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[Illustration: THE AUTHOR AND HIS GUIDES THREE FAITHFUL MEN]




THROUGH FIVE REPUBLICS ON HORSEBACK

BEING AN ACCOUNT OF MANY WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA


BY


G. WHITFIELD RAY, F. R. G. S. Pioneer Missionary and Government Explorer


With an Introduction by the Rev. J. G. Brown, D. D. Secretary for the
Foreign Missions of the Canadian Baptist Church


TWELFTH EDITION--REVISED

EVANGELICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE C. HAUSER, Agent CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A.
1915




[Illustration: SOUTH AMERICA]




PREFACE

The _Missionary Review of the World_ has described South America as THE
DARKEST LAND. That I have been able to penetrate into part of its
unexplored interior, and visit tribes of people hitherto untouched and
unknown, was urged as sufficient reason for the publishing of this
work. In perils oft, through hunger and thirst and fever, consequent on
the many wanderings in unhealthy climes herein recorded, the writer
wishes publicly to record his deep thankfulness to Almighty God for His
unfailing help. If the accounts are used to stimulate missionary
enterprise, and if they give the reader a clearer conception of and
fuller sympathy with the conditions and needs of those South American
countries, those years of travel will not have been in vain.

"Of the making of books there is no end," so when one is acceptably
received, and commands a ready sale, the author is satisfied that his
labor is well repaid. The 4th edition was scarcely dry when the
Consul-General of the Argentine Republic at Ottawa ordered a large
number of copies to send to the members of his Government. Much of it
has been translated into German, and I know not what other languages.
Even the _Catholic Register_ of Toronto has boosted its sale by
printing much in abuse of it, at the same time telling its readers that
the book "sold like hot cakes." A wiser editor would have been discreet
enough not to refer to "Through Five Republics on Horseback." His
readers bought it, and--had their eyes opened, for the statements made
in this work, and the authorities quoted, are unanswerable.

Seeing that there is such an alarming ignorance regarding Latin
America, I have, for this edition, written an Introductory Chapter on
South America, and also a short Foreword especially relating to each of
the Five Republics here treated. As my portrayal of Romanism there has
caused some discussion, I have, in those pages, sought to incorporate
the words of other authorities on South American life and religion.

That the following narratives, now again revised, and sent forth in new
garb, may be increasingly helpful in promoting knowledge, is the
earnest wish of the author.

G. W. R.

Toronto, Ont.




INTRODUCTION

"Through Five Republics on Horseback" has all the elements of a great
missionary book. It is written by an author who is an eye-witness of
practically all that he records, and one who by his explorations and
travels has won for himself the title of the "Livingstone of South
America." The scenes depicted by the writer and the glimpses into the
social, political and religious conditions prevailing in the Republics
in the great Southern continent are of thrilling interest to all lovers
of mankind. We doubt if there is another book in print that within the
compass of three hundred pages begins to give as much valuable
information as is contained in Mr. Ray's volume. The writer wields a
facile pen, and every page glows with the passion of a man on fire with
zeal for the evangelization of the great "Neglected Continent." We are
sure that no one can read this book and be indifferent to the claims of
South America upon the Christian Church of this generation.

To those who desire to learn just what the fruits of Romanism as a
system are, when left to itself and uninfluenced by Protestantism, this
book will prove a real eye-opener. We doubt if any Christian man, after
reading "Through Five Republics on Horseback," will any longer conclude
that Romanism is good enough for Romanists and that Missions to Roman
Catholic countries are an impertinence. We trust the book will awaken a
great interest in the evangelization of the Latin Republics of South
America.

Of course, this volume will have interest for others besides missionary
enthusiasts. Apart from the religious and missionary purpose of the
book, it contains very much in the way of geographical, historical and
scientific information, and that, too, in regard to a field of which as
yet comparatively little is known. The writer has kept an open mind in
his extensive travels, and his record abounds in facts of great
scientific value.

We have known Mr. Ray for several years and delight to bear testimony
to his ability and faithfulness as a preacher and pastor. As a lecturer
on his experiences in South America he is unexcelled. We commend
"Through Five Republics on Horseback" especially to parents who are
anxious to put into the hands of their children inspiring and
character-forming reading. A copy of the book ought to