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cial fortune of Great Britain; and what is still more, of unravelling and exposing to view the causes which have given rise to the vicissitudes which this fortune has undergone during a hundred and twenty five years; so that, by throwing a single glance on Mr. Moreau's table, the economist, the statesman, or the merchant may form a correct idea of the highest social interests with the greatest facility, and in much the same manner as they would consult a map, to ascertain the position of a town or the course of a river. This is no doubt an immense service rendered to all those, who, whether from inclination or necessity, take an interest in commercial transactions.

Under this point of view, it is to be hoped that Mr. Moreau will, in the same manner, treat on all the capital branches of the commercial organization of England: such, for instance, as navigation, manufactures, &c. &c, As to ourselves, we should warmly intreat this distinguished economist not to confine himself to the logic of figures (which, however, is by no means the most common) but to clear up and enlighten with his pen, some of those points of commercial science, around which still reigns so much obscurity. No one could better fulfil this arduous and important task.

The following is an extract from Mr. Moreau's work, which will give our readers some idea of its importance.

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140 NS

THE AMERICA

THE AMERICAN MONITOR.

CORRESPONDENCE.

PORTUGAL.

The Portuguese nation appears to be in a state of fermentation and disorder, which seems to presage some change in the organization of the monarchy. The Portuguese wish for a constitution, which shall alike guarantee the rights of the people and those of the sovereign, and they claim the fulfilment of the royal so flagrantly departed from, through the efpromises forts of an individual who interposes between the throne and the people, and who is above all decidedly averse to the recognition of Brasil. Under this point of view, the affairs of Portugal are connected with the grand interests which we advocate, and we have deemed it right, to request an eye-witness to observe minutely, and to make known to us all such events as may interest our readers; he has been pleased to comply with our request, and this is his first letter.

To the Editor of the American Monitor.

Lisbon, 18th September 1824.

SIR, You request of me some exposition of the political situation of Portugal, as well as my opinion on the turn which the state of things between this kingdom and Brasil is now taking. You observe, that it is generally believed, that the differences which have arisen between the mother-country and her ancient colony, may yet be terminated amicably, and you ask me if these pacific conjectures are likely to prove correct. This task is a difficult one, and I really cannot promise to execute

it completely; the situation of Portugal is so very intricate and confused, that without the eyes of Asmodeus, it would be impossible to form an exact idea of it. I will now, however, just sketch the principal features of the general picture.

You know the history of the thousand factions, which, during the last ten years, have not ceased to agitate Portugal and tear her in pieces, by promising her that liberty and happiness which they only sought for themselves. You know through what chaos of follies, crimes, and misfortunes, this country, once so flourishing now so distressed, has reached the counter-revolution of 1823, which ought, and might indeed, have been the end of all her woes. Provoked by the errors of the government, determined by the corruption of the depositaries of its authority, and accelerated by the calculatory egotism of all parties, the revolution had run its course during nearly two years, and yet no fixed law, no stable government has been established.

The moment was, however, very opportune to lay the foundations of a regenerating political system, and it was impossible to obtain possession of power under auspices more favorable and more likely to insure a peaceful and reparative reign. The Portuguese nation, worn out by the violent convulsions, to which she had been abandoned by the administration of the Cortes, gave herself up with confidence, to the care which the new administration ought to take for her safety, her glory, and her happiness. She forgot the wounds of the past, she supported with courage the charges imposed on her by the re-establishment of sovereign authority, on which she founded her hopes for the future. Those who just before exercised the supreme power now quietly dispersed; and the whole nation rallied round the throne with a frankness and good faith, which did not even allow the new ministry to act on the defensive. From this moment, it seemed as though no pretext could retard.. the organization and maturing of a constitutional government, which the general voice pointed out, and openly called for.

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