This fine collection of essays by a reputable native scholar, for the most part previously published, covers many facets of the history of modern Ecuador. If there is an underlying theme, it is the constitutional development of the country. But other topics are dealt with, including the touchy boundary disputes with Colombia and Peru, regarding which considerable evidence is marshalled.
That the author has profound faith in liberalism is reflected on nearly every page. Candidly, he notes that the twin enemies of order and progress in the past have been an aggressive, self-centered militarism and a pervasive, intolerant clericalism. To a greater degree the former was “the cause and effect of the mal-functioning of the Republic” (p. 97). García Moreno, who turned Ecuador into a theocratic anachronism, personifies the reactionary forces of religion. Eloy Alfaro emerges as the representative of the liberal ideal. But the monument to him “will be incomplete if it is not accompanied by one of his Minister Moncayo. Thus Chile perpetuated justifiably the work of President Manuel Montt and his Minister Antonio Varas.” (p. 256).
One may take issue with several of the author’s conclusions. While the Laws of the Indies may have “introduced racial discrimination in legislation and ordinances” in the colonies, it was essentially a humanitarian code, unique for its recognition of the rights of exploited subjects. Failure in execution is not equivalent to failure in conception. It is astonishing that criticism is directed at the Kemmerer mission, which, in the author’s words, “acted in reality in behalf of North American interests.” (p. 329). Of the technical missions sponsored by the United States in recent decades, this has been one of the most disinterested.
In republishing these stimulating articles in a single volume, Dr. Jaramillo has surely contributed to a wider knowledge of the vicissitudes of Ecuadorian politics. One of the commendable features of the book is a fresh appraisal of historical personalities and events in the light of recent scholarship. Of course much that is said of liberalism in this Andean republic in its struggle with internal foes is applicable to the experience of other Latin American states.
