On several occasions Rome endeavoured to intervene, but on each occasion was met with rebuff.  Leaders, such as Francia of Paraguay, appointed their own clergy, and, quite regardless of any outside authority whatever, made or unmade priests, and, in fact, dealt in sacred things to their hearts’ content.  Francia retained his Bishop in a capacity which was little more than that of a body-servant.  This Bishop he had himself promoted from the most ignorant country priest of a most ignorant country.

Probably no other portion of the history of the modern world shows such unbridled licence as was exercised in almost every Republic of the Continent during the first half of its freedom.

Perhaps one of the most curious phenomena of the post-revolutionary era of South America was the rapidity with which the majority of the original leaders disappeared from the stage of public life.  San Martin had voluntarily forsaken the scene of his triumphs.  In one sense he was fortunate, since the fierce rivalry which arose at the conclusion of the War of Independence left his colleagues little chance of making their conge with a similar amount of dignity.

Bolivar died impoverished and exiled, one of the most sublime and tragic figures of the revolution.  O’Higgins, it is true, divested himself of his insignia of office by a spontaneous act.  This, however, only came about when the opposing parties had stretched forth their hands to clutch at each other’s throats.  In the majority of cases the ending of the careers of these early patriots was equally abrupt.

Nothing of this, however, was foreseen when the age of liberty first dawned; then the men who had organized the campaign and who had won the battles were still heroes in the eyes of the people.  Bolivar was frenziedly acclaimed as the deliverer of Peru, an honour which, in the absence of San Martin, none could dispute with him.  Although it was obvious that the circumstances about him were changing, and that the once high ideals of many were becoming affected by sordid considerations, Bolivar’s exaltation of spirit seems to have continued unimpaired.  That he had become sterner and more imperious there is no doubt.

Many anecdotes are told of him at this period, one of which shows him in a light rather uncommon in South America, where gallantry towards ladies is apt to be carried to the extreme.  It is said that at a ball a lady insisted on singing his praises with an admiration that was positively fulsome.  Bolivar, according to the story, reproved her by these words:  “Madam, I had previously been informed of your character, and now I perceive it myself.  Believe me, a servile spirit recommends itself to no one, and in a lady is highly to be despised.”  No doubt the reproof was well earned, but at the same time the language reveals a gruffness which scarcely tallies with Bolivar’s usual conduct.