THE PASSING OF THE OLD PERU—ITS LEGACY TO POSTERITY—THE DESTINY OF THE
NEW PERU
[Illustration: A QUICHUA MOTHER.]
The old Peru is passing,—the dominant traits of the nation are
changing,—new life is apparent in its ideals, its institutions, in the
spirit that rules society and politics, in everything that shows the
influence of a broader outlook, a greater range of endeavor, a loftier
aspiration. The traditions of caste and the contempt for utilitarian
ideals which constituted a part of the creed of the colonial aristocracy
have given place to an appreciation of true worth wherever found; the
worship of luxury and pleasure has ceased to hold in thrall a people
cradled in the pernicious atmosphere of a too abundant wealth, and the
discipline of suffering and loss has brought out the inherent strength
of a proud and gifted race; stimulated by the necessity of keeping up
with the march of modern progress in order that their country may
maintain the place to which its past history and present possibilities
entitle it, the Peruvians of to-day are putting forth determined and
well-defined efforts to overcome every obstacle in the path of their
highest development—and they are achieving phenomenal success.
But there is still much of the old Peru that it is to be hoped will long
remain. The picturesque charm which lingers about the ancient people of
the sierra, in their quaint costumes and primitive ways, has apparently
lost little by the advent of modern conditions; these children of a
fading past are as much attached to their time-honored dress and to
their traditional occupations as any Oriental, and it will be a long
time before a pronounced change in this particular is likely to take
place. During the colonial period the Indians were obliged to adopt some
features of the Spanish garb,—probably to please their Christian
masters,—and it is not known how long the process of transformation
required; but the present fashion of the Indians of Cuzco and other
localities of the sierra is a survival of the costume worn in the time
of the first Spanish Bourbon kings, while their jewels still show the
coat-of-arms of Charles V. Although there is no difference in dress to
distinguish the Indian in authority from his followers, the Alcalde of
the sierra is recognized as a very important personage among his fellows
by the silver-bound vara which he carries; it is the emblem of his
authority and is in his eyes more than a mere symbol; he will not part
with it for an instant and he would feel himself bereft of his power to
rule if it were taken away.
[Illustration: DESCENDANTS OF THE INCAS’ SUBJECTS.]
Though obedient to the Catholic faith, the Indians have their own
celebrations in addition to those of the church; they still observe the
feasts of the seedtime and harvest, as did their heathen ancestors,
though many features of the festivities as originally practised have
been eliminated. The tenacity with which they hold to their traditions
is seen in many things. When a new house is built, it is decorated with
flowers—a survival of the ceremonies held on such occasions in the days
of the Incas—and a party is invited to celebrate the event. Over the
doors of some old houses are symbols of both Incaic and Christian
worship, though this is not seen on the more recently built homes, the
roofs of which, with few exceptions, are adorned with a large tin cross,
about two feet high, having attached to it small copies of the various
instruments of torture used at the crucifixion of our Saviour, as well
as other reminders of that tragedy; the spear that pierced his side, the
long pole and sponge on which vinegar was given to quench his thirst,
the garment for which they cast lots, and even the cock that crowed when
Peter had thrice denied his master, are represented in conjunction with
the central emblem of Christianity. The domicile of a bridal couple is
easily distinguished by its being decorated with branches of totora
(bulrushes) which are kept in evidence for eight days and signify that
an invitation is extended to all friends to partake of the hospitality
of the newly married pair.
[Illustration: A TYPE OF THE AMAZON INDIAN.]
[Illustration: THE SCION OF A NOBLE FAMILY OF THE FOREST.]
The change from old to new conditions in Peru is a transition in which
the Indian has had little share; not because he is prevented, but
because of his disinclination to learn new ways and his lack of capacity
to receive and apply modern knowledge. It is impossible to say what may
be accomplished for future generations, but, judging from past history,
centuries are required to accustom the indigenes to any radical change,
and they seem utterly bewildered in the face of the rapid march of the
present-day civilization. They are not easily induced to use modern
tools in their work even when the superiority of such utensils is proved
to them. The effort which the Indian is obliged to make in order to grow
accustomed to the use of the modern implements is inconceivable to the
modern mind; to these ancient people, it is a herculean task to attempt
any new thing, and, if allowed to follow their own inclination, they
will gladly throw aside the “improved” plough and the light,
long-handled hoe, in favor of their tried and trusted though
old-fashioned and cumbersome tools. Spinning and weaving are favorite
occupations of the Indians of the coast as well as of the sierra, and
their primitive looms, on which blanket and lighter materials are made,
may be seen in most of their homes.
[Illustration: ALCALDES, WITH VARAS, THE INSIGNIA OF THEIR AUTHORITY.]
Not only in the descendants of the Incas’ subjects does the charm of the
past linger in many beautiful and interesting features of Peru to-day.
The influence of the viceroyalty is seen in some of the most attractive
characteristics of republican Peruvians; their inheritance from their
colonial ancestry may not be an unmixed blessing, but they have reason
to be proud of some of its advantages. The unanimous verdict of
travellers is that the Peruvians are a people of inherited refinement,
culture, and geniality, and that their capital is one of the most
delightful places in the world for a stranger to visit; their politeness
and courteous hospitality is a heritage from the viceroyalty,—and it is
more Peruvian than Spanish, being free from the extreme formality which
is the keynote of Spanish courtesy.
The new Peru is the result of a transition extending over a long period,
but of which the last steps have been rapid and of particular
significance. The heritage of aristocratic Spain held the republican
Peruvians in bondage long after the declaration of their independence
gave verbal freedom and equality to all. It was not possible that the
old ideas and tendencies should vanish with a stroke of the Liberator’s
pen. But the desire for liberty grew in the hearts of the people as its
blessings were ever more enjoyed and appreciated, and latent abilities
were awakened as the demand became imperative for capable, resolute, and
dominant leaders to advance in the path of progress. So long as fortune
smiled and wealth came easily, it was not possible that the best
characteristics of the people should be developed, however, and it was
not until adversity struck a heavy blow that the true spirit of the
nation was revealed.
[Illustration: AN INDIAN WOMAN OF LORETO.]
It is sometimes said that the Peruvians are too gentle for their own
good—that the national optimism is combined with too large a share of
“faith in a lucky star” to be conducive of determined effort. But the
history of the past few years proves that the nation is capable of
advancing in line with the most progressive countries, and that the
elements uniting to consolidate the best interests of the new Peru are
not only unlimited faith and confidence but also fine judgment,
well-directed energy, and established principles. It is peculiarly
significant of the tendency of the new Peru that the statesman chosen to
govern its destinies during the next four years as president of the
republic is one of the most capable financiers in South American
politics. It is not because of his famous ancestry—he is a descendant of
the noble Estete who distinguished himself during the period of the
conquest and established the first settlement at Trujillo—nor yet for
his scholarship, though he is among the best informed men of his
country, but because he realizes, in his wonderful grasp of present-day
needs and possibilities, the aspirations of his people, and is prepared
to lead them to greater heights than the nation has yet known. The
president-elect has already announced the policy of his government,
which is to be an instrument of progress, its underlying impulses the
maintenance of peace and the protection of the interests and rights of
all citizens. Questions of sanitation, education, immigration,
agriculture, and railroad construction are to receive attention, and
everything that may contribute to the national well-being will have
careful consideration. The staunch principles of the man who is to
direct the destinies of his country for the next four years are voiced
in his declaration: “I intend to be the head of the nation, not the head
of a party.” This is the spirit of leadership demanded by the Peruvians
to-day. A new generation is taking the place of the older; new vitality
pulses through the veins of the younger patriot, and his nerves are
stronger, his sight is keener and his recognition of the forces that are
moulding the destinies of empires to-day is impelling him to more active
endeavor. That he does not forget the debt of honor due to the noble
heroes who have rendered the highest services to the country in the
past, while he recognizes the merit of those who are working for its
present and future aggrandizement, is shown by the liberality with which
monuments are built to commemorate their deeds. On the 8th of September
last, a magnificent pantheon was dedicated to the memory of “The
Defenders of the Nation in the War of 1879”; in its crypt repose the
remains of the immortal heroes Admiral Grau and Colonel Bolognesi. It is
the most imposing monument of the capital and shows that while the
national heart beats high with hope for future achievement, it is still
true to the sentiment of gratitude for compatriots who were sacrificed
in the darker days that are past. With one hand clasping the tender
memories of misfortune and the other extended to receive the blessings
of a more prosperous day, the Peruvian nation displays its most salient
characteristics, loyalty and optimism.
[Illustration: A NATIVE WEAVER, CHICLAYO.]
[Illustration: MAPA POLITICO Y GEOGRÁFICO DEL PERÚ]
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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
● Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained.
● Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.