How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
This gossip of the inland Campo, so characteristic of the rulers of the country with its story of oppression, inefficiency, fatuous methods, treachery, and savage brutality, was perfectly known to Mrs. Gould. That it should be accepted with no indignant comment by people of intelligence, refinement, and character as something inherent in the nature of things was one of the symptoms of degradation that had the power to exasperate her almost to the verge of despair. (I.8.28)
As you can see from this quote, the country has a fairly nasty/disorganized political history, which both of the Goulds find incredibly frustrating. In particular, Mrs. Gould is ticked off that no one seems willing to push for change.
Quote #5
In the contests that broke out at the end of his rule (which had kept peace in the country for a whole fifteen years) there was more fatuous imbecility, plenty of cruelty and suffering still, but much less of the old-time fierce and blindly ferocious political fanaticism. It was all more vile, more base, more contemptible, and infinitely more manageable in the very outspoken cynicism of motives. (I.8.44)
Referred to here, the reign of Guzmán Bento is kind of a big old shadow hanging over the book. Bento tortured a couple of our main characters (i.e., the doctor and Don José) and was quite the evil (to say nothing of crazy) tyrant. Unsurprisingly, he looms large in the memories of lots of characters.
Quote #6
What was currently whispered was this—that the San Tomé Administration had, in part, at least, financed the last revolution, which had brought into a five-year dictatorship Don Vincente Ribiera, a man of culture and of unblemished character, invested with a mandate of reform by the best elements of the State. (I.8.45)
It seems that the Goulds eventually got tired of watching Costaguana's political nonsense and took matters into their own hands. Although Charles tries to appear distanced from political maneuverings (when it suits him), he seems to have given some money to help ensure a particular man—Don Vincente Ribiera—came to power. That doesn't really sound like "staying out of it," but whatever you say, Charles...