial study of the South American countries and their people without regretting the widespread ignorance that prevails regarding them; and as my work progresses, each year finds me more enthusiastic on the subject of their present conditions and the prospects which they enjoy. It has been said that my fault lies in seeing the best rather than the worst side of life in South America, and the critics have blamed me, in some instances, for failing to describe more fully the less admirable features of these countries. But it is quite as possible to err through a disposition to magnify the shortcomings of a nation as from too lenient judgment. Books written on any country by visiting foreigners show how unfair and exaggerated the criticisms of a pessimistic alien can be in the opinion of those best informed. The story of Bolivia is that of strong, sturdy, and determined people, who have abounding faith in their country’s future and persistent courage to direct its destiny.
During my stay in Bolivia, and especially while making my journey of a thousand miles on muleback in the interior, visiting the capital and other cities, I found this beautiful country most attractive and interesting. The magnificent scenery, the glorious climate, the absolute security with which one may travel unmolested from one end of the country to the other, and, above all, the gracious and kindly welcome received everywhere are among the recollections of my visit which remain a constant delight, and inspire me with the desire to make better known both the land and its charming people.
The unfailing attentions shown me will always be remembered with appreciation. With sincere gratitude I thank His Excellency President Ismael Montes and the ministers of his Cabinet for many courtesies. I am honored to have received from the illustrious representative of the Bolivian nation constant evidences of gracious and kindly interest in my work and I feel deeply indebted to his distinguished ministers for their generous coöperation, by facilitating my journeys through the country and providing me with important information.
Marie Robinson Wright.
Philadelphia, October 25, 1906.