Under the influence of a common religion, a common language, and a common government the consolidation of the great Inca empire was effected, and it must be conceded that the benevolent character of the despotism which its sovereigns exercised was the saving feature of a system which must seem, to the freedom-loving spirit of the twentieth century, the worst species of barbarism. Yet for a primitive people, who shall say that the government of Cuzco did not accomplish more toward civilizing them than a less autocratic but more oppressive system would have done? In the course of time, might not Inca philosophers, such as Pachacutec and Huayna-Ccapac, more advanced in their ideas by social evolution, gradually extend more privileges to their subjects and lift them up to a higher level? The empire had apparently reached its farthest boundaries with the conquests of Chile and Quito, and the period of insurrection and insubordination had passed, as a result of wise measures taken to bind all the Inca’s subjects together in a common interest, through the practice of a common religion and the exclusive use of a common language. It was the most promising moment in the development of the race. The story of Huayna-Ccapac’s fear and foreboding when the news was carried to him in his palace on the island of Lake Titicaca that “white and bearded men” had been seen in the region of the coast, and of his retirement to Quito to pass the remainder of his days in the society of his favorite Pacha, the mother of Atahuallpa, is well known. Unfortunately, the poetical romance of Atahuallpa’s birth in the conquered city of his mother’s people, and of his winning the proud heart of his father, so that the rightful heir to the throne of Cuzco was relegated to a second place in the Inca’s affections, has been pronounced a fable; because Atahuallpa was twelve years old when Huayna-Ccapac conquered Quito. But, on the other hand, there is no proof that Huayna-Ccapac did not invade Quito previous to its conquest. At any rate, the story is _bien trouvée_. The question of disposing of his empire vexed the great Inca, who wished to provide well for his favorite son, but was bound to recognize the exalted rights of the Coya’s heir, Huascar, at whose birth the national rejoicings had been greater than on the natal day of any other prince of Cuzco. The legend of Huascar’s golden chain, which was long enough to encircle the plaza of Cuzco three times, is still repeated, and expeditions still seek it in the various places where it is said to have been concealed on the approach of the Spaniards. Finally the throne of Cuzco was given to Huascar, and that of Quito to Atahuallpa. Neither was satisfied, and their quarrels and combats resulted in dividing the empire under rival powers at the supreme moment when unity was its only hope for salvation. [Illustration: DOORWAY OF THE OBSERVATORY, INTI-HUATANA.] [Illustration: THE INCA’S THRONE, OVERLOOKING THE CITY OF CUZCO.]