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M 4 Of SUMMARY VIEW OF THE '<\^^ it STATISTICS AND EXISTING COMMERCE OF THE PaiKCIPAL SHORES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, WITH A SKETCH OP THE ADVANTAGES, POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL, WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OP A CENTRAL FREE PORT WITHIN ITS LIMITS; AMD ALSO OF ONE IJf THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC, VIZ. WITHIN THE TERRITORV OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, CONFERRING ON THIS LAST, IN PARTICULAR, THE SAUE'PRIVILEOES OF FREE TRADE WITH I^UIA AND THE NORTHERN ATLANTIC, RESTOWED LATELY ON MALTA AND OIBRALTAIU BY ALEXANDER M^KONOCHIE, ESQ. COMMANDER, ROYAL NAVY. LONDON 1818. 'If I ( • \ J ':i ''^ I 'i * ■iW ii TO VICE-ADMIRAL THE lIOVOUnABLE ' SIR ALEXANDEr INGLIS COCHRANE, O. \ . B. &c. &c. &c. UNDER WHOSE IMAIEDIATE AUSPICKS THE AUTHOft IMDIBED THE EIKST ELEMENTS OF HIS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, AND FROM WHOM HE HAS RECEIVED, SUUSEQUENTLY, INNUMERABLE IMPORTANT AND MOST GRATIFYING TESTIMONIES OF FRIENDSHIP, THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, AS A SIMPLE BUT MOST SINCERE TESTIMONY OP GRATITUDE AND REGARD. 4 * ^; 7J ?■; 1, r I ft- II ■■1 I . I ft ■i I. ■ in "if- M * I' it ' CONTENTS. Page, Introduction ix CHAPTER I. SUMMARY OP THE STATISTICS, MEANS OF FOREIGN COMMU* NICATION, AND EXISTING COMMERCE, OF THE PRINCIPAL SHORES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. Indian Settlements 1 Spanish South American Colonies 9 ■ North American Colonies *1 New Albion 61 Russian Settlements in America 70 ' Asia T* China 87 Kurile Islands 104< Jesso 106 Japanese Islands 108 Loo-Choo Islands 115 Indian Archipelago 125 New South Wales 153 Van Diemen's Land 189 Archipelago of the Pacific 192 CHAPTER II. ON THE POLiriCAL AND COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES WHICH WOULD SEEM CONNECTED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL FREE PORT WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE PA- CIFIC OCEAN 224 !■■ VJll CHAPTER III. r i; Page. !■ ON THE POLICY OF FORMINQ A SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENT ALSO IN THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC, (viZ. WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE,) AND OF CON- FERRING UPON IT PARTICULARLY THE SAME PRIVL'^EOE OP TRADE WITH INDIA, LATELY BESTOWED ON MALTA AND GIBRALTAR 276 CHAPTER IV. CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WOULD SEEM TO DICTATE OUR CHOICE OF POINTS ON WHICH TO ESTABLISH THE FREE PORTS IN THE PACIFIC AND ATLANTIC OCEANS, OF WHICH THE ADVANTAGES HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATED IN THE TWO PRECEDING CHAPTERS— SUr-'IDIARY CONSIDERATIONS IN SUPPORT, AND RECAPITULATION OF THE WHOLE. ARGU- MENT-^CONCLUSION S37 : h :a \t SI; I' i I li .'U li: *;; Page. MBNT THE CON- IE OF AND . . . 276" INTRODUCTION. OUR PREE mcH THE IONS IGVm 337 There are two principal objects, besides some others of lesser note, contemplated in this work ; and as I am unable adequately to set tliem f—th in a Title Page, however copiously worded, I beg leave to prefix to the whole, the Mowing summary exposition of them. The first, then, is an attempt to fix public atten- tion on the Pacific Ocean, that immense gap in our commercial relations, whose shores extend to every habitable degree of latitude in our globe, and teem with every valuable article of exchange ; and which yet hitherto has been scarcely visited once in a sea- son by a British merchiHiL ship, unless on one ob- scure point, where a Colony for the reception of Convicts has been established. This singular apa- thy and indifference, it has appeared to me, are in part owing to our inadequate knowledge, in gene- !< ■ it :,{ T. ' I V I: If 5 V ral, of the various resources, commercial and po- litical, of this Great Ocean, as it is also emphati- cally styled ; and I endeavour to combat them ac- cordingly, in the first instance, by a summary di- gest of the leading features of the Statistics of its principal shores ; of their means of foreign com- munication, whether maritime or overland; and of the extent to which these are as yet improved — in other words, of the amount of their existing Com- merce. My first chapter, then, is consumed in these details, which I have sought still further, too, to illustrate, by prefixing a skeleton chart of the whole Ocean, coloured to indicate the princi- pal divisions of its shores, and the sovereign powers, whether Native or European, by whose subjects they are severally occupied ; thus supplying, at a single glance, a distinct idea of the degree to which these latter have as yet extended their dominion within its limits. In the second, I then pass on to the consi- deration of the benefits which, it wo'ild appear to me, would result to this country from the establish- ment of a Colony in one of those Islands with which its surface is studded ; selecting, of course, a point whence an easy comnmnicatiun may be instituted with every considerable market within its scope. I further propose, that this point be declared a free port to all and every speculation; and that it should thus not only be an emporium whence our own ■n ■V XI md po- mphati- tiem ac- (lary di- es of its jn com- and of 'oved — ig Com- med in further, 3hart of princi- powers, :ts they 1 single :h these ithin its B consi- ipear to tablish- 1 which a point Jtituted scope, d a free should ir own m a. '-A' exportations would readily diverge to their several destinations within its horizon, but also a conduit by which the whole speculations of these seas would be conveyed to the European and other Atlantic markets. To the Commercial views opened by this speculation, I add a few Political considerations in its favour ; but of these I shall here only quote two, — the expediency of providing a bulwark to India on the side of the Spanish South American colonies, in the event of their eifecting their eman- cipation, and becoming consequently young and ambitious states ; and a curb to the Piracy of their marine, should that grow desperate by their de- feat, and attempt to renew in the Pacific, those buccaneering scenes which were so long the dis- grace and terror of the Caribbean Sea. Thus far, then, the work proceeds in the two first chapters ; and with them I conclude what I there propose to advance in relation to the Pacific Ocean. The third commence? the other principal discussion which I would introduce, and which, I am inclined to think, will be, for the present at least, much more interesting than the other. It IS entitled, ** On the policy of forming a similar es- tablishment also in the Southern Atlantic, (viz. within the territory of the Cape of Good Hope,) and of conferring on that particularly the privilege of free trade with India, lately bestowed on Malta and Gibraltar," Now, it is impossible in this Introduc- Il.t HI ia- ' i.. .a : I » ' I i; i:" J '• ■ f;lil tion to enter into the entire argument wliich I have adduced in its place in favour of this whole pro- posal, that indeed is of an extent and variety, to which I can only now generally allude ; but there is a prima facie recommendation of at least the last clause of it, which I can here venture to detail, pre- facing it, however, with some little necessary ex- planation. It will be within the knowledge then of all commercial readers, that ever since we were possessed of transmarine Colonies, it has been a principle rigidly maintained in our policy respect- ing them, to oblige their produce to repair first to England as to a great emporium, whence, after first paying import duty, and then receiving a por- tion of this again as a drawback,"" it finds its way to its ultimate market. This passaf^e through Eng- land is familiarly called the tiansit of colonial pro- duce ; and the excess of the import duty above the drawback, is equally known by the name of the transit duty. With respect to East Indian produce, this transit was long confined exclusively to Lon- don, that port alone possessing the right of trading to our Indian possessions ; but this right was, some few years ago, extended also to certain other do- mestic ports, the original principle being yet still maintained, requiring transit through England. Last session of Parliament, however, a Right Ho- nourable Member, high in the ranks of administra- i I I f "hi Xlll lich I have whole pro- variety, to but there 1st the last ietail, pre- ;essary ex- edge then e we were as been a y respect- lir first to ice, after ng a por- its way to Ligh Eng- onial pro- above the le of the produce, T to Lon- )f trading ,vas, some other do- ; yet still England. ight Ho- ministra- d ,:* ■# ,1 i tion, rose in his place, and having represented the inconvenience and loss entailed on British mer- chants carrying East Indian produce to the Me- diterranean from the necessity of taking England in their way, all the ports of which lay most re- mote from their direct track ; (an inconvenience which was enabling foreign merchants, particular- ly the subjects of the United States, to undersell them at every point j) he concluded by moving, that the same privilege of direct trade with India, formerly conceded to other domestic ports than London, should now also be extended to Malta and Gibraltar ; in other words, that transit through them should be made equivalent, in all respects, to transit through any port in England. The motion passed almost unanimously, was carried through the usual forms of legislative enactment, and the cor- responding statute now stands on the record as law. Such then are the facts on which V^ovmd., prima facie^ the proposal contained in the last clause of the title of the third chapter of this work, the pro- posal, namely, to extend the same privilege also to a port within the territory of the Cape of Good Hope. I argue, that if the English domestic ports are remote from the direct track from India to the Mediterranean, they are even more so from every route to the American and West Indian markets ; %i 4 .ii' i- B fi..l \: XIV and I assert, that, in consequence of this very re- moteness, we have no share whatever in the supply of any of them with East Indian produce, unless only such as are subject to our legislative enactments, and, even in these, a very considerable contraband trade is carried on by means of the neighbouring port of St. Thomas*. If, then, there was an extreme case made out with respect to the Mediterranean, it equally, or even in a still greater degree, applies to these other markets, to those, namely of Buenos Ayres, Brazil, Caraccas, New Grenada, Mexico, the West Indies, United States, &c. in the supply of all of which we might pretend to a share, by ad- vancing a port near the Cape of Good Hope, to the rank of a transit port. This however, is, after all, only the prima Jiicie argument in favour of such a measure ; for the consequences to which it would seem inevitably to lead, particularly when further developed by the additional gift to the proposed point of an absolutely free trade, the consequences, I say, to which it would then seem inevitably to lead, are, as I have elsewhere observed, of a weight and importance which can only be seen by a re- ference to the third chapter itself, but which sink every consideration of mere competition in the supply of the American market with East Indian produce, even as nothing in the comparison. I I •Hli III XV his very re- he supply of unless only ;ments,and, iband trade :ing port ol' ctreme case jrranean, it J, applies to of Buenos a, Mexico, the supply are, by ad- l Hope, to 3r, is, after aur of such :h it would len further : proposed sequences, jvitably to fa weight 1 by a re- v^hich sink on in the ist Indian ion. The fourth and concluding chapter of the whole contains a slight review of those merely local and adventitious circumstances, which would seem to dictate our selection of the several points, the Society and Sandwich Islands in the Pacific, and Saldanha Bay within the territory of the Cape of Good Hope in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, as the sites of the free ports which it is recommended to establish ; and comprising, moreover, a somewhat detailed view of the capacities of the latter to be- come the centre of a great Commerce, concludes with a brief recapitulation of the scope and leading features of the whole argument in favour of both measures. I shall not anticipate any part of these discussions in this place ; the reference thus made to them is sufficiently distinct to enable the reader to turn to them at once, should he wish to preface his perusal of the whole work, by a consideration of the subordinate local details with which the schemes contained in it are connected, or by a summary ex- position of its principal contents. I shall only here further observe, that occasion has been taken on every favourable opportunity nearly throughout, to give the outlines of the leading arguments in favour of those several views of Colonial and Commercial policy, respecting which it was impossible to have followed out the whole discussion, such as it is now submitted to pubHc judgment, without forming au r' 'r. ! '. I r •r ♦ "l si; (, : ■ i XXI le are nearly I those geo- i which, as minute pro- 3r whatever I to labour, competent this is not, stion which I ; I would the utility isequcnt on little or no- ;uccess with ded only it 3 the consi- :al and com- treat. To ^, and, then, unqualified jwn for the ical reason- ely possible lered by ne- ices should A'as right — Much pub- n the rudest Isketcii, so that it shadow out, in any degree at all, ' some few of the great questions thus involved- some few of the great interests thus overlooked ; and as I do not, in truth, pretend to have even aimed at more than this object, on the present occasion, so do I now finally dismiss my attempt to , its trial and award, with an earnest, and even some- what sanguine hope, that I shall not be found, on examination, to have very materially failed in its at- tainment. '! ,1* ■ %:, 'H •iii Ml '111: It! ' i ' iii 1 •.' i. I « H- •'■Iii ^- II I ..,■1 ^"'' 1::: If'-. SiH:) |iH:);|| •i'">i„ I i CHAPTER I. SUMMARY OF THE STATISTICS, MEANS OF FOREIGN COM- MUNICATION, AND EXISTING COMMERCE, OF THE PRINCIPAL SHORES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. INDIAN SETTLEMENTS- rii 1 HE southern extremity of Soutli America is yet, for the most part, in the occupation of the native Indian tribes, the aboriginal inhabitants of the whole country ; the continued line of Spanish colonial dominion terminating on the west shore, at the river Bio-bio, joining the Pa- cific in lat. 37° south. From this point, then, the whole extent, quite to the Straits of Magel- lan, comprising a line of sea coast exceeding 1400 miles in length, is, with the exception of one or two isolated Spanish settlements, which will be noticed in another place, included un- der the general head which I here prefix, of In- dian Settlements. Their iinportance, in a com- B (•■ it; ■.'•'•If "lit ■ f.'ll t llf>. !'(•■■ 'f ■ I u •-U I '■ • 'i ijr'A Jt, ' ■ ■'.! ►• . o. Hiercial point of view, is not as yet great ; but a summary of the statistics, and means of com- merce of the Pacific shores, would be incom- plete, without a short notice of the leading fea- tures, of their soil, climate, population, and means of internal and external communication — the extent to which these last are as yet improved furnishing also matter for a very few remarks. Soil, Climate^ and Vegetable Productions. — The soil and climate of so extensive a tract of coun- try must necessarily be much diversified ; nor can I here notice more than tlie principal fea- tures characterizing the two extremes. The southern districts are comparatively low; the line of Andes, which traverses the whole con- tinent from north to south, gaining its greatest elevation nearly under the equator, and melt- ing down gradually towards the sea in the high southern latitudes. There, too, the climate is cold and humid ; the soil sandy, intermixed with extensive tracts of morass j and the vege- table productions few and unimportant, corre- sponding to a soil and climate thus character- ized. The only valuable article is the forest timber, which, on the shores adjoining the Gulf of Chiloe in particular, attains a vigour of growth and quality, holding ovit very considerable in- .1 ■s M reat ; but IS of com- )e incom- ading fea- tion, and lunication re as yet - very few ms, — The t of coun- ified ; nor [icipal fea- [es. The low ; the vhole con- ts greatest and melt- 1 tlie high climate is ntermixed the vege- mt, corre- character- the forest r the Gulf of growth lierable in- 3 ducements to commercial speculation, were the Pacific Ocean to become the theatre of an ac- tive maritime commerce, and a certain market thus provided for naval stores. The northern districts are somewhat more mountainous, al- though still more generally level than the con- tiguous provinces of Spanish Chili ; and the cli- mate, although still, in winter, tinctured with a portion of the asperity of that of the south- ern districts, is yet in summer mild and genial, giving vigour and maturity to an infinitely more extended list of vegetable productions. Of these, maize, wheat, and potatoes, are objects of culti- vation to the simple natives, whose plains, more- over, abound with nearly every species of wild fruit, while their forests are composed of every variety of valuable timber. These forests are, how- ever, by no means so abiuidant as in the southern districts ; the whole of this northern division, as far as the Valdivia, having been once in the occupation of the Spaniards, and cleared, ei- ther wliile under their sway, or during the san- guinary war which, for nearly 200 years, was maintained against them by the native tribes, united in that celebrated Araucanian confe- deracy which the successive pens of Ercilla and Molina have made familiar to the students of South American histoiT or manners. i< hi ill '-■"•*: 'J ■ ^'iH ;:( ■ >' ' ' 'i ':■*'-!■. 'lit' ft 11 ::/| ■J* ■ '.:;'f 4 Belbre quitting this article, it nuiy be proper to observe, that situate on the declivitv of the Andes, the Indian, as the Spanish settlements, have ever been exposed to the most dreadful calamities from earthcpiakes and volcanic erup- tions. Some most deplorable instances of these are recorded in Molina's Natural and Civil His- tory of Chili, a work to which I would beg leave to refer wliatever curious reader may be desirous of more minute information than I can here give respecting these settlements. Mineral Productions. — These are said to be both rich and abundant, but tiieir research is for- bidden, under the most severe penalties, by the natives. This prohibition was occasioned by their resentment against the Spaniards, and was promulgated immediately after their expulsion, with all the formalities of legislative enact- ment. Population.-^Thc Indian population of South America is divided into two great nations, the Puelche, or Eastern ; and the Moluche, or Western People ; so named from their situation relatively to the central chain or Cordillera of Andes, which traverses the whole continent. The Moluches, who alone come wdthin the li- mits of this compilation, are further divided in- to Huilliches, or Southern j Pehuenches, or Pine; 'Mi nil; 1 ■ i|! • i . ''^ '. ! ■ ;,■*•■• t ;! 'Hi • :''«■ >e propel' tv of the tlements, dreadful nic crup- i of these 2\\i\ His- beg leave 3 desirous can here lid to be rch is fbr- 3S, by the ioned by , and was xpulsion, ^e enact- of South ions, the uche, or situation dillera of ontinent. lin the li- vided iii- ,01" Pine; and Picunches, or Northern Indians; wlio, fol- lowing the same law with the vegetable produc- tions of the country, gradually improve as they draw to the northward, and progressively ad- vance in energy and political importance, from the naked and shivering savage of the Magel- lanic shores, to the bold and sagacious Arau- canian, whose merits are attested by his suc- cess against the invaders and plunderers of his native land. Of their total numbers, we have no accurate knowledge ; thus far only we have been assured, that they maintained their ground in every way while engaged in one of the most sanguinary wars on record, and that they have even considerably decreased since. Deprived of that strong excitement which the vicissitudes of war had supplied, they have substituted the more pernicious one of strong liquors in its stead, and have degenerated in a proportionate ratio to their means of obtaining this pernicious gra- tification. Means of Communication. — While the Spaniards yet occupied Araucania, the cities which they founded, the once flourishing and opulent cities of Imperial, Osorno, Canete, Valdivia, &c. were connected by tolerable roads, for the mainte- nance and improvement of which, the long pro- tracted civil wars furnished numerous additional U 13' \ |ll,'"T 1 ' ' 'I i!*"" • ■ ■ t 1 i' , 1 'f' - , ,, 'S 1 ■. ' <■ !■ •1 f! 1^ V .•: I"'" M 't .. ■II Si ;:!,;'T' ''i . inducements. These are now understood to be gone to decay; but such is tlie general level na- ture of the country, and such the gentle flow of the great rivers to the sea, the means of in- ternal commimication are still ample. One only road has l)een made within the last few years by the Spaniards, connecting Valdivia and Fort Maullin on the shores of the Gulf of Chiloe, two of those out settlements, which, it h^s been already noticed that they possess along the coast. This road is an interesting channel of communi- cation with the southern districts ; all access to which by sea is precluded, to the skill and en- terpri7:e of Spanish navigators at least, during the winter months. The means of external communication im- prove with the inducements to its maintenance in passing from south to north ; the extreme southern districts being nearly inaccessible, the Gulf of Chiloe stormy and hazardous only, and the sliores of Araucania everywhere easy and safe of approach. Of the six great rivers, too, which join the Pacific within the limits of these Indian settlements, the southernmost, the Sin- fondo, empties itself into the Gulf of Chiloe ; the next, the Rio-bueno, joins the Pacific in lat. 41" 20' south j the Chaivin and Valdivia in i! '1. .: '. • •'! .111. ■• . 1 . ,1'Ml tood to he il level na- jentle flow lans of in- One only w years by and Fort of Chiloe, it li^s been Sf the coast. ' communi- 11 access to ill and en- ist, during ication im- laintenance le extreme essible, the s only, and e easy and rivers, too, its of these t, the Sin- of Chiloe ; Pacific in Valdivia in about 390 40' south; and the Tolten* aud Cau- ten within the limits of Araucania Proper, as the narrow stripe of land between the Valdivia and Bio-bio is named. All these are navigable, for even the largest class of shipping, some con- siderable distance into the interior ; and, toge- tJier with the Bio-bio itself, the boundary river, would all become most interesting points of com- munication with these shores, were the Arau- canian prejudice against working their minerals to be dispelled, or were the Pacific Ocean to be so frequented as to afford a certain contiguous market for naval stores. Commerce. — The commerce of these shores is as yet of the most minute and desultory descrip- tion ; to the southward, consisting chiefly in the sale of their labour in felling timber, for which they are paid in ardent spirits ; and even among the northern and most civilized tribes, confined to the simplest form of barter, aided by some conventional values affixed to horse furniture, and some other articles of comm .a demand among them, by which they express their no- tions of value, and conclude their bargains. Their good fiiith is the most remarkable characteristic of these transactions, and is even proverbially * This river communicates with a large and navigable lake, 80 miles in circuit, situated in the interior. ' '' ("11, .' ".I I > 'I If i^ 1 ,,.n' I. ■ t '■•11 '1 i"" I .III I- ,..U,.,. »■ ">:" •i: ' i'if '■■il'" "I „ ■ ,n' i!'!; lA^ »' ; 8 quoted by the Spaniards, to whom their com- merce, by terms of the final treaty of peace con- chided in 177% i** exchisiveiy confined. The cliief articles of import into Araucania, are horse furniture, cutlery, spirituous liquors, grain, and wine. Those of export, are Ponchos, or Indian cloives, in tlie manufacture of which they display great ingenuity, and of which they are said to exj)ortaniuially from 40,000 to 50,000, some of which arevahied by the Spaniards, among themselves, at 150 dollars each ; together with some other trifling manufactures of Ostrich fea- thers and basket-work. The total amount is ex- ceedingly small, and is entirely conducted by interior communication, the Spaniards being ex- tremely jealous of any endeavour to open their sea-ports. In preventing this, their own good faith co-operates with Spanish precaution, and not even the whalers have ever, I believe, succeeded to any extent. The inducements to the attempt are indeed, as yet, too small ; nor can these ever be increased, but by the progres- sive improvement and activity of tiie other com- mercial resource^ of the Vv^hole Pacific Ocean, that sea which, by a singular neglect, seems hitherto to have been regarded rather as a sub- ject of w^onder and curiosity, than of consistent enterprize and exertion. "f 9 their corn- peace con- ed. Araiicania, HIS liquors, e Ponchos, ! of whicli wliich they ) to 50,000, rds, aimiong ^ether with 3stricli f'ea- lount is ex- ulucted by s being ex- open their own good lUtion, and I believe, cements to small ; nor lie progres- other com- iiic Ocean, ect, seems jr as a siib- :' conf^istent SPANISH SOUTH AMERICAN COLONIES. The Spanish South American colonies in the the Pacific, extend, in an unbroken line, from the river Bio-bio, in latitude 36" 50' south, to the isthmus of Panama, in 9" north latitude. The line of sea-coast, embraced within these limits, exceeds 3000 miles, without considering its less- er sinuosities ; besides which, however, several isolated points along the Indian shores, particu- larly Valdivia and Fort Maullin, already men- tioned; together with Isla Grande de Chiloe, the principal island in the Archipelago of that name, which, with its innumerable islets, skirts the whole coast between the latitudes of 41° and 52" south ; and the islands of Juan Fernandez, and some others of lesser note, are also subject to Spanish dominion in the Southern Pacific. The average breadth of their continental territory, does not exceed 350 miles, tlie eastern boundary being traced by the great central chain of Andes; its superficial contents are estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 square leagues. Political Divisions, Chitf Cities, Population, S^x. The whole of this extended territory is divided into three chief governments. Chili, Peru, and ;t! M U) 1 1 : >■ #• '.' I '..M- ill If* -c ,i .. ,n 1 , K v"- ■fur ..Iff !)i t I';: r i i< t'l: \ , i •If- .HHilf,: ' I 1,1 t.. :»A. New Grenada ; antl tlio f'ollowlniv tabic will be round to specify the limits, chief cities, and po- pulation of each. The limits are marked by tables of the latitudes bounding them on the sea-coast. (iovrrn- incuts. Chili. fjim'itn. Soiit/wni, 360 50' S, A'orlhr.ni 22" 30' S I'opiild- lion. Chief Cilks. Names, 800,000 St. Jago. Conccp. tion. I'opiil. Remarks. 42,()0(t The capital of Chili, nnd great emporium of its trade, distant, however, 70 miles from Valparaiso, it« sea-port. 12,000 Most advantageously m tuate, both for internal and external commiuiica tion, being both an excel lent .sca-|x)rt, and in thu immediate vicinity of the navigable river IJio-bio. It has suffered much, how er, by repeated cartli- quakes. Pern. 22" 30' S, 3" 30' S. 1,500,000 Lima. Cuzco. 80,000 30,000 The celebrated capital ol' Peru, and once the cmpo rium of the whole com- merce of these southern co- lonies with Old Spain. It is situate in an cxtensivr and conmiodious plain, wa- tered by a small river, iind is five miles distant from Callao, its sea-port. The once opulent capi tal of the Incas, now chief- ly maintained by its cot- ton nnd woollen manufac- tures. It is situate in tlic interior, 4fl0 miles from YIo, the nearest sea-port, and its commercial connec- tions are chiefly, therefore, confined to the upper coun- try. 11 )lc will be s, and po- larkcd by m on the liemarks. I capitiil of Chili, nnd emporium of its distant, however, 70 from Valparaiso, it« irt )st advantageously ai both for internal !xtcrnal comniiuiica being both an excel- ;ca-iM)rt, and in the ;liate vicinity of the ible river I5io-bio. It nffered much, how- by repeated earth - c celebrated capital ol' and once the cmpo of the whole com : of these southern co- with Old Spain. It iate in an cxtensivi' jmmodious plain, wa- by a small river, and a miles distant from 0, its sea-port, le once opulent capi the Incas, now chiet- aintained by its cot- nd woollen manufje- It is situate in the or, 4flO miles from the nearest sea-port, s commercial conncc- are chiefly, therefore, led to the upper coun TABLE— Cow■■! .titt- le 1 ;;; 'S'l 'in •¥ 1^ TABLE— Contvtued. UcmarUs, capital of New , an inland city, 250 miles from lura JJay, in the and about sixty om Honda, the a of the commerce [irovinces with the down the Uio a. Santa ]''e and cjmmcrcial, ■ect read from this ioned pb/^e, to the if rem. in inland city, si the nortliern ex f the famous plain ), elevated 90i)0 e the level of the I the immediate Chimborazo, the eak of the Andei an opulent ma ng city, also on roa(]l from Honda Cuenza, Potosi, Plata; 600 miles iita Fe ; and 300 nayaquil, on the apital of the pro which the gold al ;roHnds are princi losited. It is rich, manufacturing ; :nce, chiefly, of the rs of these opu' unhealthy inheri' apital of one of the und most inacces' ovinces in New , poor, and thinly Govern- ments. Limits. Southern. '.Northern. New Grenada 3030' S.QOIO'N Popula- tion. Chief Cities. Names. 1,800,000 Neyva. Honda. Pojjul. Remarks. Carthage- niu Panama. Porto- Bello. 6,000 Also a poor town and district. 9,000 The opulent and bitsy emporium of tlie Atlantic commerce of these colo- nies. Here the Madalena first I)ccomes navigable, aiid tliciice it proceeds 500 miles to the Atlantic. 22,000 The population here as signed, is the average of that of Carthagena, such as it was bef'^'e taken and almost destroyed by the royalist General Morillo, in tlic present war. It is situate on tlie principal mouth of tlie Madalena, and is thui most advanta- geously placed for an ex- tensive commerce, 700 Tlie celebrated and once opulent emporium of the overland commerce between tlie Atlantic and Pacific (Jceans, now in ruins and decay. Even, if possible, more thoroughly deserted than Panama, situate in a most unhealthy and pestilential valley near the sea, on the Atlantic side of tlic Isth- mus. if: ii r m \i Mi' i.:t: ' ' 111 , I : y - ; 't^ , r, 1 ' 1* " 1 !,J. !''■ ■f?' 1 .'.H^ ; , 1 :}„, I ., f II'. liJS ■■\ij i'-fii;: 14^ Soil and Climate, — These are of an almost in- finite diversity ; a diversity occasioned not '^o much by the variety of latitudes comprised with- in the ample limits which we have seen to bound these colonies, as by the several points of even extreme elevation which they attain along the sides of the Andes ; points, many of them with- in the limits of perpetual snow. It is thus im- possible to speak of them here, but in the most general terms ; and to these only, th^^ref '''^, I shall confine myself. The sea-coast i (^ inQ most part of very moderate elevation, level, and in many districts, particularly in Peru, sandy and arid, only occasionally, and at long inter- vals, interrupted by patches of the richest loam, yielding ample returns to even the slightest and most superficial cultivation. One only labour is indeed imposed on the husbandman, viz. that of irrigation, which, as it very seldom rains near the coast, is quite indispensable to his sue- cess. The upper country, as it is called, ia contradistinction to these maritime districts, is, on the other hand, irregular and mountainous, here shooting up a volcanic spiracle of immense elevation; tlicre presenting an extensive surface of bare and barren rock, the receptacle of the treasures of the mineral kingdom; and thci \, again, opening out a delicious valley of ta* IQ almost in- 2(i not "^o dsed w ith- 1 to bound ts of even along the ;hem witli- s thus im- n the most if^ref "•^, I i i.v tiie level, and eru, sandy long inter- chest loam, ightest and ly labour is 1, viz. that Idom rains i to his sue 5 called, ia listricts, is, ountainous, of immense sive surface acle of tlie and the )>\, lley of thi richest appearance, stored with every varied form of vegetable creation, and enjoying a cli- mate exposed to consideraole vicissitudes from the operation of the cold winds blowing from some neighbouring peak, yet, in the main, warm, salubrious, and delighti'ul. It is in these vallies, that the picture of the Happy Valley, drawn from the imagination of our great moralist, is embodied, even to the letter of his description. Within, is every varied resource which luxury, or even the grossest sensuality, can desire; and without, is the same rocky wall, almost imper- vious to human enterprise, forming that great obstacle to the improvement of Spanish Ame- rica, which is derived from the extreme difficul- ty of mutual intercoiuse and communication. The volcanic character of the Andes has been noticed in the preceding article, and need only again be quoted. The devastations produced by the eruptions, earthquakes, he. which have suc- cessively ruined nearly every opulent town with- in the hmits of these colonies, would excite a surmise, at least that the same sites were not again occupied, which had just been visited by such calamities. The surmise would be found- ed, however, on a contracted view of human nature ; a view, indeed, contradicted ^by even the most ordinary experience. The sailor is in- ff ! !'■ n 'I '< li ■""T H'> • i>ti|: 'If. ;'♦:. 16 difterent to the dangers of the sea ; the miner to the casualties of the mine ; the South Ame- rican to the impending menace of volcanic fire. And it is thus, that by a beneficent principle in our moral constitution, the danger which actu- ally threatens our existence, is deprived of that hold on tlie imagination, which would indeed aggravate its consequent suffering beyond what *ve could bear. Vegetable Productions, — These form a vei'y numerous list ; a list which I shall only attempt to class in the most general terms, according to the districts in which each article predominates. In the low sandy plains of Peru, the chief pro- ductions are pepper, sugar, grapes, olives, maize, and algarrobales, a species of forest tree, bearing a fruit of peculiarly nutritious qualities to cattle, on which accordingly they are principally fed while maintaining the interior communication across these thirsty plains. In Chili are added to these, wheat, potatoes, and great quantities of the finest fruits; while, in the more northern districts of Guayaquil and New Grenada, rice U'^d pasture lands, of considerable extent, indi- cate the swampy alluvions grounds brought down by the rivers from the mountainous in- terior, in many of which are found rich depo- sits of gold ore. The vallies of the interior and vl the miner )utli Ame- canic fire, irinciple in ^liich actu- ^ed of that aid indeed lyond what rm a veiy ily attempt ccording to ^dominates. ; chief pro- ives, maize, I'ee, bearing es to cattle, icipally fed imunication i are added t quantities )rc northern renada, rice ixtent, indi- ids brought ntainous in- d rich depo- interior and 17 upper country are still more diversified in their produce, yieJdiiig ample returns of sugar, cotton, indigo, tlie nopal, on which the cochineal is rear- ed, and every variety, as well of esculent grain, as of the most delicious tropical fruits. The me- dicinal lierbs and balsams of these countries are also celebrated. Among others, are, quinquina, or Jesuit's bark, sarsaparilla, jalap, balsam of To- hi, &c. ; and to the whole varied list may yet far- ther be added, the botanical riches, the knowledge of whicliwas first communicated to theEuropean world by the celebrated Mutis, the correspondent of Lin- njcus in youth, and again, in the decline of life, the friend and host of Humboldt and Bonpland. * Animab. — The Abbe Molina, in his Natural History of Chili, enumerates not less than 35 spe- cies of animals, peculiar to the western colonies of South America, and unknown in Eui'ope. Of these, I shall only notice the several varieties of do- mestic camel, as he considers them, peculiar to this continent, and which offer some points of com- mercial interest, either from their habits as Ijeasts of burthen, or from the hair and wool whicli they severally yield to the native manufactures. These are variously designated, guanchaco, chilihueque, lama, alpaco, and vicogna ; the first and last only being quite wild, and only valuable on account of their fleeces, the latter of which are the finest in :!1 k ■ ■h' I •■|;|l'!' > i< , ; -I'l. I'" 1 :•!;:; •\■^\^ i if" t: 1 1 ■'■ ' ■■ J-; • 1 ... ■• If in, t ;! ".'■'■■ ■ ii, ■> liiii •• 18 liiu world, and alone bear the expense of transport to the European market. Tlie other tluee are va- rieties of the same domestie animal, the native beast of burthen of these countries, and differ i'roni each other only in some minute })oints. They ave- rage from three and a half to four and a half feet in Jieight, and carry about one hundred weight at a time. They are principally used for the interior labours of the mines, to the mephitic vapours of which they seem to possess some degree of insen- sibihty. For every other purpose of labour, mules are now almost exclusively employed. Minerals. — The mineral wealth of these colo- ]iies is exclusively lodged in the rocky moun- tainous districts of the interior, and labours accord- ingly under great disadvantages in the competi- tion with that of Mexico, from the sc. ere expense of land carriage. In New Grenada alone, the ex- cess of the evil has produced the remedy. The mineral wealth of that province is })laced at such inaccessible heights, as to be only wrought amid the alluvious grounds deposited by the rivers in their passage to the sea. On these, washing jilaces are erected, and the returns arc in many places very rich and abundant, consisting almost exclu- fiively of gold. The principal metallic productions of South America, are gold, silver, quicksilver, co[)per, tiiu ■J 19 of trail sport hree are va- tlie native I differ i'roiii They ave- i half feet in weight at a the interior vapours of ie of insen- ibour, mules these colo- 5cky nioiai- Durs accortl- lie competi- ere expense one, the ex- netlv. The leeil at such •ought amid he rivers in shing })laces many places most exchi- s of South co|)per, tin. iron, and lead; in one mountain in the Chilese pro- vince of Huilquilemu, there is also found a spe- cies of very fine native brass, supposed to be pro- duced by the action of internal fires upon conti- guous veins of copper and zinc, both of which are found in the vicinity. Besides these, an infi- nite variety and ])rofusion of marbles, alabasters, jaspers, chrystals, and other precious stones, in a peculiar manner characterize the Chilese mountains. Coal is also found within the limits of that pro- vince; which may be said generally to possess the greatest variety of mineral productions, the mines of Peru beincj rather distinguished for richness, and the alluvions grounds of New Grenada pro- ducing, as has been remarked, only gold. Quick- silver is only wrought at the great mine of Huan- ca\ elica, in Peru, but is known to exist in many other places, although its research is forbidden by royal order. Copper, tin, and iron, are very ge* nerally disseminated throughout the upper dis- tricts, but are principally wrought in those of Chili and La Plata. Saline earths, in a peculiar manner, distinguish the plains of Low Peru, af- fecting even, it is said, the flavour of the vege- table productions. The following Table, extracted from M. Hum- boldt's work on New Spain, gives the average produce of the gold and river mines of the south- f,f,,,.i|.j .' !' '♦ 'ii: •jj '.. I ^0 Ciii colonies in 1803, according to the official ilata procnred by that eminent traveller. Since that period, many improvements have been introduced into the general administration of the mines ; and tiieir produce, it is believed, has been proportion- ally increased. H' :n M ■I -I! IK ■■ I. 1. 1 ■ .f m ■■'!< "'•1 Si I ■I 111"'; . • If I"-' Produce in iiutirs of i_ __ Govrnumiils. Cas (ih: Tiitnl vdhic ill Ihmarks. Gold. Silver. Chili . . 1,212 29,700 2,OGO,000 Estiniatinj; the contra- band to bear to thi; registered produce. Potosi aiuH adjoining |- districts j the propovtiou of 1 to t 2,200 ■181,830 .j,8jO,000 1 ti)G Peru . . 3,1.()0 Gl 1,0.90 0,210,000 Ito 5 New Grenada 20,000 - 2,»!)0,000 1 to r The annual produce of the quicksilver mine in Huancavelica, already noticed as the only one sys- tematically wrought in these southern colonics, ave- raged at the same period 3000 (|uintals, but had been some time before as high as 6000. This sup- ply, at its greatest amount, is, however, totally in- adequate to the demand, even at that lesser point to which the late improvements in mining have brought it ; and before their introduction, scarcely sufficed for the consumption of a single consider- able district. The mountain of Potosi, alone, has lie official clatii '. Since that en introduced le mines ; and 3n proportion- Ikmurks. tiniating tliu contra- band to bear to th(i rej^i.stercd produce, tlie propoition of 1 to t Ituti lto,5 1 to 7 silver mine in only one sys- colonies, a\e- itals, but had •0. This su})- er, totally in- it lesser point mininff have tion, scarcely igle consider- si, alone, has 21 been known to consume 15,000 quintals in a year; but at that period, the consumption of quicksilver in anialgam'Vjng the precious metals, bore the pro- portion to the quantity of metal acquired by the process, of Us to 1— a consumption eight times greater than that observed in the mines of Saxony, whicli does not exceed 2-lOths to 1. But the min- ing operations of South America are even yet far from having attained this perfection. Mcmis of Inland Commimication.-^T\\Q means of inland communication are extremely bad in the west- ern provinces of South America ; and all the po- litical and physical evils consequent on their state of inferiority, present themselves, accordingly, in their most aggravated features. Separated from each other by almost impassable wastes, the popu- lation lias no common or united feeling; no intrin- sic bond of alliance beyond the feeble tie thrown 4)ver them by their common origin. I'hey neither supply each other's w^ants, nor minister to each other's strength ; the history of their obedience to the parent stnte, was ever characterized, ac- cordingly, by local, but most destructive famines ; and that of their rebellion is now equally marked by disunion and dissension ; by tie promulgation, in each petty township, of its own theory of consti- tution—its own favourite form of government : and by the obscure but savage and unnatural de- '. ' IH I' ■ I ,.s r I ,'■•►. : I ; "1. ■" .. ','1 ' 111 ! ' 'H , 1' t ...\ r ' "l 'P»i , j 1 ■•! I r I'll , I r "'It i." »':. •)*- „is if I iV- ^ it :ii„ '•».'. , ,ii','.;'!i!i!l:' S3 tails of a guerilla war unto death ; not by those united and combined plans of operations, which gave a character and dignity to even the earliest military enterprizes of our American offs})ring. The principal obstacles to mutual connnunica- tion in these i)roviuces, arise in each from the pe- culiar features of their geological character ; in Chili, from the width and depth of the rivers by which it is intersected ; in Low P; u. from its ex- tensive sandy plains ; and in the Ui>per coimtry, and throughout New Grenada, from the excessive- ly steep and rugged mountainous tracts of coiuitry which isolate their fertile plains. These obstacles are, for the most part, overcome by means of such temporary expedients as suggest diemselves to tra- vellers, and the extreme rudeness of these may be surmised from the following account of the bridges generally used throughout the whole Up- per country. These are formed of three ropes', drawn tight across the ravine wnich it is pro- posed to cross, interwoven with branches of trees, and covered with loose earth, so as to form a species of flooring; to which are added two similar ropes, at a convenient height above the others, to serve as ballustrades. Along these va- cillating supports, even loaded mules are some- times conducted ; but they are not in general in- tended for such a purpose, another device being ','1 'ot by lliosc ions, wliicli tlic earliest ►ffspring. conimiuiica- ioin the pc- luiracter ; u\ lie rivers by 'rom its ex- HT coimtr}, •e excessive- of country se obstacles Kins of such eh es to tra- these may oimt of the J whole Up- tiiree ropes, it is pro- es of trees, s to tbrni added two above the t? these va- il re some- general in- vice being' f23 enipioved for their transport, when cither tiie sides of the ravine are too steep, or the enclosed river is too ra])id to admit of their passin*^ without as- sistance. A very strong rope is drawn very tight across, and to this is affixed a running groove or tiaveller, fitted with sHngs, in which the animal, being previously unloaded, is secured, and thus drawn across. But the bridges do not form the only feature in the internal communication in South America, indicative of its extreme rudeness and difficulty. Some provinces in the interior of New Cirrenada are altogether impenetrable, unless either on foot, or on men's shoulders ; and so jealous are the inhabitants of these provinces of this direction to their domestic industry, that not many years ago, when some proposals were made to improve their roads, these were lost through their own stre- nuous opposition. In the history of so despotic an administration as that of Spain, it is not a little singular, that almost the only instance of acqui- escence with the wishes of the subject should be thus characterised with absurdity — should be thus, as it were, a sneer levelled by despotism at popu- lar administration. * * The extreme absurdity of this case, is, in fact, attributable to that very despotism itself, which suppresses every species of political discussioDj and thus unfits its subjects for understand- ing their own most palpable interests. J3ut, after all, the Bri- :. I wil'ii •*> <■ t- l'^- k •I i ■""I. *' 'wi ..""I <«' t Mt '. •Mil" '"■'' ■.; ■!■ .11.1 ' I 'Vj I'* ' ;,: ■l.;;'f'4 ii) 'i, ."5i:i (,' ''Hi, 1!i, ' i'n; 'SHI!' 1 Mcam of Ejicnial Commimicalhm. — Tliei'c art- <'our several outlets for the coninierce of tliese west- ern colonies, viz. Buenos Ay res, Brazil, the At- lantic and Pacific Oceans. The means of com- municating with cacjj must be separately cou- sitlered. 1. Buenos Ay res. The post roads to Buenos Ayres, from Lima and St. Jago, tlie ca})itals of Peru and Chili, have been constructed with infi- nite labour ; and during the first iialf of their pro- gress, whilst yet winding amid the gorges of tiie Andes, present to the traveller a combination of every varied feature of danger, tlifKcc and dis- tress. The remaining half is, on the ^r hand, most insipidly uniform, being conducted along the level Pam])as, or plains of Buenos Ayres, where not even any variety of vegetation enlivens the tedium tish reader must neither laugh too loud, nor too long, at these poor South Americans ; parallel cases may be found, neither very remote in time nor in place, from ourselves. Mob councils are every where the same. It is not yet 80 years since petitions were presented at the bar of our own House of Commons, against extendin^^ the turnpike roads ; and it is but the other day, that a royal burgh in Scotland turned the high turnpike road out of the town altogether, to save a new causeway in one of the streets. The popular clamours lately so industriously excited against improvements in machinery, are all of a similar stamp ; and the influence of the same pursuit of immediate ob- jects, indifferent to their remote accompaniments, might be yet further traced and illustrated in some popular topics in Palace Yard — " fied ex his disce omnes." im — Tliei-c art- )f' these west- izil, the At- ans of coni- >ariitely con- s to Buenos e capitals of eJ with infi" of their pro- :oi;i>"es of tlie nibinatioii of and dis- — cr Jiand, ed along the es, wliere not IS the tedium )o long, at these found, neither . Mob councils s since petitions e of Commons, is but the other e high turnpike janseway in one o industriously all of a similar ' immediate ob> 5, might be yet topics in Palace of the journey. Post houses have l)een erected u))on both ; and the mihtary operations, of whicli, within the last few years, tliey have been the thea- tre, will |)robal)ly perfect and complete whatever may be yet wanting in their respective accommo- dations. The whole distance from Lima by Poto- si to Uuenos A}res, is about 'i8U0 mik\s; from St. Jago, it is about one-third less ; but the former road is best provided with relays, the intercourse lietween Chili and Uuenos Ayres never having been so intimate as that between the latter and Peru. This last will jMobably also now i ceive the great- est share of improvement ; the })rotracted warfare on the borders of Peru being more calculated to produce this eifect, than the rapid movement which at once placetl the Chilese cajntal in the hands of the insurgent tbrces. 2. Brazil. The comminiication with Brazil i>i maintained exclusively by means of the river Ama- zon ; which, rising in Peru, and winding along the Andes, first to the southward, and then to the north-east, at length reaches the Atlantic Ocean, after an inland navigable course exceeding 300U miles. The details of this medium of external com- munication are very im})erfectly known ; and its im- provement, like that of the interior roads, has been opposed, though for another reason, by that por- tioji of the colonial population, within whose pro- V.' ,,f.iijr';':|« •i : - i i''' M'i. I i M :« ■:"|"'lli "It, ■'■w; i ' '•'.Hli ■l...f ;f ■■''::; If- ; ■■;|( , 1 1 I'i ■4" ' ' .ill. i ti " ,H1 T - -r L.M.i 1-» . ^'14 ?■ ; r! ^ i . I ki '« ,■,',',: ■I'll'' 26 vincc it Ivll to reason on the suhjcrt. Jt was main- tained by tlic majoril y, tluit, to improve its naviga- tion, and to enconrage tlie connnerce maintained by it, would be to t'acib'tate the sninggbng transactions, for wliicli it is now almost exclusively traversed. It was in vain that M. Humboldt, and the few, op- posed to this reasoning the almost self-evident ar- gument, that these were in fact j)romoted by the Ssolitude of its shores, and could only etfectualW be checkid by their population. 3. Atlantic Ocean. The eastern boundary of the j)rovinco of New Grenada, described in a great measure by that central chain of Andes which tra- verses nearl-'^ the whole continent from south to north, is farther defined, on its api)roach to the Atlantic, bythe great Rio Madalena, which, receiv- ing at Honda the accession of sexeral tributary streams, becomes there navigable ; and thence pur- sues its course 500 miles to the ocean, which it joins by two mouths, at Santa Mar+ha anil (^aithagena. By it is the princij)al communication maintained be- tween the western provinces and the Atlantic Ocean, the Rios Airato and Chagres, the only other t^vo outlets in this direction, being compaiatively unim- portant ; the former communicating between the gold provinces of Choco and Poj)ayan, and the Gulf of Darien ; the other b( tween Panama and the Caribbean Sea. The Rio Atrato has become it was inaiu- V its iiaviga- n'ntained by ransactions, y traversed. tlie few, oj)- evident ar- oted by the ftectuallv be )oiindary of 'd in a i»'ivat s wliicli tra- in south to )ach to the liich, receiv- i\\ tributary thence pur- hich it joins !I!arthao-ena. intained be- ntic Ocean, other t^vo ively unim- :tween the 1, and the mama and as become 07 of soniew lull more im})ortance witiiin tlie hist twen- ty years, in consequence of its navigation having been declared free for all importations of slaves and provisions into the adjoining provinces, whose unhealthy labours require a constant sup])ly of both: but the Chagres, once the exclusive medium of communication between the town of Porto Bello and the western world, is now rarely traversed at all, unless by a few dozen wretched negroes, pro- ceeding along its lonely channel to their ultimate destination on the sickly shores of New Grenada. Never was revolution so com})lete as in tlu^ compa- rative importance of this once celebrated river. 4. Paciiic Ocean. The f 'lowing Table will be found to comprize most of the necess.rry points of information respecting the Spanish sea-})orts in the Southern Pacific. Names. VukUvia Conception Ldt, ill. ■to" .1' S. 3G"i()'S. lieniaiiiS. A most excellent harbour, but ileficient in supplies, there being no to'vn, and only a petty [.garrison, and small convict settlement maintained. It is situate on the mouth of tlie river of the same name, beyond the Spanish frontier, and amid tlie Tndian settlements, on whit ii it is meant .is a check. A good port, and abounding in every species of sujjply. It is situate near the confluence of the Bio-bio, the frontier river, with the I'acitic ; the town, indecil, being now built on its banks, nine miles from the port. It has the privilege of direct trade with Old Spain, a privilege only en- joyed by three other ports in the Southern Fa- cific. Hill'" '*. I' i> r '■•».<' wO ^1 ■; ii,' ;,i' I [ ■■ Iirff \\ '\ -A . ' 'I'",.'. 4 ' ' fllii •• f ti'lM'l'' TABLE — Contimicd. Names'. Valparaiso Coquimbo (luasco Copiapo Salado Cobija Arica Ylo Pisco CaUao /,()/. ;i2» .50' S. 30" 0' S. 28" o' a. 27" 0' S. 2 1« 35' S. 22'> 10' S. IS" 29' S. 17037'S. 13" 40" S. 12"5'S. nrmarh.i. All open aiidioragc, absolutely untenable in win- ter, yet in consequence of being tlie sea-port of St. .lago, tlie capital of Cliili, from which, however, it is 70 miles distant, it has engrossed much the greatest share of the whole commerce of the pro- vince. It has the privilege of direct intercourse with Old Spain. A good summer port, being wcli protected from southerly winds ; but in winter, when northerly gales blow strong on tlie coast, it cannot shelter above 23 or 30 vessels. It is well supplied with provisions. An open anchorage, into which falls a fine stream of fresh water. Also open, and very indiftercntly supplied with fresh water. Aiso (piitc open, and named from the salt with which all its springs are strongly impregnated. An open insecure anchorage, uuieJi frequented, however, as being the nearest sea- port to Atacama, liipes, and Potosi, all ricli mining districts ; from the Hrst of which, however, it is forty leagues dis- timt, and more than one hundred from the othur two. (iuite open, with a heavy surf constantly beating on the beach. It lias the privilege of direct inter- course with Old Spain ; a privilege of v.liich it docs not, however, avail itself. Pepper, and some other spices, form its principal articles of export. A mere open road, much frequented as being the nearest sea-port to Cu-'.co, from which it is, how- ever, 400 miles distant. It is also occasionally re- sorted to by merchants froni Potosi, from which it is, at the same time, distant nciivly OOO miles. An excellent sea-port, enjoying an extensive coasting commerce, in wines, brandies, olives, and ordure of sea-fowl, employed in Peru both as fuel and manure. Not less than from 8000 to 9000 tons of .'iviall shipping belonging to Pisco, are said to be constantly engaged in collecting and dLstri- buting it idong the coast. Pisco is defic cut in fresh water. 'I'he celebrated port of I^ima, secure, commodi- ous, and abounding in supplies of every descrip- tion, fire-wood alone being somewhat scarce .ind high-priced. It is unprovided, however, with '2f) TABLE-^Contitmed. I untenable in win- tlie sea-port of St. II which, however, grossed much tlie nicrcc of the pro- direct intercourse i^el'i protected from ■, wlitm northerly it cannot shelter veil supplied witli I falls a fine stream ntly supplied with from tlic salt with impregnated, mucli frequented, • port to Atacania, ng districts ; from forty leagues dis- ed from the other constantly beating JCe of direct iiiter- ilege of wiiich it I'ejipcr, and some tides of ex])ort. lented as being the ivhich it is, how- so occasionally re- si, from which it ily OOO miles, ing an extensive ndics, olives, and Peru both as fuel 1 8000 to 9000 Lo Pisco, are said cting and distri- i detic ent in fresh secure, commodi- (if every descrip- jwliat scarce and , however, with Numcs. Guaura Guuncliaco Payta Tumbez Guayaquil Lai. in. Itcinurks. St. .las iSt. Michael *, ■] Vcxv ciico i ll'IJ'S. 8" 0' S. &> 15' S. 3" 30' S. 2"11'S. 2" 0' X. CO 40' X. 8" jO' X. docks ; and vessels requiring repair below the wa- ter-line, must be hove down to stages. It has the privilege of direct trade witli Old Spain. An open insecure anchorage, at the mouth of a small river. 'J'lie sea-port of TruxiUo, open and insecure. (Jpen, but tolerably secure; once a place of some trade, now decayed. A small, but secure harbour, in the Gulf of Cj uayaquil ; once a place of much resort, now aban- doned. Its prosperity was founded on its trade in refreshments with tlie Panama fleets. An excellent harbour, formed by the mouth of tlie river of tlie same nanie, which is navigable 100 miles above its confluence with the Pacific, and forms the principal, almost the only point of ac- cess from the westward to the interior of Xew Circnada. The town is situate about 2i> miles up, and enjoys a very great commerce. The principal ])i-oductions of tJie adjoining districts are cocoa of very superior quality, sliip..timbiT. cuttle, and fire- wood, 'i'he tovvn itself i.s poor an. I mean. 'J'lie nioiit'ii of a large river, coinmunicating witii the gold ailuvious groum' in Xew Grenada, bui of no resort for Spanish oiiimerce. It is navi- gable for shipping nine luik lij). A large and deep bay, receiving three consider- able rivers, which communicate witii tl.. ^old dis- tricts of C'hoco and Popayan. They are each na- vigable for some leagues up, and on one of iliem, tile Santa Alaria, the Spaniards have a small set- tlemeiiti which maintains a trifling commerce in provisions with the interior. 'I'he adjoining coun- try is, however, extremely iiot and uiiheallhy ; and as the navigation of tlie Gulf of Panama is gene- nilly excessively tedious, little or no external com- merce is maintained by its shores. 'I'he .sea-port i.^' Panama, nine miles distant from that town, and i secure commodious roadstead, although now iieavly deserted, liaving shared in the ruin, as it did also in tlie prosjierity, of that cele- brated emixiriuni. The pearl fisheries, for whitli it is still noted, are in the immetliaie vicinity. Hs I 'I" llf It f h i'ii r^ .ilk I V I •'■M, , If' .^ '• I'm,, \ii4 m ■ US ml ■ltd ''•'■fir- i'i It, I l>'1 !■ M •ilP' 30 JSIanuJaclures. llcinotc from Eujopt', ;iml ex- eluded by S});niisli policy from tlic beneHls of a lice intercourse uith Asia, tiie mnmifacturcs of these colonies, although tar from elegajit in any one brand 1, embiacc nearly all the first objects of do- mestic utility and convenience. They have uni- formly to contend with the disadvantages conse- quent on lude and imperfect implements, the per- fecting of which seems, by some peculiar law ol our nature, to be reserved exclusively for the most advanced stages of society, advantageously distin- guishing, for example, that of England; and, among savages, being, on the other hand, entirely over- looked. The Spanish South American colonist^ hold a middle place between both ; turning their weaving, and some other implements, with consi- derable neatness and ingenuity, but altogether ig- norant of that combination of mechanical ])owci with ])oli.sh and convenience in the instruments rni])loyed for even the coarsest })urposes, which gives the manufacturers of Birmingham and Man- chester their unrivalled superiority. The principal manufactures of these colonies aft coarse woollen and cotton cloths, mostly prepared at Cuzco, Quito, Cuenza, and other cities in tlio interior, where external communication is mos! difficult; together with leather, soaj), sugar, oil, wine, brandy, chocolate, «Sic. in quantities adequate rope, ami ex- iietils of II iVee :iires oi' these t in any one )bjects of" ilo- hey have uni- mtaa'es conse- icnts, the i)er- eculiar law ol ly for tlie most (veously distin- id; and, among entirely o\er- rican colonists turning their ts, with consi- altogether ig- lianical powei le instrumeiit> n'))oses, whieli ham and Man- ?sc cokmies afe lostly prepared r cities in tlie :ation is mosi ►aj), sugar, oil, itities adequate for the domestic consumption, none of these p '"ti- des bearing the expense of ex})ortation. The ma- ritime districts prepare a somewhat more extensive supply ; but all labour under the same general dis- advantage of want of market, a disadvantage which, while it subsists, will be ever operative against the improvement and perfection of the useful arts in South America. Indeed, even the acquisition of a market would not, for ages probably, give this direction to national industry. The whole country is thinly peopled ; and produ- f}^s in abundance the richest and the finest crude material. Tlie exportation of that would long fur- nish employment and subsistence at an easier and chea])er rate, than a com})etition could be main- tained, by its means, with the foreign manufactures which the increased intercourse would necessarily introduce into its domestic mart. Sjjanish Ameri- *ca, thus situate, is precisely the market wanted by ourselves ; — a people in every respect differently characterized, ninnerous, active, and already em- l^arkeil iu manufacturing pursuits, the crude mate- rials of which our country does not itself grow, and for which it necessarily looks abroad. Commerce. Of tiie ])recise amount of each branch of the conmierce of these colonies, (their several di- rections have been already indicated,) the British public is altogether without the means of formino;. u n. i' I. I •■If I "f fi it'iJ ,'}''> *^.^ J IHM,' hny precise estimiite. In consitleriiii^ tliem, as 1 now })ropose to do, se})arately, I am unable to t'lir- nisli more than mere approximating data — always confused, and some of them even contradictory. When my own conjectiu'es may therefore seem un- founded, the reader is requested to exercise hi^ own judgment and discretion. 1. 'Commerce with Buenos Ayres. The revolu- tionary wars which have noA\ >'aged for some years in these colonies, have, it is presumed, for the pre- sent, interrupted the regular intercourse between them. While it yet subsisted, it consisted princi- pally of the interchange of the following articles : — Exported from the western provinces: wines, brandies, maize, precious metals, sugar, spices, indigo, and, ])revious to the glut of European goods at Buenos Ayres, the woollen and cot- ton cloths of Cuzco and Quito. Imported from Buenos Ayres : mules (annuallj ()0,()00 into Peru alone), cattle, sheej), tallow, wool, Paraguay tea, (an herb univ^ersally usoil as tea in the western provinces,) tin, and ne- groes. .If. |!' 1' !M ■!; The Mercurio Peruano states the \'alue of the exports from Peru alone, to have a\ eraged, in 1'7% t S3 ng them, as 1 L unable to fiir- J data — always contradictorv. ref'ore seem iin- to exercise hi^ 5. The revolii- for some years ed, for the pre- ■ourse between onsisted princi- vimy articles : — winces : wines, s, sugar, spices, lit of European :)ollen and cot- nules (annually ?, shcej), tallow, universally usoil s,) tin, and ne- le value of the m'aged, in 171)0, Innually 2,000,000; while that of the imports amounted, at the same time, to 1,000,000 piastres. The whole circulation did not then probably ex- ceed 5,000,000 piastres, allowing Chili 2,000,000 for lier own share; an extravagant allowance, were it not tliat many of the importations into Peru, par- ticularly negroes, followed the route by Chili, as being the shortest land journey. The trade, on the whole, is a very interesting subject of public curio- sity ; and it is to be wished, that we knew better what ure the chances of its revival when the pre- sent disturbances shall be quelled, and what extent of coiupctition an entirely maritime communication is likely to sustain from it. The latter is that which it Mould be decidedly for the best interests of Great Britain to maintain ; but this rather for political than commercial reasons, as, under any circumstan- ces, her manufactures would engross the supply of any effective demand which these colonies could produce. 2. Conmierce with Brazil. The commerce of the western ))rovinces with Brazil, consists almost exclusively of illicit exportations of si'ver from the mining districts contiguous to the Amazon. We are nnich in the dark respecting the whole details of this communication, M. Humboldt only gene- rally estimating its amount at 1-lth of the annual produce of some of them, and elsewhere stating it, D M ■% 1'- m ■i '' ■ ,1 "I' I- .'If ii t ■ ill iti'-' i.: 'H-tIf '■■ "id" •II. ;■'?■■! "'"'J ; ' 'Ml i.:: I M 34 in round numbers, as averaging annually i^oOO marcs of Castile. It has probably increased in ex- tent and activity since he wrote : the residence of the Portuguese court in Brazil will have occasion- ed a greater demand, while the degree of contem])t into which, on the other hand, the Spanish royal authority has since fallen in Higii Peru, will have loosened the opposing shackles to its increase. Tiii^ also is a very highly interesting vein of counnerce, worthy of being more particularly known. 3. Commerce with the Atlantic. The two pre- ceding branches of external traffic are almost en- tirely confined to the southern colonies of Chili and Peru ; this with the Atlantic is engrossed bj the merchants of New Grenada. It is of very an- cient date ; having been actively maintained in the time of the Porto Bello fairs, and with such sue cess, as to excite some selfish murmurs on the pari of the merchants of Lima, and some very absurd regulations on that of the court of Spain, with the view of satisfying their clamorous demands. The operation of these, together with the greater faci. lities progressively bestowed on maritime commu- nication with the remote colonies on the Pacific, had, however, very much injured this branch ol commerce ; and previous to the commencement ot the rebellion in 1811, or rather previous to the French invasion of Spain in 1808, it was reduced I- *M3?''4'- "v ,M';'' '"I 'I'"' annually '^.500 increased in ex- he residence of luive occasion, ree of contem])t ! Spanish royal [*eru, will have 1 increase. Tlii^ n of commerce, known. The two pre- are almost en- )lonies of Chili is engrossed bj It is of very an- lintained in the with such sue lurs on the part me very absurd Spain, with the demands. The be greater faci- iritime commii- on the Pacific, this branch ol mmencement ot previous to the it was reduced w in i to a very low ebb. From ^hese periods, it lias, however, progressively increascvi^ and it now forms an important branch of that commerce, whicii the merchants of Jamaica, in a late official document, valued at ten millions Sterling, and which is gra- dually acquiring a stability and a legality in the estimation of those maintaining it, which it would be very difficult indeed for Spain to overcome, were she even again mistress of the territory in which it is maintained. This commerce consists of the interchange of European goods with the precious metals, cotton, cocoa, coft'ee, medicines, (particularly bark, jalii]> sarsaparilla, and balsam of Tolu,) wax, &c. The precise amount of it is unknown ; but it must be considerable, however checked by the reduction of Carthagena, and the other more recent successes of the royalist army in New Grenada. 4. Commerce with the Pacific. The commerce with icific must be considered under the two heads i>i Coasting Commerce, and Commerce with the Mother Country. On both, our information is exceediiidv vaffue and uncertain. 1. Coasting Commerce. The ports of Peru, particularly Callao, form the great centre of mu- tual communication between these southern colo- nies, none of which maintain any intercourse across .their parallels. The following Tables, therefore, ,3r 36 'i;i ■»' l^:l.{i .m .>||.|; in slicwinjij tlie state of the coasting commerce of tlie Peruvian j)orts, will indicate also that of the wliole in 1790, the latest period to which our mi- nute information extends. They are extracted ver- batim from tlie Mercnrio Peruano and Viagero Ge- neral, as quoted in the Edinburgh Review, for 1 have not had the means of original reference to these works ; for the remarks on them only am I personally responsible. I. Coasting Trade of Callao, in 1785-0-7-8-9. Paris ■u'ltli which 7iiaiiitui»C(l. ■Imporls. 1 Exports. Balance for Callao. Balance aguin.it Callao. liemarAs. Chili . . Guayaquil . Panama Guatimala , Total in 5 years Annual averajje o,.533,775 1 2,617,613 1 59,035 5 210,895 7 1,686,423 3 2,906,305 201,631 7 29,416 4 358,661 7 142,596 2 847,351 6 * • 180,394 4 I'artoflliislmlai.ce accrued from imijorts from Buenos Ay res, sent by way of Chili. Cliiufly occasioned by imports intoGua- yaquil, tlcstintd for the interior provin- ces. Tliis balance arose principally from go- vernment consign- ments for the main- tenance of the pro- vincial authorities. It will be seen in another place, that much of tiiis inter- course is now sus- pended. 8,350,7+9 6 I,670,U9 7 7,823,776 6 1,504,755 3 501,258 1 1,028,231 1 105,394. I 1 I lercc of of the our mi- ted ver- LM'o Ge- , for I nee to i am I ^-9. 'Ic marks. "*' lliisbalui.ee 1 from imports iuenos Ayres, way of Chili. fly occasioned TtsintoGua- lit'stiiicd for erior provin- balance arose Uy from go-j 't consign-l 'r tile maiu-l of the pro-l uthorities. 1 be seen in place, tliat this intcr- I now sus- 37 II. Annual Average of tlie Coasting Trade of Ari- ca, Payta, and other Peruvian ])()rts, at tiie same time. Ports with vhich maintained. Imports. Exports, Jiiilaiirr ii^idiist 'fern Remarks. Chili . . Panama and 1 Guayaquil J 350,000 130,000 220,000 'riieseimports consisted prin • cipiJly of provisions ; and were in part paid for in ordure of sca-1 fowl, not entered in any Kris- ter, I cannot conjecture any rea son for this balance beinj? a- gainst Peru, and 1 think it is a mistake. Panama is depf.n- dent on Peru for nearly all its supplies; and Ctuayaquil is the point of access into the- inte- rior of New Grenada. These are indeed precisely the only points in which the balance of the coasting trade was in fa- vour of CaUao ; why then this opposite rcsiUt at the other ports ? The result of these Tables gives the following average for the annual trade of Peru witli tlie other colonies, in the year I790 : viz. imports, %0()QS'23 ; and exports, 1,694,755 piastres. The annual ba- lance, by the same statement, was against Peru, 372,069 piastres : a balance reconcileable enougli in the main, with our knowledge of the fact, that Li- ma, at that period, was a very general medium by which the out provinces made their remittances to m * I m ,!| I'M.?,* .'»f i. »-. '' ;:».■■; r ■ 1 • ♦tit" ■ >\' . ,'■ ' .-I fi 111' II,! II [!ll.i'il H If);' "t !| lI, ■■'i^'lt:;: I >l ' .1 ■'■■■» ■•* [!:"t;:;i:i;:;! S.i»..| '' 38 the mother country. Tliat part only of the state- jnent is iiicougiuoiis, which makes tlie bahmce in the truile of the out ports with Panama and Gua- yacjuil so \ cry untiivourable to I'eru ; and even for tills, some solution may be tbund, from a consider- ation of tiie delay and difficulty attending a mari- time })assage from these ports to Calhio, whicli might, ahhough 1 thin]; it improbable, make it more e.\])cdient to discmba»k at a northern port, and ])roceed thence to Lima by land. It will be observed, that in the first of tiie above Tables, I have noted that much of the intercourse between Callao and Guatimahi has ceaseil. It con- sisted, at the date of these Tables, principally of consignments of indigo from tlie latter j)rovince to Old Spain, made through the medium of Lima. This course of intercourse will be seen, in the fol- lowing article, which treats of tiie Spanish North American settlements, to have altogetlier ceased. The above Tables state generally the amount of this coasting trade : it is only necessary to add, that it consisted, on the })art of Peru, in the disse- mination of European goods, of quicksiher, w^ines, brandies, and flour ; and in the receij)t, in return, of such indigenous productions as were either suit- ed to the Euro])ean market, or were required for domestic consumption. The whole trade in 1803 had considerably increased in value and in acti\ityj I I I) tlie statc- 'Jiliince in iiul Gua- l even for consider- f a mari- \vlncli make it L'ni port, lie abo\e terconrse It con- ?ipally of )vince to )f Lima. I the fbl- ill North •eased, rjount of to add, le disse- ', Moines, return, ler suit- red fbl" in 1803 ctixityj i i 39 hut to what extent, is not stated by M. Hmnholdt. We arc entirely ignorant, al..o, of tlie eliaiiges wliich it may since have sustained : if a conjecture may be formed, these liavc been on tlie whole favour- able, at least till within the last very i'ew years. 2. Commerce with Old Spain. The commerce of these distant colonies with the mother country has adopted several successive media of communication; first by Lima, Panama, and Porto Ikllo; next direct round Cape Horn, in register ships, as they were called, from the registered licence which vessels were forced to take out previous to undertaking such a voyage j and now finally, by the means of communication granted to certain of their ports, by the act or edict, commonly called, of free trade, which enabled them to correspond directly with certain other ports in Old Spain, without the ne- cessity of each vessel taking out a special permis- sion. This last is infinitely the most fair, liberal, and convenient of any of these three methods; and was considered, both by the parties bestowing and those receiving the concession, to have been equi- valent to a grant of free trade to the colonies at large. Hence the edict received that somewhat too comprehensive title by which it is generally known; a title, however, to which some of its provisions, particularly the arbitrary and even unjust selection of some ports for these privi- 'I' I M if*' .It. -'Mf'i If "...H'^'il i') ■ fi •■'tl- '!« If III' "'£4^' 40 leges, to the exclusion of others, by no means give it a claim. This trade consists generally in a similar inter- change of commodities, manufactured and crude produce, as that maintained on the shores of the Atlantic ; ap.d while Spain yet preserv^ed her au- thority over these colonies, it was further swelled by annual remittances of gold and silver, on go- vernment account, as well as on that of individu- als. Of its total actual \alue, we have no precise idea ; our latest accurate information only coming down to 1794, and even then being confined to tlie single port of Callao, the emporium of Peru. Its exports to Europe at that time averaged nearly 7,000,000 of uoUars annually ; having progressively increased from about 2,000,000, while the system of the Panama galleons prevailed, to nearly 4,500,000 by the register ship , and finally to the sum already stated, by the free trade. In 1S03, M. Humboldt summarily states the whole to have very materially increased ; but he does not say to what extent : and now again it is to be feared, that it is much injured by the usual operations of hostility and con- fiscation, particularly on this point, (Peru,) the commerce of which, from its continued loyalty, is, in a peculiar manner, exposed to the depredations of the insurgent marine. .1 I '.':;*■; 41 leans give ilar inter- tiul crude es of the d her au- 'r swelled r> on go- individii- TO precise y coming led to the *eru. Its 3d nearly ^ressivcly system of !<,500,000 n already lumboldt naterially extent : is nuich and con- rii,) the yalty, is, edations I '4 SPANISH NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES. Thk S])anis]i North American colonies extend along tlie shores of the Pacific, from the Isthmus of Panajna, in the 9th parallel of nortii latitude, to San Francisco, in the .38th, where they confine with the Indian territory designated on the charts by the name of New Albion. On the Atlantic, they extend only to the 2(jth })arallel, where the Rio Bravo del Norte divides them in its whole length from the United States province of Louisi- ana ; and from the mouth of this river, according- ly, the line of frontier runs in a north-west direc- tion, as far as 40" north, where is situate its source. The whole extent of territory embraced by these boundaries is about 150,000 square leagues. Poli/ical DivmonSy &^c. — This ample portion of the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean, comprises a small part of the j)rovince of Panama belonging to New Grenada, and which it is unnecessary further to notice, and is l>esides divided into one captain- generalship, Guatimala; one viceroyalty. New Spain, or Mexico Proper ; and one commandancia- general, viz. de las Provincias Internas de Mexico, a division of the northern and least populous pro- vinces of that viceroyalty, which are placed under i % I . h 1 i I ■■■I ■ ;»r I ■ ■ ■ 'tb" Bf ii-i ..t'i 'Vi. :''";„:'i ti •• if "■i;|ii ■I .,, 42 the special government of an ofticer bearing the title of comnumdant-gencral, who is charged with the defence of the frontiers from the incursions of the Indian tribes. The following Table will be found to contain the most important particidars respecting the provinces, population, and chief cities, of each of these princi})al divisions: it will be observed, on- ly, that their respective limits are omitted. This omission is indispensable, if I would continue the tabular enumeration which I adopted under the same head in the preceding Article. The latitude alone will not here give any idea of the relative boundaries ; and indeed, for commercial purposes, such knowledge is not very important. i If I m I r ''it..* 5 [\[r'^'-i . i 1 ; :'.■ : ••, Coirrii- 7lllllt.1, TotuU'a- piilaiwn. I'rox'imrs. Chief Citifs. Remarks, ^r. N^anien. PojwI. Names. Poplll. (iuati- niulo. 1,800,000 Costultica Nicaragua m m St. Jago. Leon. The capitalof the captain- generalship, destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, and rebuilt at some dis- tance t'roiTi its former site. 1 1 is 90 miles distarit from Sonsonata, its seaport in the Pacific ; and lias now very little communication witli that sea. An opulent, thriving town, situate at one end of the Great Lake of Ni- caragua, by means of which it maintains an ex- tensive inland communi- cation. '^ 43 ring tJie ^'tl with rsions of be i'oimd specting of each ved, on- This nue tJie der the latitude relative Lirposes, larA-s, ^c alofthecaptain- ). destroyed by Jake in 1T73, t at some dis- its former site, les distarit from its seaport in ; and has now ;ommunication ea. lent, thriving te at one end t Lake of Ni- »y means of lintains an ex- nd communi- TABLE— CoM/iw!ital of a mari- time province on tlie Pa- cific, also a rich mining district. 33,000 Capital of the riclicst mining district after tiiia naxuata in Mexico. It is entirely inland. 24,000 The capital of a thinly peopled, but extensive pro- vince, contiguous to the Pacific, and celebrated for its cochineal produce. 10,000 The capital of an At lantic province, sultry, yet salubrious. 6,000 Celebrated for its dye- woods. 16,000 I'lie principal Atlantic port in the kingdom ; opu- lent and conmiercial, but extremely unhealthy. 13,000 An agreeable httletown, on the brow of the Cor- dillera, where the opulent merchants of Vera Cruz principally reside. 12,000 The chief city of the most northerly intendancy on the Atlantic; some portion of it is according ly in charge of tlie com^ niandant- general 159,700 Durango Chihua- hua San iTuan del lliu l''■:! ui'jil '■ i':;;;':!^' '15; :|1 ■ . :.;i "It \['M '■ .:., ■V"*li' IF '■■■" , »'i^ 111 *" has not been fulfil Ictl, no quantity of 'the preciousme- tals having ever been extracted from it, unci even their researcli being now long discontinued. Mexi- CO, on the contraiy, abounds with them in even tlie greatest variety and profusion : its mines being moreover peculiarly accessible, and altogether free from those noxious mephitic va})ours wiiich so pe- culiarly characterize those of Peru. Their value is accordingly very great ; and the passion for their research and discovery much more universal among the whole Mexican population, than among the inhabitants of any other Si)anish colony. The mineral wealth of New Spain is principally situate on the western declivity of the central ])laiji, and consists of gold, silver, quicksilver, copper, lead, iron, and tin ; of which, however, only tlie two first are objects of systematic pursuit to the inhabitants. In 1803, the average produce of the gold mines was 7^00 marcs of Castile annually ; while that of the silver was 2,500,000 marcs, more than two-thirds of the whole produce of the globe. The average value of both together was 22,170,740 piastres, and was drawn from about 500 reales, or mining districts ; of which the annual expenditure of quicksilver averaged 16,000 quintals. Tiie quicki^ilver is entirely tlie produce of importation from Europe, the native mines of this valuable semi- metal being neglected and overlooked. n f K'loiisme- aiul even I. Mexi- in even nes being 3ther free :li so pe- ir value is for their iul anion i>- iiong tlie rincipally tral ])lain, copper, only the lit to the ice of the annually ; trcs, more ^he globe. 2,170,740 reales, or penditure Is. The iportation ible semi- 4D Means of Internal Communication. — In the cap- tain-generalship of Guatimala, the internal connnu- iiication is much facilitated by the great lake of Nicaragua, situate within its limits ; and the inter- course thence with Vera Cruz, in New Spain, the principal port by which the valuable indigo of the whole province is exported, is maintained along a load cut within tlie last ten years, which extends across the whole continent, from the port of Te- huantepec on tlie Pacific, to Vera Cruz on the At- lantic Ocean. The land carriage by this road, is shortened by an embarkation for about thirty miles on the Rio Huasacualco, falling into the Atlantic about fifty miles S. E. of Vera Cruz, on quitting which it proceeds nearly along the sea shore to that port. In New Spain there are no lakes considerable in proportion to the whole face of the country ; neither are there any navigable rivers, by which the internal communication might be facilitated. The roads are, however, good ; and, from the level nature of tlie great central plain of Anahuac, the communication between the principal cities is ea- sily maintained. It is only difficult when passing to either sea, and, on the eastern declivity, is |)ecu- liarly painful and inconvenient. The importance, however, of that communication is too great, and the views of the inhabitants too enlightened, to E '■« y :i H HI '-i., .III. I ,■1" .. '';m4. ;! .; .,| jk 50 suffer any obstacles to remain whicli art may n.. niove ; and new roads, or new repairs, arc constant. \y on hand, accordingly, in that direction. Towards the Pacific Ocean tiie stimulus is not so stronu, and there is, consequently, some neglect ; the whole cliarge, however, on the transport of goods from sea to sea, not exceeding two piastres per carjjja of 80 lbs. Means of Ea'lcnial Communicalion, — The extei*- nal communication of Cuatimala and New Spain, is confined to the two oceans by wliicli their several shores are washc' ; the petty traffic maintained with the Indians on the northern frontier of the Provincias Internas being unworthy of notice. 1. Communication with the Atlantic. — There are only two ports, Campeche and Vera Cruz, by which the Atlantic commerce of these colonies is maintained ; and both are very bad and insecure. Placed in the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, and receiving constant accumulations of sand from the currents in the Carribbean Sea, they are both but indifferently protected from the vicissitudes of the weather; yet are they both noted, as will be seen in its place, for very lucrative exportations. 2. Communication with the Pacific.^Tlie fol- lowing Table contains the enumeration, latitudes, and properties, of the principal sea-ports along the western shores of these colonies. It may be re- # ..^ '^ t may re. i constant. 'Jovvartls so stronii", ■lect; tho of goods astres pvr jnarkcd generally, that the sea is receding from the south-western shores of Guatimala, and also from those of the coutiguous provinces of New ^Spain : the praises which Captain Dam])ier bestows on se- veral of the ports here named, are quoted accord- ingly, with very considerable modifications. 'he exter- ew Spain, cir several laintained er of the )tice. '. — There Cruz, by 'olonies k insecure, xico, and from the both but es of the I be seen s. The fol- latitudes^ long tiic Y be re- Goxcrn- mi'iitx. Ports. l.nt. ill. noiKirks. Guutimulit Ui'iilejos Sunsonatn (Juatulca 12" 20' X. 13" .50' N. la" 30' N. Thu sea-port of Leon, from whidi it is 20 miles distant. A tolerable port, extremely sickly and unwliolesonie. A very insecure port, but the only point of communication between Cluati- mala and the Pacific Ocean. The dis- tance between them exceeds 90 miles ; yet thus, and then round Cape Horn, previous to the completion of the new road from Tchuantepec to A'era Cruz, the indigo of that district was in the ha- bit of reaching tlie I'^urojjean markets. A tolerable port, but unfrequented, from the difticulty of internal conuiiuni- cation, the land rising in short, abrupt, and detached ridges within it. Mexico Proper Teluiantepcc AcapuKo San Bias IG" 10' N. Hi" 50' N. 210 30/ >f. A mete open road, with a dangerous bank across its mouth, within which, however, is tolerable riding for very small vessels. It is somewhat celebrat- ed, from the opposite coasts of the Paci- Hc and Atlantic Oceans here approach- ing each other nearer than at any other lK)int in JNlexico. The celebrated galleon port, ample in its accommodations, and very secure in some creeks ; although generally admit- ting a heavy swell from the south-west, wlien the wind blows hard fnMn that ((uarter. It is extremely unhealthy. Situate within theCJulf of Cidifornia, San Bias is a secure and capacio\is har- bour, but cxtrcniely sidtry and unheal- thy. It is, however, a royal dock-yard, and enjoys some little coasting trade. i ■u ■")••■': 1 Ijil .,,.;;■:;! t', i ;.t. '••■'■ •• u 'I'M 'i ■ ■■I Hi; .^i.'r Bm .=■.'■4 -■'ff I ;;;'"i'i!i*' (,(iririi- mcntf. Voita. l.iil, ill. Ilaiiitfks, I'rdvinctuK Imcrniw Sun I.ucur IMontcrcy San Francis- co 23" Hi' N. 36" 3S' N. 37" 59' N. A siiiftl) port, near the south pouu of tliu istlniius of Calilornia, whore tlii' jj;al- Icons ure in the imhi^ of cullin); fur ui- dcrs and riifrcHlinicnts. Already noticed as the capital of New California; a larnc but nearly optn bay, witii indiflurcnt slicltcr in one cuvc for a very few vessels. A noble harbour, abotit a leaj^uc wide at the mouth, but openin{? within to a ni;i!;nilicent basin. There is only a small pret^idio, or mission, established here ; aiitl refreshments are aeeordinnly somewhat diflieult to be procured, al- though the adjoining country is rich and productive. Manufactures. — In Giiatimala, where tlierc is a thinly scattered po))iilati()n, easily accessible to fo- reign importation, and enabled to make in retnrn very vahiable crude exports, there are few or no manufactures. In New Spain, they are abundant and diversified, and have attained, many of them, very considerable ])ei'fection ; but they are over- borne, notwithstanding, by the weight of Fjin'opean im))ortations, and have, in consequence, very trif- ling comparative acti\ity. Those most in esteem are joiner's work, carriages, musical instruments, &c. for all of which tlie variety of fine woods, grow- ing indigenous in the country, ailbrds the choicest materials ; and besides these, the several manufac- tures of cloth, leather, soap, and sweet-meats, af- ford materials for some trifling exportation. But at home, the fashion of European wares is pre- I % i 63 soiUli pouu (if wliere tlit' ji;al. culling t'ur ui- rapital of New Jirly ojKii bay, (>nu cove for a a lea^^iic wide fi witiiin to ii re is only u n, (.'stablislu'd irc ;u'i'()r(lingly pniciirwl, al- itry is rich anil there is a iibie to fb- in return few or no abundant r of them, are over- Eliuopean very trifl in esteem strunients, :)ds, irrow- Q choicest manufac- neats, af- on. But !s is pre- 'I dominant, and the market afforded for them, ac- cordin<;ly, is immense. The woollen and col Ion cloths mamiflictured in Mexico in the }ear ISOJ, were estimated to amount to the vahie of 7 or S miihons of piastres; yet the aycrnge vahte of the same articles imported at Vera Cruz exceeded, at the same time, 13,000,0(M): a striking- proof of the dissemination of the comforts and luxuries of life among the Mexican population. Commerce. — The commerce of Guatimala and New Spain is confined to the two oceans which bound their res})ective shores. It must be consi- dered, accordingly, under the heads wliich^their names will denote. 1. Commerce with the Atlantic. It has been seen, that there are two ports, Cam])eche antl Vera Cruz, by which the Atlantic connnerce is main- tained. Of these, the exports from Cam])eche con- sist almost exclusively of dye and other valuable woods, which are principally directed also to the port of Vera Cruz, the grand emporium of the eastern commerce of these colonies, whither, also, the indigo of Guatimala and the cochineal of Oax- aca, are sent, and whence alone the whole finds its way direct to the European market. Of the nature and value of the commerce of that port, and consequently of the whole northern colonies in its direction, the following Tables, quoted from M. Humboldt's Essai PoUtiquet will give an ample and i I i i ■4 E (S I; '^^ is' • 'it I" |,V >| A. Jm, ■Iff T j;i'4,;:,;M \f'\ '' ■', i' 51. oiltHiiiate idea. Tlicy are extracts from the annual report published in 1802, at Vera Cruz. Goods imported into Mexico from Spain, the produce oj National Industrt/ and A;^ricullure. Dciiomhialinn. Brandy AVlute wine Red wine Ditto in bottles Vinegar Dried grapes Almonds Oli'VS , Oil , Saffron Aromatic plants , Capers Nuts I'jgs Arigan Cuminc I'rench grapes Pilcliards Anchovies Wliite paper Foul paper Thread Corks Canteens Hams Fine liquors Soap Delft ware Hcer Cider Sausages Vermicelli Sharping stones White iron Iron in bars Wrought iron .... Steel Cordage Bale'goods... i tercios *. Woollen, cot- I caxones . ton, silk, f baules .. &c J toscos... QiKliitiliis: Value. 29,().')j 21,657 13,1.59 3,374 2,501 2,590 9,519 ?>2,099 5,187 la-. 202 227 320 2,i50 24.2 1,170 93 10 27*,211 7,90ri 37f) 699,000 492 142 852 119 3,041 71,87(; 1,920 3,3«)8 233 513 289 42,440 7,792 7,020 459 .5,651 3,293 899 3,4] 8 hluls. do. do. bott. hhds. quint. do. jars, arrob. lib. quint, barrels, quint. do. lib. arrob. pitch, barrels, arrob. reams. do. quint. arrob. do. quint, doz. bott. do. lib. quint. chests, quint. do. do. do. 1,283,914 683,07') 331,8f2 8,642 48, .49 27,414 HI, 543 22,205 96,297 99,765 2,009 2,714 3,240 2,491 306 1,992 3,510 1,347 50 885,884 4,577 11,451 5,177 20,583 1,380 11,766 1,785 4,651 45,779 968 1,684 4,623 1,282 10,115 382,480 78,882 132,392 6,442 2,250,552 3,889,891 606,130 520,182 Total value in double piastres 11,539,219 "i • These several packages not being opened at the custom-house, the nature of the goods which they usually contain is not specified : but, in general, ter- cios contain woollens and cottons, linens and baize ; caxones, silks ; baule.s, .silk und cotton stockings, luce, See ; and toscos, (i. c, caxones totcos) hard- ware, drugs, crystals, hats, boots, shoes, &t. 55 e annual Gooh importetl from Spain into Mexico, the produce oj Foreign yfgriculfu,re and Industry. m 4 Denominations. Quantities. Value. Butter ..-,-. Cheese ...... AVine AVhite paper . . - - - Steel Delft ware ..... White iron . . . . - Canteens ...... Coarse linens . - . - - Wax candles .... Cod Cloves ....... Pepper . ..... Cinnamon ..-..- Bale gootls - -j te^cios - - Woollen, cot- (caxones ton, silk, Tbaules . - &c. . . J caxones toscos 15,884 lib. 259 quint. 16,920 bott. 87,665 reams. 7,050 quint. 9,234 doz. 996 chests, 12 do. 5') pieces. 337 lib. 340 quint. 14,737 lib. 3r,465 do. 199,965 do. 19,529 501 24 5,200 4,678 10,334 12,690 328,714 126,605 23,085 32,400 390 2,000 270 8,500 47,204 22,657 661,569 6,572,108 394,435 8,533 595,458 Total value in double piastres . 8,851,640 Importation of Spanish Colonial Produce into Mexko. Denominations of Goodf. Quantities. Wax .... Coffee .... Cocoa of Caraccas Ditto of Maracuybo Ditto of Tabasco Starch ... Campcchc wood Indigo ... Salt fish - . Tortoise shell - Salt ... Sacks (cortalcs) Straw hats . . Packtliread . Cordage . . Harpoons . - Blankets - .• Hammocks . Quinquina - . Shoes ... Divers articles 20,571 arrob. 344 quint. 1,984 faneg. 18,708 do. 6,952 do. 1,746 arrob. 28,019 quint. 4,910 lib. 6,586 arrob. 570 lib. 18,699 faneg. 130,800 do. 5,084 doz. 1,964 arrob. 259 pieces. 1,057 arrob. 716 325 1,030 lib. 624 ^°z. Value in Double Piastres. 332,359 6,060 lf^;i,234 68V,928 315-902 2,550 38,958 4,910 15,185 2,954 33,816 42,388 7,948 6,065 2,842 2,379 2,229 846 5,150 302 1,224 Total value in double piastres To which add , - . . . Total importation 1,607,729 11,539,219 8,851,640 21,998,.!i88 1 II ij i d6 Exporlalion from Mexico for Spain. * ^f^tjt ■I .!, H Denomination of Goodi. Quantjtkn. Value. i grana fina Cochineal < granilla . . ( polvos de grana Indigo, chiefly from (iuatimala VaniUa Sugar ....... Itoucoa - Cotton Tabasco pepper .... Campcdie wood .... Cocoa of Socomisco - . . Coffee Sarsaparilla ..... Jalap ....... Balms ..-.-.- Qiunqmna . . . . - Tuns ....... Tortoise shell . . . - Different articles ... Plates of copper .... Coined and wrought gold - Wrought silver .... Coined silver . - - - . 48,277 arrob. 2,355 do. 1,322 1,480,570 1,793 mill. 431,667 arrob, 195 do. 8,228 do. 2.920 quint. 17,389 do. 1,724 lib. 272 quint. 461 do. 2.921 do. 48 arrob. 70(J lib. 439 do. 670 quint. 3,303,470 50,472 14,615 3,229,796 65,076 1,454,240 1,419 29,644 15,622 23,116 1,078 4,860 2,988 68,760 1,200 612 14,626 2,290 3,516 15,745 62,663 52,622 25,449,289 Total value in double iriastres - - 33,886,219 I ''1.. • iJV< I, ■■ t'l I hi * The real value of the foregoing Tables will be much undervalued, if they are considered only as affording information as to the actual state of the Mexican Atlantic trade in a particular year. Every other Spanish colony in the Pacific is composed of the same original elements of society with IMexico, and growing nearly tlie same articles of exchangi.', iiffords also a similar ef- fectivu demand, only not bearing every where the same proportion to the amount of population as on this point, wliere a taste Ibr the luxuries of life is inSnitely more disseminated than any where else. These Tables then con- tain, moreover, the most important hints for the asswtment of speculative car- goes for South America : hints, whicii the pvo^fress of revolution in Peru would seem to render doily of mure interest and value i^ tlie comijiercial world. "% r>l Exportation frovi Mexico to other Spanish Colonics. Dntommc.tioH of Goods Flour - . - - Sugar - - - - CoKoa of Guayaquil AVax - - - . Cauipeche wood - Raw liides - - TaJlow - - - l''atables - . - ^Voollen cloth I'itch ami lar - - Sat!.a .... (ordinary delft (lolil leaf - - - Snap - . - . Pit '.:'aimed liidcs DifTerent articles i'lates of idpiur - AVrouglit copper r.Ciul .... AVrought silver - Coined silver Coined gold QuuntUks, 22,8,58 7,265 631 368 6,219 ,300 ,67.5 tcr. arrub. fan. arrob. quint. arro 403 7,690 239 bair. chests. 1 916 1,235 clients, arrob. 89.-. 13,947 330 quint. lib. (juint. Total value in double piastres To wliieli add . - . . Tot:il value of exportation From which take total imports Balance in favour of Mexico Value. 404,851 22,195 15,821 6,426 7,773 2,403 6,711 100,461 9,062 1,012 2,419 2,019 7,041 55,832 9,504 82,353 66,912 2,779 5,844 2,779 15,417 3,730,171 4,400 • 4,581,148 - 33,886,219 . 38,407,367 - 21,998,588 - 16,468,777 Add the above sums, and the result wdl ) ^,v */.e n^^ I .1 . . 1 ^ 1 \' \r I' 1 60,4(i5,955 be the total trade ot Vera Lmz - ) m !| In this balance, the merchandize and productions transferred on account of government are not in- ckided. Tliese amount to twenty-one millions and a half of piastres more, viz. imported in mercur) , .>N 34 i-'Qf: i!''--«'«2'iti "i,::!^ •Il .■! . „ .M ! ■t I if'. . paper i'or cegars, kc. to tlic amount of two mil- lions ; and c\])orted in gold and silver, nineteen millions and a half; of wliicli, twelve and a half to Spain, and seven to the other colonies. ^2. Commerce with the Pacific. The commerce of the Spanish North American colonies with the Pacific is of the most minute kind, scarcely ave- raging in all an ainnial circulation of 5,000,000 of piastres ; and even this divided into two distinct and independent branches. The first is the inter- course maintained by Guatimala with Calla^) and Guayaquil, consisting in the exchange of its in- digo with the salt, pepper, and cocoa of these ports. This intercourse was once of some importance; the exports to Callao alone, in 1780, averaging 210,290 })iastres, as may be seen by a reference to the Tables of the trade of that port in the preceding article. But at that time, the indigo of Guatimala sought tjie Eui'opean markets through Callao; and the balance in its favour was accordingly paid by credit on the mother countiy. But since the opening of the new road from Tehuantepec to Vera Cruz, this direc- tion of the home trade has entirely ceased ; and the whole exchange is now accordingly reduced to that dictated by the mutual wants of these colo- nies themselves, which, as they grow each nearly the sfame articles, and as their communication is peculiarly embarrassetl by the difiiculties of coast- s .•>!) two mil- nineteen a half to ommercc with the ccly ave- 00,000 of distinct ;lie inter- illao and of its in- cse ports, mce; the : 210,290 le Tables ^ article. >nght tiie ; balance it on the the new is dircc- !d ; and reduced se colo- > nearlv ition is I' coast- iijii" naviii'ation alonj? botli their sliores, is almost necessarily very small.* The next branch of Pacific Ocean commerce enjoyed by these North American colonies, is that of Acapulco, which diverges in two directions, viz. to Manilla and Callao. The first is that celebrated galleon trade, of which foreigners, judging from ^ the opportunities which it enjoyed, once entertain- ed so magnificent an idea : the second is almost nothing, consisting exclusively of a feeble attempt occasionally made to vend a portion of the Indian produce received by the Manilla galleons in the Lima market. The first is maintained by an an- nual ship of 12 whites, and 2*0,000 mestizoes. New Grenada 5,700,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 Population 1,800,000. Guatimala and ^ New Spain J 22,000,000 9.000,000 22,500,000 T.rt. popul. 7,800,000. In New Spain alone, 3,337,000 whites and mixed casts, all consum- ing I'Airopean conuiiodi- ties, according to their means. NEW ALBION. Under the generally received, but disputed, ap- pellation of New Albion, I propose including the m m m ■'^}^ Iliji i 1 1", ■■ I. H, 1 Hii Mm ■••J 1 1,4 . i. f .1 :;'^J. iix' I', V- M i! m whole intermediate coast of America l)et\vecn tljo ISpanisli and Russian settlements, bounded thus on the south by the 38th ])arallel of north latitude; on the north by Cook's Inlet ; on the east l)y the Rocky Mountains, the Andes of the northern hemisphere; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Thus li- mited. New Albion presents a sea-coast, extending about IGOO miles in lengtli, by a breadth varying from 500 to 700. Soilf Climate^ and Vegetable Productions. — The soil and climate of this portion of the sliorcs of the Pacific Ocean are exceedingly various ; but its indigenous productions, and there are as > et few otliers, arc very uniform, consisting almost exclu- sively of forest timber, gi'owing in great abundance and luxuriance. The more soutliern districts are mild even in winter ; and are characterized by tle- tached patches of open, champaign land, which, from their recurrence in similar situations, Captain Vancouver was inclined to consider as having been cleared by the industry of man. Further north, these disap])ear, and the climate assumes, too, con- siderable additional severity and rigoui'; the growth of forest timber still, however, retaining its luxuri- ance, anil, dnring the short summer, a thousand Hekl flowers embellishing the inland plains. Every- where, indeed, along the coast, tJie quality alike of soil, climate, and productions, is found superior to si M )o Avocn tlic d thus on itiide; on ho Rocky nisphere; Thus li- jxtcnding 1 \aiying 'W.V.— The sliorcs of s; but its s yvt tew 'st cxchi- jundanco itricts arc r'll by dc- 1, wln'ch, , Captain intr been T north, too, eoli- th growth s Juxuri- liousand Everv- abke ot ci'ior to those of the corresponding latitudes on the eastern shores of tlie same continent ; and the \ igorous growth of the timber, cited by Captains Lewis and Clarke as having been witnessed by them in the interior, vies with that of the best woods in tlie Old World. Several species of oak and j)ine are instanced by these gentlemen, averaging from ISO to '200 feet in lieight, by a diameter of IS which nish far- iterrupt- s, wJiich Lition to the Co- >f north inlet of ranee to portion s finally and the imence- is point, hwards. I consi- leans of ; these, mprofit- is them- tka was isioning 1 ; and, as esta- n 1813, lishing. e given 'it is 67 the name of Madison's Island, after the late presi- dent of their republic. Commerce. — The commerce of New Albion is as yet confined exclusively to the exchange of its va- rious valuable furs, the sea and common otter skins, together with those of the bear, fox, ermine, mar- tin, wolf, and rabbit, against such European manu- factures as the traders find suitable to the savage market in which they are exposed. These, unfor- tunately, are principally fire arms and ammunition ; objects of extreme desire to the ferocious natives, but which they almost as frequently direct against their European visitors as against each other. No- thing, indeed, can be more unfortunate than the wide dissemination of these implements of hostility among this people : a dissemination consequent on the imprudent avidity, and mutual competition, with which the desultory traders first sought their market, but which they all now nearly equally re- gret. The commerce of the shores of New Albion was maintained, at first, only in the most desultory manner, single trading vessels ranging along the coast, and picking up furs as they might happen to meet natives who had been successful in the chace j while, on the approach of winter, they were in the habit of repairing to Canton, and disposing of the proceeds of their cruize, however small or great I •■■vii.'iiil'f' im \um: *!'■■' 'f'! ■ i lit'' ^.f;' ' I III! ^m 68 these might be. Successive improvements have been since, however, introduced. First, two or more traders joined together, and, on the approach of winter, repaired to the Sandwich Islands; whence they dispatched those of their number only to Can- ton, whose lading they were enabled to complete ; while the remainder returned, on the approach of spring, to the coast of New Albion, where they had previously appointed rendezvous with the na- tives along the coast. Next, the Americans esta- blished their factory on Madison's Island ; and then the Canadian Fur Company crossed the Rocky Mountains, in the steps of Mackenzie, and esta- blished their factories on the Columbia, which, with the American settlement, have been noted among the means of communication. Between these several establishments the whole trade is now diyided. During the late war, indeed, with Ame- rica, it was monopolized entirely by the latter of them ; but the competition is now again revived, and the advantages are so much in the opposing scale, it is to be feared that the Canadian Compa- ny will be constrained, in time, to abandon the un- dertaking. Their convoys on the river Columbia itself are exceedingly burdensome and expensive, in consequence of the untamed ferocity of the na- tive inhabitants of its shores ; and even when they have cleared these, and have embarked the pro- 69 ts have two or 3proach whence to Can- nplete ; oach of re they the na- ns esta- d ; and ! Rocky id esta- which, 1 noted letween is now h Ame- itter of evived, pposing Compa- the un- , )lumbia >ensive, the na- 3n they le pro- iSm ceeds of their bailer on the Great Ocean, their dif- ficulties and disadvantages rather multiply than di- minish. They have no market but Canton, and there they are exposed to all those oppressive re- gulations which have been enacted by our legisla- ture for the protection of the monopoly of our East India Company. They can only sell for specie, an equivalent which is well known to bear a peculiar- ly high price in the Chinese markets ; and that spe- cie they cannot, either, embark, but must lodge it in the Company's treasury, taking bills on India or England for its amount. These bills, however long the interval before they can be presented for pay- ment, bear only - the ordinary rate of interest ; while, at the same time, the fur merchant is una- ble to embark, at any neighbouring port, a cargo of tropical produce, however valuable it might pos- sibly be in his home market in New Albion, be- cause the proceeds of his previous trip are thus ta- ken out of his hands, and only represented to him in bills without credit, and without efficacy, unless in the ordinary line of their circulation. The whole extent of these disadvantages, under which the British fur trader labours at the port of Canton, forms one of the most lamentable instances of impolicy within the whole scope of our mercantile administration. The subject of their palliation, or removal, will be again resumed in another part of \m l*';/i« 1. »tlf •■.„>•?(■ t i?ii '■,,?■ *"■ :ti";|i,;l^|.- 70 this work. They are here only incidentally quo- ted, as tending, in their direct and inevitable ope- ration, to convey to an active and indefatigable ri- val the whole profits of a most lucrative trade, at the immediate expense and loss of a Company, which, in the enterprize which it has displayed in traversing this vast continent, has established a claim on our encouragement and protection, such as but few can equal, and certainly none exceed. RUSSIAN AMERICA. Russian America is bounded on the south-east by Cook's Inlet, and extends thence round the pro- montory of Alashka, to the extremity of the land hitherto explored beyond Behring's Straits. Many patches of islands skirt its shores, and from the S. W. or Alashka Point, above named, two clusters, called the Aleutian and Fox Islands, run in a di- rection nearly west, almost quite across to the op- posite Asiatic shore of Kamtschatka. The whole length of continental coast exceeds 2000 miles — the islands are innumerable, and are many of them the sites of those occasional factories, detached from Kodiak, the principal settlement, by which i,r^-m. I It. IN i 71 \y quel- le ope- able ri- ade, at iipany, lyeti in shed a n, such ceed. ith-east he pro- le land Many om the lusters, n a di- the op- \ whole niles — if them tached which '# '* the chief intercourse with the native tribes is main- taineil. Kodiak is itself an island, situate in 57" 34' no]th latitude, and 152o west of Greenwich, Soil, Climate, and Vegetable Productions. — With the interior of this extensive coast we are nearly altogether unacquainted, and, indeed, the aspect of the sea-coast is too uninviting to have ever tempted any one to extend his excursions beyond the immediate sphere of his business or resources. Incessant torrents of rain, in an especial manner, characterize the short-lived summer of these deso- late shores, and the immediate effect of these is to produce a rapid and forced vegetation in the low and sheltered corners, which are alone suscepti- ble of it ; but the early return of winter soon chills the opening prospect, nor have the esculent grains ever been known to ripen under their influence. The hardier species of forest timber, together with some grasses and garden vegetables, are alone found to survive the quick recurring vicissitudes ; and even of them, the former run principally to brushwood, scarcely ever being found of vigorous growth, or considerable diameter. PopvIaiion.-^ThQ native inhabitants of Russian America rank singularly low in the scale of even savage man, and are neither remarkable for cun- ning, ferocity, nor any other mental quality ; their excessive filth being, indeed, their only very promi- 72 !•■ '^'ti I ■ ' ii» ■ IB ^ nent characteristic. The Russian population is not numerous ; that of Alexandria, the chief settlement ^ in the island of Kodiak, from the population of which most of the demands for out-factories must be supplied, having been only calculated by Camp- bell, in 1809, at 1300 souls. The whole amount is probably overstated at 3000. It is scattered about in the several islands which are annually chosen as sites for out-factories, whence, too, the greatest portion of it is constantly detached along the bays and inlets which diversify the whole coast, trading with the natives, and procuring from them those valuable furs which compose the sole induce- ments to the maintenance of establishments along these shores. Cut off thus from all connexion with the civilized world, and necessarily associating much with the natives, it is but natural, perhaps, that these poor Russians should adopt their man- ners, and even diet, and should be, indeed, in lit- tle but mercantile sagacity, their superiors. The excess to which this is generally represented to be carried, is, however, a little extraordinary ; but, it may be remarked, that its effect has been extreme- ly favourable to their commerce. They are, in general, much beloved by the native traders, and have succeeded, also, in converting most of them, to the exterior semblance at least, of the Greek church. It advantageously distinguishes, indeed, ■ 1M)l 73 even the earliest Russian settlers on this coast, that, from the first, they made this conversion a favourite object of their pursuit, before they could have been aware of the temporal and political advantages which are inseparably connected with its acquisition. Commerce. — The commerce of Russian America consists exclusively in the acquisition of furs from the native tribes, and their subsequent transmission to the respective markets for which they are des- tined. The whole is in the hands of a company established at St. Petersburgh, called the Russian American Company, whose agents reside at Ko- diak, and assert a political as well as commercial authority over the settlements. One peculiarly evil consequence results from this system, viz. that no part of the profits of the traffic are expended on the spot where they are acquired, the agents for the transaction of one of the most lucrative branches of commerce in the world being established at a fixed salary, and from their distance secluded even from the means of private speculation. Their only virtue is fidelity to their employers ; their only re- ward, promotion in their service. They live mean- ly, and the colony is neither benefited' by their pre- sence, nor injured by their repeated absences while visiting the out-factories. The furs obtained from the natives of Russian America, are of the same description with those of lir;'' I'. 1 ><■ Ir] 4J» 'rfl •i\ I •i ;"i 'f«t4;W IS /I New Albion, and are partly exacted from them as tribute — ^partly acquired by fair and regular barter, the just dealing of whicli is attested by the attach- ment which these poor savages testify for their mas- ters. The articles of exchange are iron tools, wool- len cloths, beads, ardent spirits, provisions — most of these latter previously obtained from the Sand- wich Islands, neither Kamtschatka nor Ochotsk admitting of an exportation of that nature — toge- ther with some other trifling articles in estimation among the native tribes. The furs, w'hen obtain- ed, are transmitted in covered boats to Alexandria, and are theiice sent either to Petropaulowska and Nishni in Kamtschatka, or direct to Ochotsk, as the season, or other circumstances, may direct. From these places they are subsequently transmit- ted to the interior, in the several directions which will be summarily explained in the following arti- cle, treating of the Russian settlements on the east coast of Asia. RUSSIAN SETTLEMENTS ON THE EAST COAST OF ASIA. The Russian settlements on the east coast of Asia, are composed of the peninsula of Kamtschat- ka, and the interior shores of the sea of Ochotsk, lem as barter, attacli- ir mas- , wool- — most Sand- >chotsk —toge- mation obtaiii- andria, ika and otsk, as direct, ansmit- s which ng arti- cle east )F ASIA. :oast of itschat- 'chotsk, 75 as far as 53*^ north latitude, where a chain of moun- tains, running in a Hne W. S. W. into the interior^ separates them from Chinese Tartary, and forms the southern boundary. On the north, they are bounded on the sliores of the Pacific by the tribu- tary but sovereign tribes of Koriaks, and others, occupying the western shores of Behring's Straits. The length of sea coast, from this frontier to Cape Lopatka, the extreme south point of Kamtschat- ka, is about 1500 miles; from Cape Lopatka to Ochotsk, it exceeds 1100; and from Ochotsk to the Chinese frontier, the line extends to about 600 more. The breadth of Russian territory, from Ochotsk, as a central point, situate moreover in nearly the same parallel of latitude with St. Peters- burgh, exceeds, in an unbroken line, 100° of lon- gitude ; the whole comprising an empire greatly exceeding, in extent, that of the proudest days of Roman grandeur. In intrinsic resource it is, how- ever, far inferior, and, indeed, has only begun to figure with importance on the great European stage within our own times. Soil, Ctitnate, and Vegetable Productions, — Of this extensive empire only the extreme eastern shores come within the scope of this compilation, and of these, a very few words will explain the principal particulars. The climate of Kamtschatka is cold and wet; and the soil, bound up during a long win- 76 ■HJfl \M It-' 'liH f :*. ,'5 !. ""'Li:'*' i'j tor in snow and ice, receives a short-livetl but ra- pid principle of vegetation from the spring rains, which, as on the oj)posite shores of America, give forth an early ])romise, very seldom fulfilled by the autumnal produce. The esculent grains rarely come to maturity, rye-corn alone, indeed, being ge- nerally attempted. The growth of timber is, how- ever, considerably more luxuriant than on the op- posite coast ; and a profusion of grasses and vege- tables render the Kamtschadale ports not altoge- ther ineligible for the reception and refreshment of the crews of the fur traders, whom filthy and unwholesome diet but too generally exposes to scor- butic attacks, during their tedious and laborious na- vigations. To them, even the resources of Kamt- schatka appear luxuries, and their demands form the only market for surplus produce possessed by its inhabitants. It is almost unnecessary to add, that agriculture is at an extremely low ebb among them, and, indeed, even its most simple operations would be here exposed to obstacles, which only a very powerful stimulus could permanently over- come. On quitting Kamtschatka, and proceeding along the sea coast to the westward and south-west, some small improvement, both in soil and climate, is per- ceptible ; but no material change is found in the vegetable productions, which are still limited to 77 )ut ra- j rains, a, give led by rarely ing ge- , hovv- the op- 1 vege- altoge- shment by and to scor- ous na- Kamt- Is form ised by to add, among 'rations only a y over- y along t, some , is per- in the ited to crops of rye-corn, some of tlie hardier fruits, and forest timber. The interior of Siberia progressive- ly improves in passing to the westward, but it would be to stray beyond my limits to follow up its progress and advance. Mineral Productions, — The )eninsula of Kamt- schatka is essentially volcano . in its composition, and abounds also in those metallic substances, the composition of which would seem to be connected with the action of internal fires, being generally found in their vicinity, although sometimes also discovered where they do not now at least exist. Of these, copper is the most valuable which has yet been observed 5 and I ought to have remarked, in the preceding article, that this metal is also found in such abundance in some of the neigli- boiu'ing Aleutian islands, as to have given a name to several of their number. Iron ore is also com- mon, and an abundance of the inferior minerals, talc, &c. is found along the whole interior of Kamtschatka. Of all these, only the last mention- ed, talc, forms an object of export into the inte- rior. It will be found in the subsequent enumera- tion of the chief articles of traffic with the Chi- nese. Population, — The population of Kamtschatka, native as well as Russian, was long very limited, having, indeed, declined materially for many year* M^'' ^m^ ;.}■'•■' I pi*?' ■ •Hi*'' j,' f«l: !»! i J' ., ' '«"'', "til I?" >: i? 'll! i;:f 4 1' i Vh »•■ 78 after its first discovery and occupation by the Rus- sian power. W ithin the last twenty years, how- ever, it is understood to have very considerably advanced j and, as the encouragement of the Rus- sian trade in the Pacific Ocean is a favourite object with the present Emperor, its importance will un- doubtedly increase with the success which his mea- sures may obtain. Of the amount it is impossible to form any very correct surmise. It is probably under- stated at 9000, including the population of Ochotsk, and the other maritime districts of Tartary, in the enumeration, but excludliig such of the native tribes as are merely tributary, but not always sub- missive to Russian authority. Thus understood, its component elements are the pure Russian, the pure Kamtschadale, and the mixed race ; of which, both first and second are the least numerous, the latter composing nearly the whole permanent po- pulation, exclusive of the garrisons and company's agents. The assimilation of manners with the na- tive tribes, which we noticed in the Russians esta- blished on the coast of America, is here, even if possible, still more complete ; nor can almost the nicest scrutiny detect, in the domesticated Rus- sian, the smallest superiority over the Kamtscha- dale peasant with whom he associates. Of course, I neither speak of the officers of the garrison, nor the superior agents. To their urbanity and hos- ;>i-*" «" 9 the Rus- irs, how- siderably the Rus- ite object ; will un- his mea- ossible to \y iinder- Ochotsk, y, in the e native v^ays sub^ ierstood, jsian, the )f which, rous, the nent po- )mpany*s li the na- ans esta- S even if nost the :ed Rus- amtscha- f course, ison, nor and hos- pitable attention, every successive voyager, from our own illustrious Cook down, has borne a willing, an ample, and a grateful testimony. Chief Cities, <§c. — The following eniuneration of chief cities, comprises those through which the commerce of the Eastern Sea passes in its way to Irkutsk ; whence it separates into two branches, and seeks the Chinese and St. Petersburg^ mar- kets. Beyond that point it is not my intention to trace it in its progress to Europe, further than by a mere statement of the distances which it subse- jquently traverses. The communication with China Ms an integral object of my compilation, and will, consequently, be further considered. The points of contact, too, Kiachta and Zuruchaitu, will be also noticed in the following enumeration of chief towns. Political Divisions. Cfiief Towns. Remarks. Kamtschatka Nishni Petropaulowska Bolcheretsk The capital of Kamtschatka, situate on the great river Kamtschatka, about twenty miles from the east coast. It is excellently adapted for the purposes both of external and internal communication, having a good port at the mouth of the river, which is, besides, naviga- ble for boats upwards of 300 miles into the interior. Tlie town is very meanly built. A noted seaport. Tho town also, how- ever, very meanly built. Once the capital of the peninsula, and a to- lerable sea port on its west coast ; now altoge- ther abandoned and neglected. Ml ii • i,., •<-TJ"i :i ■^ «<: ■■■• ' ■■ I , lit ■ 1 1 . J(> ."'5 . ' ' ' Ml ,|i.i «/ 2 iV'''£' f" Ij-'I'Tv!"' If":' ^ ,V M, ,ii, i I, ,, v '-J > i -I ^ ;;■ 1. '^ f ; ■ 'ij > I '4f '■a 80 TABLE'— Continued. Political Divisions. Chief Towns. Ochotsk Yakutsk Russian Tartary Irkutsk Ncrschinsk Kiachta Zuruchaitu Remarks. A very bad, insecure port, and meanly built town, situate at the extremity of the gulf or sen of the same name. It it the general rendezvous for the whole Russian trade on the Pacific, which either proceeds direct to it by sea, or, if prevented doing so by the season, the gulf being very hazar- dous in winter, lands at Pctropaulowska or Nish- ni, and proceeds overland. Situate on the Lena, in 64® north latitude, and 620 miles distant from Ochotsk. This is the first considerable stage made by the Russian trade, in its way from the Pacific to its market. The Lena, on which Yakutsk is built, is »"ivigable from that point upwards of 1501) miles up, and 800 down, to its confiuence with the Frozen Ocean, and is, consequently, a medium of inland communication for more than 2000 miles. Tlie capital of the province of Russian Tartary, and the point where the roads to China and St. Petersburgh diverge. It is situate in about 54" north, near the inland sea of Baikal, about 1800 miles from Yakutsk ; of which distance, however, 1500 may be made on the Lena. It is an opulent, well built town, an archbishop's see, and the resi- dence of the governor of the whole eastern posses- sions of the Russian empire. A small town, situate about 700 miles E.S E. of Irkutsk, in about 51" north latitude. It is ce- lebrated as being the place where the first com- mercial treaty between the Russian and Chinese empires was signed ; and it has since flourished under the shade of the success with which the arrangements then made have been crowned. The celebrated emporium of Russian and Chi- nese trafiic, divided into two towns ; of which, the Russian quarter only is named Kiachta, the Chi- nese being by them designated IVIaimatschin. Here the rich mutual trafiic is almost entirely transact- ed, the common boundary being marked by a post, with a suitable inscription in the Russian and Mantchur characters. The Russian quarter is poorly built. The Chinese is decorated in tlieir usual style of gaudy but tinsel magnificence. Another point of communication with China, but of very inferior importance to Kiachta. 81 meanly built > he gulf or sea :al rendezvous Pacific, which , if prevented ng very hazar- nrska or Nish> h latitude, and .'his is the first issian trade, in It. The Lena, able from that md 800 down, Ocean, and is, communication issian Tartary, China and St. B in about 54° al, about 1800 ;ance, however, t is an opulent, e, and the resi- eastem posses- mUes E.S E. ude. It is ce- the first com- n and Chinese ince flourished fith which the crowned, ssian and Chi- ; of which, the ichta, the Chi- latschin. Here tirely transact- rked by a post, Russian and :an quarter is )rated in tlieir lificence. n with China, iachta. Means of Communication. — The means of exter- nal communication enjoyed by the eastern sliores of Tartary and peninsula of Kamtschatka, neces- sarily resolve themselves under two heads, viz. those afforded by the interior roads to China and St. Petersburgh, and those supplied by the Pacific •Ocean. 1. The Interior Roads to China and St. Peters- burgh, — Of the composition of these roads nothing is known of a later date than the journey overland by M. Lesseps, who, in the year 1787, was charged with dispatches for the French government by the unfortunate De la Perouse, then about to quit the port of Petropaulowska, in the prosecution of those discoveries which had so fatal, and as yet myste- rious a termination. Amidst the frippery with which this traveller has chosen to clothe his narra- tive, it is not very easy to discover the precise na- ture of the obstacles which he had to encounter ; they seem, however, to have resolved, in their out- set, into those of cold and hunger, both which he very pathetically sets forth ; and, subsequently, to have been little more than those usual obstacles which imperfect civilization will necessarily pre- sent, in even the most open and accessible coun- tries. Our surprise indeed, at least if I may judge from my own sensations, is rather at their compa- rative paucity and unimportance, than eitlier at G i i 8'i t'Mi rl:i_:;«li|;-'i > ■ j,i''"-lre' ; r the coiird^e or perseverance with which M. Les- seps acquaints lis in very direct terms, that they were overcome. The following Table will convey a precise idea of the distances along which this communication is maintained. It is extracted from Mr. Coxe's Rus- sian Discoveries^ and presents a picture of mercan- tile perseverance unparalleled in any other country, the interior wilds of Canada alone perhaps except- ed. The distances are expressed by Mr. Coxe in Russian versts, of which three make about two English miles. From Ochotsk to Yakutsk - 972 Yakutsk to Irkutsk - 2433 3405 From Irkutsk to St, Petersburgh. Front Irkutsk to Pekin by Kiachta. From Irkutsk to Pekin by Ztiruchaitu. To Tobolsk - - 2918 ]Moscow - - 2385 St. Petersburgh 734 6037 To Kiachta - - 471 Pekin - - - 1532 2003 ToNerschinsk - 1129 Zuruchaitu - 370 Pekin - - 1588 3087 IlESULT.^From Ochotsk to St. Petersburgh From Ochotsk to Pekin by Kiachta From Ochotsk to Pekin by Zuruchaitu T452 5408 6492 It is proper here to remark, that although these distances are thus computed only from Ochotsk, yet to many of the fur exports from that town it is not the beginning of their land journey, the con^ M. Les- hat they cise idea ication is xe's Rus- mercan- • country, s except- . Coxe in Dout two utsk to Pekin ruchaitu. linsk liaitu 1139 370 1588 3087 7452 5408 6492 igh these Ochotsk, t town it the con- 83 tributions of the peninsula of Kamtscliatka, and much also of the winter produce of the Aleutian Isles, having already performed a land journey from Nishni exceeding 1^200 versts. Amid such farther distances, however, even this addition, considera- ble as it really is, appears comparatively unimport- ant, nor is it, indeed, found materially to affect the price of the commodity. 2. Communication by the Pacific. — There are three sea ports of some note in the peninsula of Kaint- schatka ; the mouth of the river Kamtschatka, in which the chief town is called Nishni ; Petropaul- owska, otherwise called the harbour of St. Peter and St. Paul ; and Bolcheretsk : and one, viz. Ochotsk, on the main land of East Tartaiy. These have been each mentioned in the preceding enumeration of chief towns, nor is it necessary here to add to what has been there said of them. It may only far- ther be remarked, that Bolcheretsk owes its decay and fall, from being the chief residence of the go- vern^, of the peninsula to its present rank of a mere neglected village, to the improvement of the Russian navigation along these inhospitable shores. Situate near the extreme point of the peninsula, on its western side, it was the regular winter quar- ter of the traders between Ochotsk and the Ame- rican islands, when the intermediate passage con- sumed always two summers. Thi^ is now, how- <.'#] 1,1,' * ■1 ,i ' 'I' ■'■. 'T' ■■ I ■vV'.;:::' tif r' ''"If" J 'J ■'•'■< i: i|:' lit.''^ ^!:>^::'^ i^f If |-'h Cl- ever, currently performed in one, and Bolclieretsk is accordingly abandoned. Commerce. — The commerce of these shores will equally resolve itself under two heads, viz. the over- land commerce with the Chinese ; and the mari- time commerce on the Pacific Ocean. 1. The commerce maintained by the Russians on the Chinese frontier is of very ancient standing; and, even so far back as the year 1680, had begun to excite the jealousy of that proud and suspicious people. Camhi, the reigning emperor at that pe- riod, declared war ; and this was maintained, with various success, until the year 1 j89, when that fa- mous treaty of Nerschinsk was concluded, which, although successively modified and retrenched, may 3^et be considered the basis of the commercial in- tercourse between the two nations. That, as it now stands, is maintained at two several points, Kiachta and Zuruchaitu ; of which the first is infi- nitely the most important, the latter being only a small dependency on Nerschinsk, and a point of communication with the Mongol Tartars, who re- pair to it in the month of July, and barter some inferior silk and cotton wares against some ordi- nary furs, clotli, and Russia leather. The trade of Kiachta is infinitely more valuable, and was esti- mated, in I77C, to average an annual value of 4,000,000 of rubles, or nearly L. 800,000 Sterling. m clieretsk ores will the over- he mari- Russians tanding; id begun uspicious that pe- led, with 1 that fa- d, which, ;hed, may ercial in- lat, as it d points, rst is infi- ng only a L point of , who re- ter some )me ordi- 3 trade of was esti- value of Sterling. 85 It was understood to have suffered materially sub- sequently to that period, by the influx of furs into the port of Canton in English and American bot- toms, consequent on the familiar navigation of the Pacific Ocean which took i)lace after Captain Cook's last voyage ; and it was farther for a time suspended altogether, by a diiierence between the two empires in the reign of the Emperor Paul. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to form any just surmise of its present value ; but it is pro- bably now even more considerable than ever, from the enlightened patronage bestowed by Alexander bn every branch of commercial speculation within his dominions, but especially on the affairs of the American Company, of which he is, indeed, per- sonally a member. The exports from the Russian dominions at this point, consist of furs, (those, viz. drawn from Kamt- schatka and the Aleutian Isles) ; cloth, chiefly Rus- sian, with some little French, English, and Prus- sian, previously imported at St. Petersburgh ; Rus- sia leati?er ; glass-ware ; cattle, chiefly camels, horses, and horned cattle ; tin and talc, the latter the produce principally of the eastern shores. The imports consist of raw and manufactured silks; teas, many sorts of which are considered superior to any which can be procured from the fraudulent Hong merchants at Canton; porcelain, toys, tiger and 80 WW '■it' '' '■ ■I'v j7 m I'm''.:," '■" • mm] ; .•■? ■ .161 111,/- S'l; Wl III.*..' I'i ■,1 panther skins, rhubarb, musk, sweatmeats, &c. These are principally destined for the St. Peters- burgh markets; saddled with the multiplied ex- penses of their land journey, their acquisition is much beyond the means of Tartar or Siberian po- pulation. 2. The Russian commerce on the Pacific, exclu- sive of that already mentioned with their own set- tlements in America, is as yet extremely limited j consisting only of some little trade with the Sand- wich Islands, and with Canton, for the supplies of provisions, teas, &c. necessary for their domestic consumption. The improvement of this commerce also, is however a favourite object with Alexan- der ; and although the heavy understandings of his subjects seem little calculated for the meridian of Canton, yet the prospect is not altogether a bad one which perseverance would seem toholdout. Theyare most advantageously situate for obtaining an inter- course with Japan, some of the northern establish- ments of which on the peninsula of Segalien, literal- ly confine with the Russian Kurile Islands ; and al- though an embassy, formally sent in ISO6 to Nan- gasaki failed in its object, yet cannot the slow but certain operations of neighbourhood and mutual wants be thus arrested at a despot's nod. Rus- sia may not reap the full or exclusive harvest of Japanese traffic— she may, and probably will be ■■^^ ats, &c, . Peters- )lied ex- isition is erian po- c, exclu- own set- limited ; ;lie Sand- ipplies of domestic :ommerce 1 Alexan- ngs of his eridian of a bad one They are ; an inter- establish- ;n, literal- 5 ; and al- S to Nan- slow but d mutual ►d. Rus- arvest of Y will be 87 superseded in it, when it shall be liiirly opened, by a more active or richer rival ; but she is very likely indeed, to set that encouraging example of first success, which would alone seem wanting to fix the attention of the mercantile world on that mart. :'bK> CHINA. ^ It is not my intention to speak here of the vast empire of China in detail: its commercial re- sources, with the leading features of its domestic policy, statistics, &c. are already sufficiently well known to the mercantile world, to render it unne- cessary to attempt even their outline. I shall con- tent myself, therefore, with very summarily indica- ting the limits and direction of its sea coast, with the existing means of communication which they afford, and several branches of external commerce maintained by them. The boundary line separating Chinese from Rus- sian Tartary, has been already indicated to be a chain of mountains running W. S. W. into the in- terior, from the sea of Ochotsk, in about 53^ north latitude. From this point the coast runs nearly E, S. E. to the nioutli of the Amoor, or Segalien, I.' ''i' *♦ '.' M t 88 a large, and as is generally understood navigable river, which enters the Pacific in about 5*2*^ north. Here the ])eiiinsiila of Segalien is connected with the main land by a narrow spit of sand, the accii- niuhition, it is believed, of the river deposits ; and hence the coast runs nearly S. S. W. as far as the extreme point (situate in about 35^ north) of the peninsula of Corea, a dependancy of the Chinese empire, rather than an appendage of its crown. Behind this point the land falls back to the north- west, and forms the spacious Yellow Sea ; the mi- nute particulars respecting which have been lately given to the public by Captain Hall, who com- manded his Majesty's sloop Lyra, attached to Lord Amherst's mission. From the south-east point of this opening the coast runs nearly south, as far as the 25th parallel of north latitude, where it falls back W. S. W. until it is at length terminated by the contiguous kingdom of Tonquin, in about 103° east longitude from Greenwich. The total extent of sea coast thus described, considerably exceeds 3000 miles, without including its lesser sinuosities; but of this, from 35" to 53^ north is comparatively unimportant, in its present state at least, being in- habited exclusively by the Coreans and wandering hordes of Tartars, the rude inhabitants of those in- terminable plains which skirt the empire of China properly so called, and which divide it from the 89 lavigablc 'i" north. lied with he accii- its ; and ar as the i) of the I Chinese ;s crown, he north- the mi- en lately ^ho coni- i to Lord point of as far as re it falls inated by bout 103" al extent ^ exceeds luositiesj aratively being in- andering those in- )f China rom the more populous districts, where the extreme line of boundary separates it from Russia, and which are the theatre of that laborious commerce which we have already contemplated in the preceding ar- ticle. V - Means of External Communication. — Only two ports, Macao and Canton, are directly open to Eu- ropean speculation throughout the vast empire of China. Of these I shall speak at some length in their places ; but before proceeding to them, I would trace the whole shore of the empire, from north to south, and indicate certain points in it, where, as I conceive, a farther communication might be indirectly instituted, some of them, in- deed, being already the sites of external commerce and communication. 1. The river Amoor, or Segalien, already indi- cated as falling into the Pacific in 52° north lati- tude. This river was once in the occupation of the Russians, but was ceded by them, in 1(389, when the victories of the great Camhi, emperor of China, removed their line of boundary many miles back from the advanced points which it had once occupied. Its cession was a very severe loss to the Russian trade; and, in fact, is the very circuiit-- stance which imposes on it those weary land journies from Ochotsk to Kiachta, which we have already contemplated, and which might be nearly altoge- ■*'* •I,*** I. c^ jit: ^.^ I'll."'' '•»■' '4. 3 '■ 90 ^ether avoided, could the Russians command tlic navigation of this noble stream, which passes with- in a very short distance indeed, of Nerschinsk and Zuruchaitu. As a means of improvable commu- nication, however, with the interior of Chinese Tartary, its acquisition is yet, I should deem, at- tainable. It is known that the Mantschur Tartars visit the adjoining coasts, and they are said also to collect pearl oysters in its vicinity. Nothing could appear more easy than to institute a trade with these people ; and even, by degrees, to draw down to this point the whole of that intercourse at Kiach- ta and Zuruchaitu, which consists in the exchange of the commodities of Kamtscliatka, the American islands, &c. for Chinese wares. The difference to the Tartars would not probably be much, if any; while the convenience to the Russians, of to whom- soever chose to embark in the speculation, would be immense. 2. The tributary Chinese kingdom of Corea, it is well known, maintains an almost unreserved in- tercourse with the Japanese and Loo-Choo islands, each nearly opposite to its eastern shores ^ and each successive voyager mentions the numerous sampanes, or coasting boats, which are constantly observed in the intermediate sea, or gulf, also call- ed Corea. With these it might not be difficult to institute a regular intercourse, were these seas ever 91 and the jes with- insk and commu- Chinese leem, at- L* Tartars d also to ng could ade with aw down it Kiach- jxchange American lifference h, if any; to whom- ►n, would Corea, it >erved in- to islands, res; and lumerous :onstantly also call- iifficult to seas ever to be habitually navigated by small vessels, or by individual traders, (as distinguished from the agents of a great commercial company,) whose notions would not, accordingly, be so entirel}r confined to speculations on a large scale, and who would have no dignity to compromise by a conformity to local forms and customs, to the observance of whicli, it would appear, an extreme importance is attach- ed by all ranks of Chinese subjects. In opposition to this it may perhaps be objected, that only the other day, the Alceste and Lyra were repulsed in every similar attempt on the west coast ; but even to this objection, a very satisfactory answer may, I think, be given. Neither of these vessels were prepared for trade ; they were both evidently arm- ed ; and the inhabitants of the western shores of Corea may, moreover, easily be supposed to be more completely subject to Chinese maxims of po- licy than those of the eastern, situate as they are on the coast of an inland and domestic sea. The cases are evidently not sufficiently the same to war- rant a decided inference respecting the one, from the result of the other experiment. 3. The river of Nankin, joining the main ocean at the mouth of the Yellow Sea, and not more than 40 leagues to the southward of the debouchure of the Yellow River, whence this latter takes its name . is the first point which I shall indicate along the '*^ I 1 ;l « iliTlW, III ■";, «' :l::i ."'^ ''•ft" 'J! i I'll' • '" « ' I MM !*■!•!*■::■■ >, ''¥J'^. !. ■ ..* .1'. nr ',■;,.. if. (■ ■ :, 1:, i Iftii.*;! .:;':i 92 coast of China Proper which actually maintains au extensive foreign intercourse; and which might accordingly probably be converted into a medium of indirect trade. This foreign intercourse is main- tained exclusiv^ely in native bottoms, but extends as far as Batavia and Siam, exporting porcelain, silk, preserved fruits, &c. ; and receiving in return assorted cargoes of the varied produce of the In- dian Ai'chipelago. 4. Ning-po, situate on a river joining the sea be- hind the Archipelago of Chusan, will come next in this enumeration. It has the monopoly assigned to it of the whole national trade with Jap?n, the nature and extent of which will be more particu- larly considered when treating of that empire ; be- sides which, it also maintains a very considerable traffic, also, however, in native bottoms, with the islands and ports of the Indian Archipelago, Ma- nilla, Sooloo, Batavia, &c. Its exports are nearly of the same nature with those of Nankin, with which it maintains also a very active coasting trade. 5. Amoy, or Emouy, situate nearly at the south- east extremity of China, behind the island of For- mosa, is the only other point besides Macao and Canton, where any Europeans are allowed to trade j this exemption being, by virtue of a special treaty, conferred on the Spaniards resident in the Philip- pine Islands ; and, in common witli every commer- 3 93 lintains an ich might I medium 3e is main- it extends porcelain, J in return >f the In- :he sea be- ne next in f assigned ap?n, the e particit- ipire ; be- isiderable , with the [ago, Ma- ; nearly of ith which ade, ;he south- d of For- acao and . to trade; ial treaty, le Philip- commer- cial opportunity enjoyed by them, is almost entire- ly neglected, not more than one annual ship of small tonnage being sent by them to this point. In re- turn, however, the Chinese merchants resident at Emouy are extremely active in their intercourse with all the Indian islands; and their port being the nearest along the eastern coast, is also much fre- quented by the Chinese settlers throughout the whole Archipelago. It enjoys, accordingly, a very extensive trade, exporting, for the most part, nan- keens and other cotton cloths, raw^ and manufactur- ed silk, paper fans and parasols, iron instruments, vermilion, &c. in exchange for native produce of the Indian islands ; amid which, however, it would not appear difficult to insinuate English goods, were some of those regulations relaxed, which at present shut up the English market to those silk manufac- tures, in which consists the great wealth of this eastern coast. 6. Macao, the well-known Portuguese settlement in the mouth of the river of Canton, is another point of access into the Chinese empire ; and is probably alone, of all those in this enumeration, improved to the uttermost, a very extensive sys- tem of smuggling into the interior being regular- ly organized at it. Tlie commerce is accord- ingly very great; and is maintained principally with British capital, although, for the most part, I'' 9l5 ''I*' i E 11*1 f 1' ■'*■•■■'* J' '* II I if f confined to the Portuguese flag. Its chief mercan* tile connexions are with Bengal ; from which, be- sides piece goods, cotton, saltj)etre, and grain, it draws annually upwards of 3000 chests, of 100 lb. each, of opium, all of which, notwithstanding the most rigorous prohibitions, is smuggled into the interior of China. From Madras it principally re^ ceives Ceylon pearls, cotton and piece goods ; fror i Lisbon, Madeira wine ; from Cochin-China, areca nuts, bird's nests, tripang, or sea slug, a dainty in much estimation at Chinese tables, ivory, and rice; and from the Indian islands their varied produce, such as will be afterwards more particularly enume- rated. In 1807, the entire tonnage entered at Ma- cao amounted to 91 60 tons, arriving in the follow- ing proportions : from Lisbon, 1280; Goa, 450; Ben- gal, 4730; Madras, 250; Indian islands, 1950; and Cochin-China, 500. The same vessels sailed the same year also as follows: to Lisbon, 1400; Ceylon, Bombay, and Goa, 1080 ; Bengal, some of them touching at the Indian Islands on their passage, 3250; Madras, 250; Indian Islands, 1200; and Cochin-China, 1200.* * For these minute details, I am indebted to the late Captain Tuckey's most valuable wcrk on Maritime Geography. Poor Tuckey ! We were fellow-prisoners of war in France when he devoted his leisure to this laborious compilation, and when, at. the time most of us were idle, reckless, and dissipated, he thui^ 95 f mercan* hich, be- grain, it of 100 lb. iding the into the :ipally re- odsj froii ina, areca dainty in , and rice; produce, ly enume- •ed at Ma- le fbllow- 450; Ben- 1950; and sailed the I; Ceylon, of them r passage, 200; and late Captain aphy. Poor ce when he nd when, al ted, he thw- 7. Canton, the celebrated port of direct European communication with China, is situate on the river Pe-kiang, vulgarly called the Tigris, from the name of a small island in its mouth, whence that of Bocca Tigris was first given to the adjoining pas- sage, and the general appellation thence improper- Jy transferred to the river itself. The trade of Canton is immense, and must be considered, if even the faintest outline of it be attempted, at con- siderably more length than those we have already noticed. It may be divided summarily under the following heads i 1. Trade with England; 2. with Foreign Europe, and Atlantic America; 3. witli. India ; 4. with the Indian Islands ; and, 5. with the Pacific Ocean. 1. Trade with England. — The trade of Canton with England is most rigorously confined, by act of Parliament, to the East India Company ; and the monopoly by that body is further supported by laid the foundation of that distinction which ultimately consign- ed him to a premature but honourable grave. His first-lieute- nant in his late expedition (Hawkey) was in the same circum- stances too, and was equally assiduous. How little did any of us then anticipate, that the manly stuuies in which he was unremit- tingly engaged were so soon to experience a brief and fatal termi- nation ! Peace be to their ashes ! The cordial sympathy and good wishes of all their brother-officers accompanied them on their fa- tal errand ; and the sincere sorrow with which the account of their fate was received by all who had known them, was a more ge- nuine testimony to their merits than anv monument could confer . w m m 96 III,!. \<'V ':^ m'. ■'H. • (. Mr': tihii ►* '■ ■ ■ i T 111 " ^'Tji' "it- it Ili'i< VI h I i ''■'^;,T"{;i'. a variety of regulations, which nearly exclude alto- gether every British subject from entering it, un- less only their own agents or Indian subjects. No others can sell their cargoes unless for specie, a commodity always very high priced in Canton; and even that specie is not allowed to be exported by the merchants purchasing it, but must be pour- ed into the Company's treasury, in exchange for bills on England or India, as may be most suitable. A variety of other restrictions are also imposed, but this is the most important ; and its operation on another branch of Canton trade wiU be cited presently in its own place. The Company's exports from Canton are teas, nankeens, wrought and raw silks, and porcelain.-— In 1810, the prime cost of the investments at Can- ton was L. 1,487,000; the freight and charges L. 873,000; and the customs paid in England L. 18,500; total cost and charges L. 2,378,500; which returned at the Company's sales L.3,723,000, of which tea alone for more than three millions and a half; the annual import into England by the Company of other objects being only raw silk L.100,000, nankeen L 50,000, porcelain L.5000, and wrought silks L.IOOO. The returns to Can- ton, on the other hand, annually average between a million and a million and a half prime cost in Eng- land; and consist of woollens for L. 1,000,000, tin de alto- it, un- its. No ipecie, a anton ; xported be pour- ange for suitable, imposed, )peration be cited are teas, celain. — s at Can- charges England 378,500 ; 723,000, lions and d by tlie raw silk L.5000, to Can- between t in Enii:- •,000, tin 07 and lead L. 200,000, and bullion L. 100,000, toge- ther with a small list of sundries, chiefly the pri- vate ventures of the officers of the ships employed in the trade, consisting of lead, furs, Prussian blue, cochineal, clocks, watches, &c. The total value of these, amounts, communUms amiisy to about L. 100,000 ; besides which about the same sum in specie is supposed to be annually imported also among the private ventures. ; 2. Trade with Foreign Europe and Atlantic America. — Previous to the late long war, the trade with Foreign Europe direct was chiefly in the hands of the Dutch, Danes, Swedes, French, and Spanish Philippine Company; but the gap made in the commercial relations of these several people by that event has not yet been filled up at this point, al- though it is generally understood to be within the contemplation alike of all to make the attempt. The trade with the United States is accordingly the only one in this list which can be spoken of in the present tense ; that is understood to average an ex- port of about V2 or 18 millions of pounds uf tea, in exchange for furs, chiefly brought from the west- ern shores of America, English camblets, ebony of the Isle of France, sandal wood, bird's nests, &c. picked up among the Indian and Pacific Ocean islands, and brought to this ultimate market. Two circumstances remarkably characterise this trade. G ik / '& ./" '< ■ •^^ '1^ .liifl ■ 1 11 I i'l 1 1 (■Vf i,ii*^^ ;•, 'f •■■•"■■, 'it I. i: ',,•'' T ■^,l ■ rffll it' "lit i:l-;'t!'# if III. ri*ii1i" !:., Lk"' . if ■■: ;*■'•• 98 The first is the circuitous and desultory manner in which it is maintained. Each American vessel leaves its own port on general speculation, carrying perhaps a cargo of provisions to Madeira, and em- barking wine in lieu ; or to the Isle of France, the English settlements in India or New South Wales, the Spanish ports in South America, &c. &c. with an assorted cargo suited to these several destina- tions. Wherever they unload, they are ready and willing to embark in any speculation, whether of country or of foreign trade, and close with any promising offer, keeping Canton only remotely in their view as the port whence, after a lapse even of years, they propose to proceed home, when they shall have accumulated from these slender begin- nings a capital sufficient to complete the cargo of tea with which they mean to return. The next re- markable feature in this trade is its rapid increase. In 1789 only 15 American vessels touched at Can- ton, and exported about half a million of lbs. of tea, with a little silk and porcelain. In 1806 there were 39 ; and in 1 809, immediately previous to tlie breaking out of hostilities with Great Britain, there were upwards of 80. In this last year, it is true, they were hurrying home from all quarters in the anticipation of confiscation from British cruizers ; but they are now again out, it is understood, in greater numbers than ever, an active, busy band, 99 oiy manner in nerican vessel ition, carrying [leira, and em- of France, the South Wales, &c. &c. with veral destina- are ready and )n, whether of lose with anv ly remotely in r a lapse even me, when they slender begin- 3 the 'cargo of The next re- rapid increase, 'uched at Can- lion of lbs. of In 1806 there previous to the t Britain, there ear, it is true, uarters in the itish cruizers ; mderstood, in re, busy band, saoacious to discover and eager to improve every promising opportunity. 3. Trade with India.— The principal mercantile connexions of Canton with India are with the respec- tive presidencies of Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta. From the first it receives cotton for about L.700,000, sandal wood for about L. 30,000, and shark's fins, also a dainty for the Chinese table, for about the same sum. The returns are in sugar, sugar-candy, nankeens, raw silk, camphire, tutanague, porce- lain, &c. tiie whole averaging about L.330,000. The balance is principally made up in specie, except such portion of it as may belong to the Company, which is invested in teas for England. From Madras Canton receives pearls of Ceylon for about L.40,000, cotton for L. 11,000, piece goods for L. 11,000, and simdries for about as much ; the total import thus averaging nearly L. 80,000. The exports are in the same articles as are sent to Bombay, and amount in all to about L. GO, 000. Lastly, from Bengal, Canton receives for about L. 250,000, of which nearly L. 200,000 in cotton, the remainder being in })iece goods, saltpetre, &c. Bengal also 'sends, as has been already noticed, a great quanti- ty of opium to China, but it principally circulates through Macao, its importation being contraband. 4. Trade with the Indian islands. — The trade maintained by Canton with the Indian islands cen- IV £ Pi :i mm'4 "'111,, t" •' •''!■.( I ^'^;■b: '/'-Ml iV*! ••*?*' •* 111 f M 100 ties in Manilla belonging to the Spanish, Batu- via to the Dutch, and Pulo Penang to the Englisli companies ; besides which, a little desultory traf- fic is carried on in native junks with Borneo, Cele- bes, and the continental coasts of Tonquin, Cochin- China, Cambodia, &c. The amount altogether is very great, but we have no such materials as will enable us to haz?rd a precise conjecture. The ex- ports are principally raw and manufactured silks, nankeens, teas, alum, camphire, &c. ; and the re- turns are made in that varied produce, for the mi- nute detail of which I beg again to refer to the ar- ticle devoted to the summary of the commercial equivalents of those islands themselves. Those from the continental coasts are areca nut, ivory, tortoise-shell, dried fish, varnish, mother of pearl, &c. 5. Trade with the Pacific. — The last and least important branch of trade maintained at Canton is that, notwithstanding, most material to this compi- lation, its commercial relations, viz. with the Paci- fic Ocean. Had I not been induced to give these a separate place from my desire to make some re- marks on their prosecution, I might have appro- priately included it under the head of United States commerce, for it is almost exclusively in the hands of the subjects of that republic, the free British traders being nearly entirely excluded by those re- ill, Batii. ; English ory traf.- eo, Cele- , Cochiii- gether is Is as will The ex- red silks, d the re- )r the mi- to the ar- mmercial Tliose iit, ivory, of pearl, and least Canton is lis compi- the Paci- ;ive these some re- e appro- ed States he hands e British those re- 101 gulations already mentioned, which so sedulously confine the British trade at Canton to the East In- dia Company. The commercial connexions of Canton with the Pacific diverge in three directions, to the coast of New Albion and the other fur coasts, to Spanish America, and to the Sandwich and other islands of the great ocean. To these might be added New South Wales ; improperly, however, inasmuch as some little intercourse subsists from that colony to Canton, but none direct from Canton to it, the re- turns not being due to the colony itself, but to the merchants, who having embarked convicts in Eng- land for it, purchase up its furs, &c. and proceed with them to Canton. Of these three branches of commerce then, the first, as has been seen, is for the present divided between the Americans of Ma- dison's Island and the Canadian Fur Company's factories on the Columbia. The second is entirely indirect, being maintained by way of Manilla in the first instance, whence it subsequentlv diverges, as will be seen in its place, to Acapulco, Lima, &c. The last is exclusively engrossed by the subjects of the United States, who in the course of their trad- ing speculative voyages, which have been already noticed, pick up among the widely extended Poly- nesia, as the islands in the Pacific have been ge- nerally designated, assorted cargoes of pearls, mo- loa i #.M|-'' ' ■ ■ " '*!''! if I. .1 ■K-\ "•-1^, I', I I' a! ':1 'l'i;!,:!ir.' n^d^it* ( f 1"* Ei'.'*' 'Mh' I t '-A I:j: r."» i>' '" yp . In ther of pearl, sandal wood, ambergris, ebony, &c. This speculation generally falls to the lot of those vessels who, not having completed a cargo of furs along the shores of New Albion, are imwilling to repair to Canton without some substitute, and has frequently been known to reward the lost labour and time very handsomely. The whole traffic is however maintained in too desultory a manner to be always very certain ; but in return, the Indian islands are directly in their path, and a very short research among them is always adequately reward- ed by an assorted cargo of their numerous produc- tions. In the year 1805, 122 European and American vessels in all arrived at Canton ; of them 80 were English, 18 belonging to the Company, and 62 to the country trade, 3 were Danes, and 39 United Statesmen. In 1809, there were 84 English, the increase having been in the Company's shipping ; and, as has been already seen, in the same year a very considerable increase took place, from a tem- porary cause, in the American shipping at this port. It would be a very interesting communication, but which I have not myself any means of obtaining, could a list be procured of the flags and arrivals within the last years, with a detail of the steps tak- ing to renew those European factories which the late long war had so completely overthrown. ^1? 103 )ony, &c. of those 50 of furs willing to and has )st labour traffic is nanner to he Indian /ery short y reward. IS produc- American n 80 were and 62 to ¥J United glish, the shipping ; ne year a 3m a tem- this port, ation, but )btaining, d arrivals steps tak- i^hich the WW, ri It is foreign to the purpose of tliis compilation to trace the shores of Continental Asia beyond the limits of the Chinese empire, and I now therefore take up the western boundary of the Pacific Ocean as it is defined by the several islands and groups of islands, which extend in continued succession from Cape Lopatka, the southern point of the peninsula of Kamtschatka, situate in 51" north latitude, to the extreme point of Van Diemen's land, lying in 48*^ 36' south, which thus divide it in its whole ex- tent from the Indian and Chinese seas. These I shall class under the following heads : Kurile Islands, Jesso, Japanese islands, Loo Choo Islands, Indian Archipelago, New South Wales, and Van Piemen's Land ; and when I shall have concluded the brief sketch of them, which alone I propose here to submit, I shall, under one general head, to .which I shall give the name of Archipelago of the Pacific, select for description, a few of the most im- portant of those numerous groups which in almost every direction cover the bosom of the great ocean, but which, in a peculiar manner, extend from New South Wales towards South America, and seem al- most to describe a southern boundary to this sea, which by ordinary usage, however, has, in fact, no other limit in that direction than the Polar ice. i 101. f 1 h I'M I. ■•»! h 1^"J 1- '!■ hi,^ ■ I : '£• tif' .IL' .!' J ' ; ^l*l'fe 1^ ,..'1 , ■> ■■■",,» J •'♦ .i, "I KUIULE ISLANDS. The islands to whicli the name of Kiirile, or, as it has been interpreted, of Sea Weed, lias been gi. ven, are, according to the latest authority, (Km- senstern,) 25 in number, and extend from Cape Lopatka to the 46th parallel, where they are parted by a narrow strait from the island of Jesso. They are divided into two distinct groups, named the Great or Japanese, and the Lesser or Kamtschat- ka Kuriles: and it is remarkable, that although the intervening strait (Canal de la Boussole) is not more than 5 leagues wide, the distinctions between the geological features of the islands themselves, aud the physical lineaments of the inhabitants, is the greatest imaginable. The Northern, or Lesser Kurile Islands, are little more than rocky points, lightly covered with a thin sandy soil, scarcely push- ing any species of vegetable to perfection, and on- ly valuable, when first occupied by the Russians, on account of the furs of the sea-otter and other animals which they hunted among them, but which have now disappeared before the persecution to which they were thus exposed. The inhabitants are of the pure Kamtschadale or Eastern Tartar race, with lank black hair, and no beard. The South- ern, or Great Kurile Islands, are, on the other 10.) rile, or, as IS been gi. ity, (Km. Voin Cape are parted so. They lamed the Canitschat- t although iole) is not IS between hemselves, ibitants, is , or Lesser :ky points, 'cely piish- n, and on- Russians, and other but which scution to nhabitants ;rn Tartar rhe South- the other hand, mountainous, and toleral)ly fruitful, clothed in particular with wood, ])ines, maples, alders, &c. even to the summits ; and the inhabitants, other- wise called Mosins, or Hairy Kurilians, are consi- derably stouter than those to the northward ; and combine with nuich, in other respects, of the Tar- tar physiognomy, the busliy black beards, and friz- zled, but not woolly hair, of the Papuan or Oceanic negro, the inhabitant of New Guinea, New Britain, &c. The manners and customs of the several tribes are equally dissimilar ; but for this, a suffi- cient reason will readily be found in the different comforts and conveniences thus placed at their command. ^jp The importance of the Northern Kuriles, in a com- mercial point of view, is extremc-y small ; the only intercourse which they maintain being with the Rus- sians, and that even is now so much reduced, in con- sequence of the extinction of the race of sea-otters, and the remission, accordingly, of the tribute which they had been in the habit of paying, that, in 1806, notwithstanding the usual attention of the Russians to maintain the Greek faith among their subjects, there was no pastor establislied among them what- ever ; and a visit at that time paid them by a priest from Petropaulowska, was deemed a special exer- tion of zeal and intrepidity. The Southern Kuriles are of somewhat more value, partly from their owni i.1 m M I it'*.: c:',, r^P ■ ■ Mia ^1 ..;| :^>f'i!t;,;:ii.. ''I n'^^4^ ■•■«.«f' * '^r I w ''..,1 '•% ,*l:} I- 'I I 'I I i ii'-'lli ■>•> 'I'l , •« m I f>W, ¥ "II'; I '4 'f' 106 productions, which are in some degree vahiable, but more from the intercourse maintained by them with the Japanese, and which it might not possi- bly be difficult to improve. Their exports to Japan are [dried fish, dried sea weed, (fucus saccharinus,) considered as a delicacy by the Japanese, and some few furs of the sea-otter, bear, and fox. To these might be added forest timber, were any demand created for it. The returns made by the Japanese are principally ardent spirits, sugar, beads, ^nd cop- per instruments. JESSO. South of the Kurile Islands, and comprised be* tween 46^ SC and 42° north latitude, lies the island of Jesso, long known by name to the European geographer through the medium of Japanese and Jesuit report, but only first given to us in its true form and place by La Peyrouse. It is nearly 5Q0 miles in circuit; and is only separated by the Straits of Sangaar, five leagues wide, from Niphon, one of the principal of the islands composing the Japanese empire, to which it is accordingly subjected. It re- sembles in nearly every point the Southern or Ja- pant 2 Kurile Islands, among which indeed it may valuable, by them lot possi- to Japan and some To these demand Japanese , and cop. prised be* the island European nese and I its true early 500 be Straits )n, one of Japanese 3d. Itre- rn or Ja- d it may I 1^7 without impropriety be classed ; being mountain- ous and woody, and inhabited by the same tribe of Mosins, or Hairy Kurilians, already noticed. Its forests aftbrd a very extended list of woods ; nearly all, however, being those pecuHar to the colder climes, such as oak, elm, ash, maple, birch, Jinden yew, silver pine, poplar, chesnuts, &c. ; while of esculent vegetables, the enumeration is nearly equally extended, comprising wheat, maize, millet, pease, beans, lentils, turnips, &c. besides hemp, tobacco, and other similar produce. Deer, bears, foxes, and rabbits abound in the interior and sea-coasts ; whilst the latter are moreover fre- quented by seals, sea otters, whales, salmon, &c. in great profusion. %i Notwithstanding this varied list of original pro- ductions however, it is certain that the view of Jesso the most interesting to the commercial read- er, is that which its intimate intercourse and cor- respondence with Japan presents. Its exports are of the same nature with those of the Southern Ku- rile Islands; but the whole amount is infinitely greater, the intercourse being facilitated by the establishment of a small Japanese town, Matsumay, on the south side of the island, within the Straits of Sangaar. 1 »T m '■■'■■;[? iMi "4; 4 !'"* l'!*^1IJi^,3HF'! iff 'i!J::»*?i!;iii^ ;.pi Vi",^' E^' I'll, ? I': ,n! '• "if- n* '• '■Til l|; . ■ •* "'•'* If ' ' i''-'.-M| i'H. ii:'/:!* '''■'■■ 108 JAPANESE ISLANDS. The empire of Japan is composed of three prin- cipal islands, Niphon, Sikokf, and Kiusiu, and of a multitude of smaller isles, separated from the east coast of China by the Straits and Gulf of Corea, and melting to the northward into the chain of Jesso and the Kurile Isles, with which the whole would seem to form but one group. They are com- prised between the parallels of 42« and 3P north latitude, and between those of 1^9° and 142** east longitude from Greenwich ; their extent of sea- coast being about 3000 miles. Climate, Soil, and Vegetable Productions, — The climate of Japan is very variable, in winter even inclement ; and the soil, although diversified, and in some of the lower maritime districts rich and fruitful, is yet on the whole somewhat light and sandy, and in the mountainous interior is under- stood to be even extremely arid and unproductive. Like the Chinese, however, the Japanese are inde- fatigable in their agricultural labours ; and their returns of rice, in particular, are very abundant, although still insufficient for the effective domestic demand, which, it is understood, presses with great severity on the means of supply, leaving a great part of the inferior classes of population dependant 109 three prin- u, and of a n the east of Corea, 3 chain of the whole jy are com- i 310 north I 142<^east ;nt of sea- lons, — The inter even sified, and ! rich and light and is under- iroductive. 3 are inde- and their abundant, ; domestic with great g a great iependaiit on casual supplies of fish, &c. for support. Thus situate, it is to be imagined that there are very few vegetable productions destined for export ; and we do not accordingly find mention made of other than a few medicinal plants and gums, with some species of fine woods, such as are employed in China in the manufacture of toys and other cabinet-work. Sugar, coffee, and other tropical luxuries are raised for do- mestic consumption, but only in small comparative quantities ; the use of the latter, at least, being by 110 means general throughout the empire. j^ Mineral Productions, — The islands of Japan are volcanic in their composition, and teem with metal- lic substances of great value and variety. Gold, sil- ver, copper, tin, and lead, are the chief objects of mining speculation; and are not only found in great abundance, but also with great ease, being pkced at very accessible elevations, and very near iit- u rface. Iron ore is also abundant, but the miiJ ^? ^>re not wrought with much activity; the steel manufactures constituting the chief demand for it, and these being nearly exclusively confined to the preparation of arms. Sulphur, and general- ly all the saline earths, are commonly disseminated in the interior plains. Population, Chief Cities, (§c.-— Of the amount of the Japanese population, the accounts are extreme- ly vague and contradictory ; some writers reducing i*^. wi i",li|;'"'V-''t'''' .. 'i; ="*'fv"!- ,1 •; -' M*; .111 ! 'I ..I mm IMi"H I •I ■ 1. - r 1 ■*■...:.. I ' !' ^''■'-^'■^ irrHU- ■ iff^JtiMi' tirf '"it.l lit kliiK^v # 'It.' ■! 1 ' , 't ' " Tu ', ■ tili' i,l«, i .'Ul i'" •■ '■"2 ■^' ('■',• » 'i ■■.''' '" It'.''. 110 it to twenty, and others raising it to fifty millions of souls. All are agreed, however, as to the fact already noticed, of the severe pressure of the po- pulation on the eifective means of esculent supply; and the miseries which, under any form of go- vernment, such a pressure would occasion, are en- hanced in Japan by that peculiar policy which pro- hibits, under the severest penalties, all intercourse with stranger. . 1 thus excludes the possibility of external supply. Nor is this the only evil conse- quence attending these impolitic prohibitions ; the idleness which they occasion in almost all classes of society, is their still more pernicious effect. The fiercest and most vindictive passions are nurtured under its fostering wing, and their deadly opera- tion is attested by the peculiarly sanguinary cha- racter of their civil and religious broils. In Japan only in the whole kno^vn world, has religious per- secution been known to carry her point. The Christian religion was once very extensively dis- seminated among its population ; but it was fairly rooted out upon the scaffold, not a single proselyte remaining to cherish even in secret the recollec- tion of its faith. There are many popidous cities in the Japanese empire ; but three only of them are known in de- tail to the European world. These three are Jedo, the capital, and residence of the emperor, or tern- Ill ty millions the fact of the po- int supply; )rm of go. )n, are en- which pro- intercourse ossibility of evil conse- litions ; the all classes affect. The e nurtured adly opera- uinary cha- In Japan ligious per- oint. The nsively dis- t was fairly le proselyte le recollec- e Japanese own in de- ie are Jedo, ror, or tem- ifi poral sovereign ; Miaco, the residence of th( Dairi, pontiff', or supreme spiritual chief; and Osa- ca, situate )n the great river Jegodawa, in the island of Niphon, and a sea-port of great note for coasting commerce. To these may be added Nan- gasaki, the only sea-port open to foreign traffic, a town, however, only remarkable from this circum- stance, being small, and but thinly inhabited. Je- do, Miaco, and Osaca, on the contrary, are ex- tremely populous and magnificent, equalling, it is said, the first European cities, both in extent and in display. - Means of External Communication. — These, as has been already hinted, are confined to the single port of Nangasaki, situate in 32^ 44' north latitude, and in 129" 45' east longitude from Greenwich, on the west side of the island of Kiusiu, the most southern of the three principal islands of the group. The mouth of the harbour is narrow, but it is tolerably spacious within ; and the town is built in the form of a crescent around its head. As a solitary point of communication with the extensive empire of Ja- pan, the value of the market of Nangasaki might be reasonably considered great ; but it is much di- minished, if not indeed altogether destroyed, by the insulting and injurious restrictions imposed on all foreign traffic, whether European or Chinese, within its bounds. The Dutch are the only European mer- i '-'AS, i ?f»^« # U3' Iff '■ f 1»I.!T '"M: lA^m: 11,18*: I'' r ill i'KM. ';;.■.■-■*•■! I' • t, ■IlUf'f "T"' ljV,;'T:T,..„i,, l: , * J- N I. .• : Ji • I'^ijMp tin- ■ -«iilll ■ " ■'■■ !;Vf;,;;4v;^ij.;^F ■ ?. ^. f Mm. 11*2 chants who have a small privilege of trade here al- lowed ; a privilege which it has been strenuously asserted by their enemies, and as strenuously de- nied by themselves, that they purchase by the most degrading and even impious ceremonies. It is cer- tainly not worth such a purchase ; for they are ri- gorously confined to the small island of Desima within the harbour, and all intercourse with them must pass directly through the chief officers of the port, who are encouraged by their superiors in the most wanton abuse of the power with which they are thus invested. The Chinese are nearly equally harshly treated, being confined within a small for- tified suburb, and watched with every precaution which the most jealous policy can dictate or sug- gest. These severe restrictions were originally in- stigated by the repeated attempts made by the Je- suit missionaries in China again to introduce, through the medium of these traders, the Chris- tian faith into Japan; but they are now sanctioned by custom and habit, and would be equally difficult to alter with those by which European trade is fet- tered and restrained. Commerce. — The foreign commerce of Japan is on the most limited scale, consistent with the abso- lute wants of its inhabitants, and is exclusively maintained in foreign bottoms, Dutch and Chinese. Of the former, two are annually admitted into lis le here al- trenuoiisly uously de- y the most It is cer- ley are ri- )f Desima witli them cers of the iors in the i^hich they rly equally I small for- precaution Lte or sug- iginally w- by the Re- introduce, the Chris- sanctioned lly difficult rade is fet- if Japan is h the abso- exclusively id Chinese, litted into Kangasaki, and of the latter 12 ; each dismantled immediately on entering the port, their arms and ammunition landed, and the crews rigorously shut up in their respefctive factories. The exports are gold, refined copper, tin, cam- phor and other medicinal drugs, and lacquered wares ; in the preparation of which last they have attained very great perfection, owing principally to the superior qualities of their varnish, with the composition of which, I believe, we are unacquaint- ed. The imports are spices, provisions, ivory, silk stuffs, furs, and a few woollen and cotton goods, dnly received from the Chinese. For these how- ever, from the nature of the climate, there is al- ways a very effective demand ; a demand indeed greatly beyond the ordinary means of supply, and which would alone constitute Japan a most valua- ble market for the British merchant, could the se- vere restrictions by which it is at present fenced round, by any means be palliated or removed. ^ Before quitting this article, it is impossible not to advert to the very singular civil constitution by which Japan is said to be governed. There are two superior chiefs, the one presiding over tempo- ral, the other over spiritual aflkirs ; and, singular to relate, the authority of the former is the result of encroachment on the hereditary rights of the latter personage, who at one time combined both func- f 'M r: ♦.111 ! ' It, . 'fe:l ;,. -lis liLii.»l 114 tions in his own person, and to whom still some ex- ternal deference is paid by the temporal sovereign. These two potentates have each their own capital, their own hereditary revenues, independent altoge- ther of those of the proviucios of their joint empire, which are administered without controul by the viceroys placed over them. The one is the foun- tain of power, the other of the honour by which it is graced ; and such would seem to be the good understanding between both in a long series ol ages, that althougli the empire has been repeatedly convulsed by the pretensions of usurpers, viceroys, and others, the civil and religious authorities do not seem ever to have clashed. The most extra- ordinary feature of this system of government would seem still to remain untold. Many religious sects exist in Japan ; mention is even made of a sect of philosophers, who deride them all alike. Yet how- ever divided among themselves, all are represent- ed as concurring in acknowledging the supreme au- thority of the Dairi, as their great pontiff is styled , while he on his part proves them by this one test oi orthodoxy, in which alone probably the Christians failed, when they excited against themselves that tempest of persecution which ended in the extirpa- tion of their faith. There are phenomena in the moral as in the phy- sical world 5 and ignorant as I am of the original '1* I some ex- sovereign. n capital, lent altoge- nt empire, 111 by the the fouii- ly which il ; the good ^ series oi repeatedly s, viceroys, horities do nost extra- ment would igious sects of a sect of Yet how • represent, upreme aii- fF is styled :, 3 one test of ; Christians iselves thai ;he extirpa- in the phy- he original 115 authorities on which these representations are found- ed, it would be rash to express a doubt of their correctness. I may be allowed, however, to ob- feerve, that a system .hus composed of contradicto- ry elements, can only be supported by prejudice imd force ; and that its ruin must therefore be sud- den and almost immediate, whenever these outposts are subverted or even seriously assailed. The same generation will probably witness the first success- ful step taken to overcome Japanese jealousy, and even the last port in its dominions open to foreign ipeculation. There wants but one keenly main- tained civil war, such as has been often witnessed within its limits, and one little experience by one party of the benefits of foreign communication and assistance, to crumble at once this mighty fabric of jealousy and power, and build on its ruins a super- structure of pacific commerce, alike substantial and jgaudy, alike beneficial, lucrative, and alluring. . t ■ -•£. LOO-CHOO ISLANDS. ::-:^ South-west of the Japanese Archipelago, about 60 miles from its extreme point, and comprised be- tween 300 and 26*^ north latitude, lies the group of Loo-Choo islands, towards which the visit of \\h 1^ I; mM [■■•■i- '"'*!;f'-'!', -f ''<■• i'"'i • M ;-, ; ^■■1 .411 .'j;' < .i !j,;':-!^.'E/;j..f';j.;i Mi.'": -fl" nt ■?■•*. I" rii 4 1' I iVlajesty's sliij)s Alccstc and Lyra lias of late so {Strongly attracted public attention. In speaking of them in tliis place, it is not my intention to give any abridgement of the information which that vi- sit has added to what we formerly possessed re- specting them ; indeed, the deserved popularity of Captain Hall's work, renders any such attempt al- together imnecessary. I propose merely to sum up, in the first place, the principal particulars re) i- tive to their statistics with which we are by any means acquainted, and then to give a place to an arranged selection of th€ most curious portions of the memoir respecting their manners, customs, &c. which was published in the year 1758, in the Let- ires Edifiantes et Curieuses, This very curious do- cument professes to be a translation of a similar paper published at Pekin in IJ^lt hy a Chinese ambassador then returned from Loo-Choo ; and al- though the authority is not thus the best, it is yet worthy of remark, that none of the particulars which I shall select have beeu in any way disprov* ed, while many of them have been indeed otlier- wise confirmed. The whole account is exceeding- ly interesting ; and may be found at length in tho 28th volume of the Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses, page 335. The Loo-Choo Islands are 36 in number, one on- ty, however, being of considerable extent; and are 5 •|''^^1^1i ^^w M of late so speaking ;ion to give ch tliat vi- ssessed re- ipularity of attempt al- ;ly to sum culars re) i- re by any ilacQ to an 3oitions of istoras, &c. in the Xc/- curious do- f a similar a Chinese DO ; and al- t, it is yet particulars ay disprov* eed other* 2xceeding- gth in the Curieiises, jr, oneon- t; and are 117 divided into two distinct groups, of wliicli the cast- ern onlyproperly bears the appellation of Loo-Choo, being named after the principal island ; tlie west- ern being by the natives called Madjicosemah. The whole are subject to one sovereign, tributary to the Chinese emperor; the tribute is, however, little more than nominal, being commuted into gifts sent every two years by a solemn deputation to Pekin. Climate, Soil, and Vegetable Productions, — Situate between the Japanese and Indian Archipelagos, the climate among the Loo-Choos Ts intermediate ^ between the asperity which not unfrequently cha- racterizes the one, and the almost insupportable heat which, for the greater part of the ye^r, pre- vails in tlie other range, and is, moreover, for the most part serene, this latter attribute, however, as in most places similarly situate, being not unfre- quently interrupted by severe hurricanes during the yainy seasons within the neighbouring tropics. The soil in nearly all the islands is fruitful ; and yields in return to a very simple system of tillage, very inferior, it would appear, to the Chinese, abundant crops of maize, wheat, rice, cotton, flax, sugar, tea, &c. : while, at the same time, a considerable varie- ty of fine fruits, medicinal pjants, dye woods, and forest timber, further distinguishes the list of ori- ginal vegetable productions. Silk worms are rear- ed in great quantities, but the silk is very inferior vy. M»' ,3-. 'M : Lfl' fl' ■ !:g| N-'i* ,1 "•.^'■«v, 'tit I' "•-I '1' ^"ii"% M' ' J>!!*' hV"''n?i tit! {.'I \t/ 13. iT, ^-*,^''^''" ai ■■ii.i 'III! If I '.h ; A :>■ I, , •* •'.SI'.,. „i :] :l ;•! 1 ,■ ii ' ■ •'I 'Willi I If? ' ■<* •■' ' J^ . il4f« ' If I' "If ^ ■ ■[. ' f 118 in quality to the Chinese ; pearl oysters are aUo found among the corai banks wliich surround nearly all the islands alike ; and, lastly, tortoises are familiarly cauojht alon^ their shores, their shells, with others similar, attbrding articles of consider- able export to China and Japan. The mineral pro- ductions alone seem somewhat scanty ; copper, tin, sulphur, and saline earths, completing the list given by Father Gaubil. Of these, sulphur would seem the most abiindant ; one island being indeed named from the great quantities of that mineral drawn from it, the quality of which, it is added, is extremely good. Mannersy Customs, (§c. — " The Loo-choo island- ers," says the memoir to which I alluded above, " the Loo-Choo islanders are affable to strangers, intelligent, laborious, and cleanly in their houses. Their chiefs are extremely fond of riding on horse- back, and have always shewn themselves hostile to the introduction of slavery into their country, to lying, and to deceit. With the exception of the principal families, of the Bonzes or priests, and of the Chinese established in the country, few of the inhabitants can either read or write : indeed, when any of the peasants, artizans, soldiers, or shop-keep- ers, acquire these accomplishments, they are forced to shave their heads in the same manner as the »t •s are alho surround tortoises :heir shells, f consider, lineral pro- ; copper, ng the list phur would iing indeed lat mineral is added, is hoo island- ided above, ) strangers, leir houses, ig on horse- js hostile to country, to tion of the !sts, and of few of the deed, when ' shop-keep- Y are forced iner as the 1 11!) Bonzes, physicians, and lacqueys of the palace/ This is quite difterent from the fashion followed by the others, who all wear a large lock at the top of the head, round which is also left a small circle of very short hair." « Families are distinguished in Loo-Choo by sir- names, as in China ; and the men and women of the same sirname cannot intermarry. As for the king, he can only marry a daughter of one of three principal families, the representatives of which al- ways occupy the chief posts in the state ; and al- though there is another family of equa^ importance with them, yet can he not intermarry with it, be- cause it is believed that it has the same extraction with the royal family itself. Plurality of wives is permitted ; and when a marriage is proposed, the suitor is always permitted first to speak with his mistress, nor is the ceremony performed without mutual consent. The women are exceeding reser- ved in their demeanour, and neither paint nor wear ear-rings ; their only ornament being long hair pins of gold and silver, round which they twist up their * This association would leave it almost doubtful whether this regulation were a privilege conferred on learning, or the reverse. It is remarkable, however, both that Father Gaulnl's expressions (on les oblige^ S^^c) indicate punishment, and also that Captain Hall should have remarked a degree of contempt attached to the persons of the Bonzes, very different from the respect generally paid the priesthood in comparatively rude stales of society. I VV. -• <^ k 120 ^'t'^Wit- ■li-' I lit; d';i^ I 'lit Mil ll I I., I«t Mil; win 1 liair in the form of a ball on tJie crown of the head» We are assured that there are few or no instances of adultery, robbery, murder, or beggary among them ail." " There are nine ranks of mandarins or nobles, the same as in China ; and these are also distin- guished by the colours of their bonnet, and by theii sash and cushion. The greater number of them enjoy their dignities by virtue of hereditary right ; but there are besides others created by the sove- reign, who do not transmit their honours to then- posterity, and who are dependant on the royal will, even for the stability of their own establishments. The princes and great lords have tow ns and villages, either in the principal island, or in the others ; but they are not allowed to reside in them, or to absent themselves from the court. Mandarins are Special- ly sent by the king to levy all rents ; and it is with them the farmers and labourers account for what is due to their landlords, to whom, however, the amount is regularly remitted. Labourers of every description, tenants, &c. are all entitled to one half of the proceeds of their exertions ; and as th^.; land- lords are besidf s obliged to pay certain i^xpenses, they do not receive in all ubove a third of the gross income of their estates." " The mandarins, nobles, and even princes of the blood-royal, can only have two bearers to their head, stances among nobles, distin- y their P them right ; ; sove- their al wilJ, ments. plages, s ; but absent pecial- !s with vhat is r, the every le half land- enses, gross es of theij- f .'•If 121 sedan chairs ; the king alone having the privilege of employing as many as he chooses. Their equi- pages, chairs, &c. are usually made in the Japanese fashion, as also their arms and clotliing ; but with- in some little time, the chiefs, both in their pala- ces and dress, have imitated in a great measure the Chinese." " The king chiefly resides at Kint-ching, the capital of the principal island, situate about 3 miles from Napakiang" (the port visited by the Alceste and Lyra). " Kint-ching is of no very great ex- tent, the custom of the country fixing the princi- pal inhabitants in preference in villas adjoining ; neither are the houses in general magnificent, be- ing built low, on account of the violent hurricanes to which they are sometimes exposed, and mostly raised too on piles, with a space of 4, 5, or 6 feet left beneath, to preserve them from the damp and wet of the rainy seasons. The principal public buildings are the king's palace, stated to be a mile and a quarter in circuit, and commanding a very fine view of the adjoining country, the port of Napakiang, &c. ; the palace of the Chinese am- bassador ; and a temple dedicated to the goddess Tien-fey, or Destiny, the worship of whom was in- troduced into Loo-Choo at the instance of the cele* brated Cam-hi, emperor of China. All these are built in the Chinese fashion ; the Japanese taste mk S^--[f^ m If) m m m * I * M ise being, however, still universal in ordinary build- 'I ■■:rj! (j ^iilf :''»« '%kI ■■■>(» I li!aJ;?!^'"'Kfii I^N^'Iti; >» mgs " The king has very considerable revenues, aris- ing chiefly from taxes, and from the property of the salt works, mines of copper, tin, sulphur, &c. wrought within his dominions. It is from the re- venue arising from these several sources that he pays the salaries of the officers of state and house- hold ; and these are assigned in determinate num- bers of sacks of rice, by which general sign of value they are indicated, in whatever mannor paid, whe- ther in grain, silk, linen, or otherwise.* There are few law-suits respecting either landed property ^r merchandize ; and scarcely any excise or customs.'* •' There are tribunals established in Kint-ching for all pui'poses of administration, whether relating to the principal island, or to the others ; these last having always agents resident at court. There are * It is remarkable that the same cumbrous sign of value is also employed at Mindanao, one of the Philippine Islands ; and the similarity is not less astonishing from its peculiarity, than from the absolute impossibility that it should have resulted from any communication h*»tween these two points, or from the common origin of their inhabitants. The whole range of Philippine Islands intervenes between them, and they are each occupied by entirely different races; the Loo-Choo islanders being of Japanese, and the inhabitants of Mindanao of Malay extraction. The country which they inhabit is also fruitful and abundant ; the custom is not likely accordingly to have originated in any exaggerated va« lue attached by scarcity to the means of animal subsistence. 1 Id- ris- of c. re- he se- lim- Jue he. are 1^3 also tribunals of civil and criminal judicature, of administration of the estates of the nobility resi- dent at court ; for affairs of religion, public grana- ries, king's revenues, manufactures, civil ceremo^ nies, navigation, public buildings, literature, and war.* Besides these, the king has his own minis- ters and councillors ; and his own granaries for rice and other grains, and for works in gold, silver, cop- per, iron, tin, &c." " Three different languages are spoken in these islands ; none of which are pure Chinese or Japan- ese, being all corrupt dialects of both. The writ- ten language is principally Chinese ; familiar let- ters, however, together with accounts, king's or- ders, &c. being in Japanese. The classical litera- ture of China, with the books relating to the reli- gion of Fo, established in Loo-Cho ne in current circulation : the Chinese calendar is also followed, and the expressions used to denote the hours, days, years, signs of the zodiac, &c. are precisely the same," " Finally, There are in all these islands manufac- Tit •**'•■ I •.'ix' t>'\ J'.;-'!''*f| * The tribunals here mentioned, are probably only councils , but their great number, if they really do exist at all, would seem to indicate a very extraordinar;, advance in all the arts of civilized life among these people. They v;ere possibly in the first instance dictated by the expediency of finding employment for the crowd of provincial nobility, which a despotic policy chains, as we have seen, about the person of the prince. tm. mm 124 tlir tines of silk, linen, paper, arms, and copper ; good workmen in gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and other metals ; abundance of barks and vessels, not only lor the purpose of passing from one island to ano- ther, but also qualified to make the voyage to Chi- na, and sometimes also to Tonquin, Cochin-China, and other places equally remote ; to Corea, Nan. gasaki, Satsuma, &c. I have been told, also, that the inhabitants of Loo-Choo maintain an active trade with the east coast of Formosa, and that they draw from that island both gold and silver. Their vessels, it is only necessary further to add, are peculiarly esteemed by the inhabitants both of China and Japan." To the information thus given respecting these glanders, I have but little now to subjoin. The intercourse with China here ascribed to them is ftirther attested by Sir George Staunton, who met their ambassadors proceeding to Pekin with the usual gifts ; and some particulars relative to their trade with Japan are also afforded us by Captain Broughton, who was shipwrecked amid the Madji- cosemah group, and subsequently visited Napa- kiang, in a small schooner which he purchased at Canton, and with which he proceeded to t \ecute the service confided to him of surveying the east coast of Tartary. According to his statement^, the trade of the Japanese in this direction must be to- ■1> lerably active and imrestrained, 20 large junks, mostly Japanese, being anchored in the inner har- bour of Napakiang when he was there ; one oi' which, indeed, proceeded to sea at the same time, and passed him in the outer road, without suspi- cion or alarm. It might not be difficult, were this the place for such discussions, to extract a useful lesson from this anecdote, for the regulation of any future intercourse which we may attempt to esta- blish either with the Loo*Choo islands themselves, or with the ulterior market (Japan), with which they would thus appear so well calculated to afford an indirect medium of communication. vl INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO Between the Loo-Choo Islands and New South Wales, the western boundary of the Pacific Ocean is defined by the eastern groups of that immense cluster of islands usually denoted by the general name of the Indian or Asiatic Archipelago. These islands have been generally classed under separate heads, according to some natural or political divi- sion, and this method I shall also pursue in the brief summary which I now propose to give of their several statistics. The division I shall follow 1 i tt"!' im 126 is that of Philippine, Sooloo, and Spice Islands, Celebes, Borneo, Sunda Islands, and Sumatra. The three first, in point of fact, denote the boundary of the Pacific, the remainder lying west of them in what is called the Chinese Sea ; I include them, however, in my enumeration, in order to be en- abled to give that general idea of the existing com- merce ot the whole, with which I propose to con- clude the article devoted to them. Philippine Islands* — The Philippine Islands are said to exceed 10,000 in number, but of the whole not above a very few hundred deserve the name of islands, the remainder being mere rocks. They are comprised between the latitudes of 19" and 5" north, and the longitudes of 125° and 11 9" east from Green- wich ; and are claimed in sovereignty by Spain, although not more than eight or nine are occupied either in whole or in part by the subjects of that power, the remainder being divided between the Bissayan or native tribes, who acknowledge a par- tial dependence on the Spanish government, and the Malay or Mahomedan tribes, who swarm throughout the whole Archipelago, and who wage an almost unceasing war with them. Luconia is the most important Spanish island, being indeed the largest of the whole group ; on its western side is situate, in Lat. 14" 36^ north. Long. 120' 25' east of Greenwich, Manilla, the celebrated emporium 1 \-m 127 of Spanish commerce, and the capital of her domi- nions in those seas, averaging a permanent popula* lion of about 1200 Spaniards, and from B5 to 40,000 Indians and Chinese, these latter obtaining permission to reside, under the condition of con- forming externally to the Catholic religion, and en- grossing the greatest part of the direct trade be- tween the Spanish Philippines and their native country. Next to Luconia, the island of most use to the Spaniards, although by no means one of the largest, is Cebu, employed by them as a sort of en- trepot between Manilla and the tributary Bissayan Islands ; and next, Panay, valued by them for its vast supplies of horned cattle, its gold dust, and a pearl fishery in its neighbourhood. Of the Bissayan Islands, Mindoro is noted for its valuable timbei', Negros for another pearl fishery, and Leyte for an esteemed breed of horses ; and, lastly, of those al- most exclusively occupied by the Mahometans, Mindanao is remarkable for its great extent, being the next largest to Luconia of the whole group, and Palawan for its ebony, cacao, bees-wax, &c. A more minute enumeration would be only tedious, the Philippine Islands resembling each other so much in native productions as to admit of being correctly spoken of in the most general terms. Com- prised in their whole extent, between the tropic of Cancer and the Equator, their productions are thoso '••ft jk.f.'' > iMWi if ''■ '- '. ', 'ji-f' ^ I Si 128 .pi 'radl ■ . •'t ;. MmN !'■• H' MH li.Jf. iiir^HI l'< ••F I t'Vj^^B M ^ '.tl mm "■■ali wM « i !;:|-t 1 •1** ' il exclusively of the torrid zone, disseminated, how- ever, among them in a peculiar abundance and va- riety. Rice, indigo, cocoa, coftee, pepper, areca nut, logwood, and the most valuable cabinet woods, teak timber, tobacco, gums of various sorts, and, lastly, medicinal plants of nearly infinite variety, are the principal articles : the whole combined with gold, found in dust and in masses, but not of the first quality or touch, rough diamonds, and other precious stones, copper, iron, and other inferior minerals. Several pearl fisheries of considerable value are established near their shores, along which are also found the edible bird's nests, so much in request in the Chinese masket. Many varieties of excellent fish are caught in the seas contiguous to their coasts, and cattle, horses, goats, hogs, &c. are abundant in the interior plains. The climate, how- ever, under which all these stores of commercial wealth are found, cannot be characterised in equal- ly favourable terms ; it is periodically wet, and al- most always unhealthy ; and heavy tornadoes are also experienced at the change of the monsoons. Volcanoes, eruptions, earthquakes, &c. complete the picture, in which, with much to allure, there is something also to intimidate and deter. Sooloo Islands, — Off the south-west coast of Min - danoa, the most southern of the Philippine islands, lies the small Archipelago of Sooloo, giving name ■ti r<\> *! ^^^J^. ^ i% Jll'* »'' 129 to the adjoining sea to the southward, sometimes also known by the name of the Sea of Celebes, the coasts of which it also bathes. The principal island of the group, called the Great Sooio< . lies nearly in the middle of the chain ; it is 10 leagues long and four broad, and is extremely fertile and pro- ductive, particularly in the tropical fruits. The sea washes up considerable quantities of amber along its shores, and there is a large pearl fishery carried on along its eastern side in the west mon- soon. But the chief value of Sooloo arises from the judicious encouragement uniformly given by its Sultans to the Chinese commerce established at their capital. This encouragement has constituted it a sort of rendezvous for the whole eastern Malay trade with China ; the small coasting vessels which are in the habit of quitting Celebes, Borneo, &c. with the west monsoon, to fish for tripang on the coasts of New Hol^md and New Guinea, and which at the same tim. .aiiic among the out ports in the Moluccas for spices, repairing generally to Sooloo towards the end of the west monsoon, to exchange the produce of their success with the Chinese mer- chants resident there, for those commodities which may suit their further destination among the west- ern islands, when the change of monsoon enables them to proceed. It is remarkable, however, that with this indulgence for native, or, more properljr K Y ;„ the English East India Company obtained from the reigning Sultan the cession of the small island of Balambangan in the vicinity of the principal Archi- pelago, and settled a factory on it for the purposes of trade ; but in 1775> ^^^y two years after, it was attacked and destroyed by his subjects. In 1803 it was again re-established, but almost immediately again withdrawn. Spice Islands. — The Spice Islands are comprised between the parallels of 5*^ north and 6" south lati- tude, and between 133" and 124** east longitude from Greenwich. They are subject to the Dutch, and ai'e by them divided into three groups ; the Moluccas Proper, for this name is sometimes ex- tended to the whole, tlie Banda, and Amboyna Islands. The Moluccas are 6 in number ; Gilolo, the most eastern and largest, which defines accord- ingly the western boundary of the Pacific between Mindanao and New Guinea ; and Ternate, Tidor, Motir, Machian, and Bachian, a chain of smaller islands which skirt the south-west side of Gilolo, of one of which, however, Ternate, the Sultan is con- sidered the chief native prince in the whole group, the principal part of Gilolo being subject to him. On this island the chief Dutch factory is also esta- i 131 blished ; established, however, rather for political than commercial views, the Dutch discouraging all sort of trade to these islands, and even subsidizing the native princes to induce them to extirpate the nutmeg trees within their dominions. In this sin- gular policy they have not, however, been success- ful altogether, the wild nutmegs of Ternate and Gilolo vying even wnth the finest cultivated produce of Banda ; and the other islands are re- markable almost equally with them for the richness and fertility of their soil. — The Banda islands, which lie nearly south of the Moluccas, are also 6 in num- ber, viz. Neira, the seat of government, Lonthoir, or Banda Proper, Pulo-way, Pulo-mn, Rosingin, and Gunung-api ; this last uninhabited, and con- taining a volcano constantly emitting smoke and even flame. The Banda Islands have few or no na- tive inhabitants; the Dutch, on taking possession of them, having, with a barbarous policy, nearly ex- terminated the existing population. Their climate is unhealthy, and their soil in general sandy and arid, producing only nutmegs in abundance, the culture of that spice being confined, by Dutch po- licy, to this group ; and the inhabitants are ac- cordingly dependent for subsistence entirely on the resources of importation from Java, Celebes, &c. Lastly, the Amboyna Islands are 12 in number, of which Amboyna, Ceram, and Bouro, are the lar- mm 1*- • < ■■ ." -iP \.'C'\ 'Iff • ■?£: « t i mi "S '•li , "'i 1 1 '1, m ■■t'li .,'1 ■ . 'I ««t. 3' 11 |Ii4L, *• ||5'«: i««l«- I- ■t.3 I* f gcst and most important. To Amboyna is con- fined exclusivciy the culture of the clove spice j extirpators, as they are called, being regularly sent annually to all the other islands to destroy the trees j for their consent to which operation, the native Sultans here, as in the Moluccas, are subsidized. The Amboyna Islands are uniformly mountainous and woody ; the interior of all, except Amboyna, being inhabited by native tribes, of whom various ridiculously fabulous stories are told, leaving only the general impression, that they are fierce and cruel, and accordingly, little known. The soil of the whole is unfavourable to the growth of rice, the great esculent grain of the eastern world j the ci- vilized inhabitants are accordingly dependent on importations from Java for this chief article of their subsistence. The natives have, however, an ex- cellent substitute in the pith of the sago tree, which grows abundantly throughout the interior of near- ly all the islands in the Archipelago, and which is accordingly much in use as bread throughout the whole. No minerals of value are anywhere mentioned as having been found in the Spice Islands. Fish are abund:?nt, and of great variety of species, along their shores ; aiid their chief quadrupeds are deer and wild hogs. Snakes are very numerous, but do- mestic animals exceedingly rare j insomuch so, that I ■'•^' 133 their flesn is only seen at the tahlcs of the richest whites. Celebes, — North-west of* the Spice Islands lies the extensive and important island oi' Celebes, stretch- ing out from 7° south latitude to 4" north, but of so irregular a shape, no idea of its size can possi- bly be given by a mere enunciation of the limits, east and west, to which it extejids. It is formed by four peninsulas, enclosing three deep gulfs open to the eastward ; and on the west, it is separated, in about 129° east of Greenwich, from Borneo by the Straits of Macassar, so well known in the na- vigation of these seas. On the south-west point of the island is situate the Dutch settlement of Md- cassi-i, maintained by means of all sorts of intrigues among the native princes, who are divided into two great nations, the Bugguesses and Macassars, and are considered the bravest and most enterpris- ing among all the Malay tribes. The Bugguesses, so named from Bugguess, or Long Bay, along the shores of which they are settled, or Bugis, as they are also called, are peculiarly noted for the exten- sive commercial intercourse which they maintain throughout the whole Archipelago, from the Gulf of Carpentaria in New Holland, where they go to fish for tripang, or sea slug, on the one hand ; to Pulo Penang in the Straits of Malacca, and Ba- tavia, on the other. The Macassars are rather war- ^;. ':^ 134f iM 1 Jih, M's;-;, like than commercial, but are, on the whole, a handsomer and more generous race than the others. They were also once much superior in political im- portance among themselves to the Bugguesses :, but the wars in which they have been constantly en- gaged, through the insidious machinations of their Dutch neighbours, have thinned their numbers and diminished their power. Both tribes are sub- divided into many lesser parties. The island of Celebes is in general mountain- ous, and there are many volcanoes in its interior in a state of eruption ; but the coasts present a smiling appearance of perpetual verdure and rich cultivation. Eice is especially grown in great abundance, forming not only the food of the in- habitants themselves, but exported, in large quan- tities, from Macassar to the Spice Islands, where, as has been seen, it is entirely wanting. The island abounds, moreover, in all the tropical fruits, and its list of minerals is extensive and valuable ; gold mines exist..'g, particularly in the northern penin- sula, and copper, iron, crystals, and sulphur, abounding among the interior mountains of all. One or two pearl fisheries are found along its shores, and considerable quantities of amber are also wash- ed up by the sea against them. Buffaloes, wild hogs, deei', goats, and sheep, are reared in the 9 Si 0' 135 interior forests and plains, where also are found many species of monkies, serpents, &c. Borneo, — North-west of Celebes, and separated from it, as has been seen, by the Straits of Ma- cassar, lies the vast island of Borneo, the largest in the whole Archipelago, and, next to New Hol- land, the most extensive also in the world. It is comprised between the parallels of 4* south and 7° north latitude, and between 119^ and 109® east lon- gitude from Greenwich ; and thus situate, is fur- ther separated to the south, from Java and the Sunda Islands, by the Straits of Madura, and to the north-west lies open to the extended Chinese Sea. The Dutch possess a small fort and factory on the south side at Banjarmassing ; but their influence — South of Borneo and Celebes runs a long and narrow chain of islands, extending east and west from 124*^ to lOd** east longitude, but from north to south comprised between & and 10<» south latitude. The principal islands in tjiis chain are Java, Madura, Sumbaya, Flores, apd Timor ; the first the chief ^eat pf the Dutch in these seas, the last divided between them and the Portuguese^ who have a small settlement, Delly, or Delil, on its north-west coast. The intermediate islands are no- IS7 minally Dutch, but are not otherwise possessed by that people than by the occupation pf some detach- ed forts to keep the native princes in awe. They are all rich and fruitful, growing great quantities of rice, most of which is exported, through the agency of the Malay and Chinese proas, from the adjoining ispice islands. Horned cattle and horses are abun- dant among them, and a considerable export of both is also maintained ; the tropical fruits are also found in great profusion and variety, but amidst islands teeming for the most part mth every differ- ent species of these productions, there can be no .export of them from any one point. To return, however, to Java, which merits a more particular account, it is long and narrow, extend- ing 250 leagues east and west, by about 45 north and south, and is separated from Sumatra to the north-west by the well known Straits of Sunda, the direct and most frequented passage between the Indian and Chinese seas, and which at the narrow- est point do not exceed five leagues in width. Within these straits is situate Batavia, the cele- brated emporium of Dutch oriental commerce, and the residence of the Governor-general of their east- ern dominions. From this point they extend their influence in a degree over the whole island, the nearest native princes being altogether tributary "I •.■■ :.i'^ Ml,'' ■ .''i 13S ■'ii ■■ n : I*:'". and dependent, and even the most remote rather asserting than maintaining their freedom and inde- pendence. The south coast of Java is mountainous and pre- cipitous, whence, however, the island gradually slopes down to the northward, and for some leagues within the north coast is nearly quite level and marshy. Many rivers traverse it thus in nearly its whole breadth, but none of them are fitted for the purposes of navigation, their mouths being uni- formly interrupted by shallow mud bars, and their currents diverted in the interior to irrigate the rice plantations. The soil throughout the whole south* ern districts is eminently rich and productive, and the most abundant rice harvests repay an agricul- ture in which little labour but that of irrigation is bestowed. The other principal vegetable produc- tions are pepper, of which the chief growth is in the kingdom of Bantam on the west coast, cam- phire, cassia, rattans, cotton, sugar, coffee, &c. with a variety of fine gums, procured by bleeding the corresponding trees, which are found of nearly €very tropical species in its forests. The most va- luable sorts of timber are the teak, of which the supply would seem nearly inexhaustible, iron wood, manchineel, ebony, sassafras, sandal, aloes wood, &c. The finest fruits complete an enumeration which, were it carried to minute particulars, would 139 comprise nearly every thing most valued among tropical productions. AS'wwa/m.— Across the Straits of Sunda lies the extensive island of Sumatra, the western boundary of the Chinese seas, and which doubling behind the peninsula of Malacca, from which it is sepa- rated by the well known Straits of the same name, would seem scarcely to belong to a summary which professes to be confined rigidly to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, It is usual, however, to include it in the enumeration with those islands which we have already considered in the Chinese Sea, and the few words which I now propose to bestow on it, may not therefore be considered as foreign to my purpose. It is comprised between the paral- lels of 6® south and 5° 20' north latitude, and runs north-west and south-east, with a medium breadth of about 180 miles. Its eastern coast is claimed in sovereignty by the Dutch, who have a fort and fac- tory at Palembang at the mouth of a navigable river, carrying l6 and 18 feet water a considerable way up the country. The west coast of the island is in like manner claimed by the English, who have the settlement of Bencoolen, nearly directly oppo- site Palembang, and within a day's journey of the source of its river. But the pretensions of the one and of the other are nearly equally unfounded, the Sumatrans of even the immediately contiguous dis- V*-. Vi ; ,^^iifes»^!i it}/;, M'M iT. ■• .- ," ••I I'^v '4"-" ^1 ■MM mm. 140 mni m§ tricts to Palembang and Bencoolen being nearly altogether independent of their authority. The English settlers labour besides under a disadvantage from which the Dutch, as we have seen, are exempt, that, viz. of having selected an extremely inconve- nient point for all their embarkations, the road of Bencoolen being quite open to the westerly mon- soons. A lofty chain of mountains, sometimes double and even treble, crosses Sumatra in its whole length, approaching within 1 2 miles of the western, but re- ceding nearly 100 from the eastern coast ; and be- tween the ridges which compose its summits exten- sive longitudinal plains are found, reminding us of those between the Cordilleras of the Andes, where an abundant vegetation and most salubrious cli- mate crown the labours of the industrious husband* man with the most ample returns. The coasts on either side are low, swampy, and unhealthy, cover* ed with wood, but when cleared, eminently pro- ductive in all the most choice and valuable tropi- cal produce. The principal articles of vegetable export are pepper, camphire, cassia, cotton, vege- table gums, teak, ebony, sassafras, sandal, and aloes wood, manchineel, &c. and with them, in the native woods, are blended every variety of the choicest tropical fruits. The chief mineral productions are gold, copper, block tin, iron, coal, &c. Elephants 141 liercl together in immense droves in the interior fo- rests, and frequently do great damage by merely walking over the plantations ; the rhinoceros, tiger, and hippopotamus, complete the enumeration of formidable animals ; wild hogs, and deer of several species, (one of which, the hog-deer, yields the bezoar,) with many varieties of monkies, &c. &c. are abundantly found also in the woods. We have now summarily traced all the most im- portant islands in this vast Archipelago, two only remaining, deserving some little particular notice. The first, Banka, lies off the east coast of Suma- tra, opposite Palembang, separated from it by the narrow Straits of Banka. It is especially noted for its inexhaustible stores of tin, which were discover- ed only in 17 10, and which produce annually 300,000 lbs. of metal, without sensible diminution. Some copper is also found in it. The next island, Pulo Penang, or Prince of Wales' Island, is re- markable, not so much for its own produce, as for being the staple mart for the whole British trade with the Malays. It is situate within the Straits of Malacca, and possesses a most excellent harbour, with 14 fathoms water in most places, and no where less than 4, even on the mud bank which protects it to the northward, to which point alone it lies open. The town, named George Town, is regu- larly built, and healthily situate j and a building '9\<^m-' ^M:^ <* 142 Ml*"' '■♦-: ;■!■'"! ,^ it s li^t ■», i I t'i .4 ^ '** :•'"**; "f^ :i ,f 'lllri -HI*' yard, in which ships of 1000 tons burthen have been constructed, attests the attention of the East India Company to improve its natural advantages to the uttermost. It has one serious disadva itage, however, as an entrepot ; it is too remote from the principal sources of native traffic, and is in this decidedly inferior to Batavia, its great rival in the Malay trade. Commerce, — In treating of the several islands, and groups of islands, which have necessarily pas- sed under review in this article, I have studiously avoided any allusion to the extensive traffic main- tained by them, desirous to condense under one head all the information on this topic, with which the public has any where been favoured. To that task I now proceed ; and shall commence with a general enumeration of the chief articles of native produce exported by these islands, and of which I shall only subsequently speak in the most general terms. These are gold dust, rough diamonds, ivo- ry, tin, tutenague, tripang, or sea slug, edible bird's nests, bees wax, dammer, (a resin used all over In- dia in the composition of pitch,) rice, rattans, shark's fins and maws, (a dainty for Chinese tables,) terra japonica, pepper, dragon's blood, camphire, are- ca nuts, sago, cloves and nutmegs, balachang, benzoin, copper, eagle, sandal, aloes, and other cabinet woods, and vegetable oils of many sorts and varieties. These are not, as we have seen, all pro- 143 duced alike in every island ; but these and even more, for a minute enumeration is not pretended, are meant, when I shall have occasion in future, to allude to the varied produce of those islands. The trade of the whole Archipelago will be most distinctly elucidated, by dividing it under the se- veral heads of domestic traffic, trade with the Pa- cific Ocean, with China, with the Hindu Chinese nations, as Dr. Leyden terms them, resident be- tween China and Bengal, with India, with the Gulfs of Persia and Arabia, and round the Cape of Good Hope. For in so many directions does their varied traffic diverge. Its value, under each particular head, will be attempted to be conjectur- ed, according to the data with which we may be supplied ; only further now observing in general, that the whole population of the Archipelago is probably under-stated at twenty millions, Borneo, Celebes, and Java, alone giving ten, according to the best surmise of their respective historians. Of these, more than one half may be considered as opulent and luxurious consumers, well supplied with the necessary equivalents their own native produce, able and willing, accordingly, to indulge in every foreign gratification, whether of clothing or of food. Add to this, that their climate is va- riable, their respective islands being for the most part mountainous, and their interior accordingly 'Oil. ■< fell lU .«r V.l "k;. ! I*' Ml ,, ■ - i .J ■'■' 1 1' W '' ■ cool, sometimes even cold, although so near the equator. These last considerations more peculiarly apply to the trade in woollens, maintained with' them by English and Dutch merchants ; but they are better placed here than under that particular head, as they indirectly also influence that exten- sive trade with China and British India in cotton goods, which it will be seen that they maintain. 1. Domestic Commerce, — The domestic commerce of the Archipelago is principally in the hands of the Bugguesses or Bugis, (the Malay natives of Ce- lebes,) and of the Chinese settlers, who '^ i dissemi- nated throughout the whole. It consists in the exchange of their several commodities, particular- ly rice, which, as it is in universal demand, and only grows in the western islands, Celebes, Bor- neo, Java, &c. is almost every where a staple com- modity. Freighted with this, and some other ar- ticles, particularly Chinese cottons, the Bugguess and Chinese traders leave their homes with the westerly monsoons, and having made the tour of the eastern islands, as far even as New Guinea in the Pacific, and the Gulf of Carpentaria in New Holland, off which coasts they fish also for tripang ; they either proceed finally to Sooloo, where they dispose of the cargo which they may have accumu- lated, for Chinese wares, suited to their own market, or to Batavia, when the north-east monsoon sets in. U5 there to meet their European customers. The ex- tent of this desultory traffic is incredible; it may be surmised, however, from the fact, that not less tlian 2000 tons of Malay proas leave annually the port of Macassar alone on these expeditions, and a still greater, but uncertain number, it is well known, sail from Bugguess or Boni Bay. The Chinese en- gaged in them are those chiefly of Borneo and Sooloo. 2, Commerce with the Pacific, — The commerce of the Archipelago with the Pacifi^i is confined exclu- sively to the port of Manilla, whence two annual ships sail for Acapulco and Lima, the one public property, the other belonging to the Philippine Company. The export cargoes of each are assort- ed in nearly the same proportions ; four-fifths Chi- nese produce, raw and manufactured silks, &c. the remainder in the more valuable spices, and some Bengal cloths. The value of the Acapulco ships, as we have elsewhere seen, is limited by law to 500,000 dollars, butgenerally amounts to 2,000,000; that of the second is indefinite, but does not average above half as much. They are both depressed by heavy import duties in America, not however both in the same proportion, those levied at Acapulco being 33 per cent, ad valorem^ and at Lima only 18 ; the duty on the returns, which consist almost exclusively of specie, being at both 6. But they I. 146 J!!; • reign machination. The west coast of New Hoi- /'•'^^ ^** ^f' i i'V f reign ....^..^... ^^^.. ^. -. ^t.'^j^ land is for the most part placed within that current J*'***^ ^"^^T*. fj-^V- of westerly winds which prevails in all the hiffli . . u '/ 1 l':^'! ^ ^ . . ^ inUlu ffv V.*i.•^.i•| ■•■:.' latitudes, whether north or south, and which is in- ^ ^ - Sy^ m»'; *• dependent of that variation in seasons and mon- ^ "" — t, /«*••' , soons, by which the navigation of the Indian Ar- *^ ., , Ji'^ii :" chipelago is facilitated in some respects, but ^^^^^''^»-*^>. 4^ i«i?** v?' » ^ ^ ^rassed in others. A military position within its li- ^^ L»>#»i"j^i' '^J-^ & it pmits is accordingly desirable, from the facility with^ ^' , 4Abjur4^^i^ r f J which at all seasons it may be communicated with, ^^jj t^,,^,^^:'r%i!f'[ as well as from the command which it derives, from , ^'^yj^\. ^ iF-n# ;! ? "gits proximity and bearing, over the navigation ^^^^Tl^iU. W?**"^^ T^'li - P '^ of the Straits of Sunda, and of that exterior pas^ , •!%? V^S- 1 > S sage to the southward of Java by which the port ^^u »^<;^ry^fH r L of Canton is souffht, when the favourable monsoon ' -. , ^ '#'*^i|?-j ?' has been lost for the more direct course. Such a . .^ ,J^: #>/!?' ' point it may not be very material for us to occupy ^ i^^i^*^ :-?!: "'f;?^ j> ^^ ourselves, our maritime ascendancy being, for the ^^^^^^^^ v^ '^^^r ?^^^^ ^present at least, adequate to all demands of V^^ ^^j^aM^ ^'^rr'?!^*^ J^ tection : but it is most exceedingly important that . [^ ^ , ^ ^Pt^P^ ^ ■> ^ > t k -:\ ,^r- '•■.*r I'M 1* ^^H ' J iik'' 1^1 i 1 m' ^^^^^H i ^ mK- IH-i & H^'r W^M ' J |j'" H^H ' A ^Ih' BMag Kil H.:::!' H'"'^; rljIHi /i .'H^^.,!.. H Iti^H I. m. III If •■■'"■■% wH|;..j'»ii4i;>" ii %' *. ' •■*. • , ., 9>'"^>'^' «.«;* • ' :■ » 'i^ -, PHi; * ''^'iyl^ •' Iw^K; ' ' ii lfi. _ _■ J ' ' 1 Si ' 4 - , '•? mHh '•' ' ' ^ Hf^HI' " '*'' ^f Mr ' '''Ul 'J:-- »«• s'j,^, .. ."^ / ' n^-vi)i • -^J..- ^"•'^ i 1 ^ ^*iin ^;.,.-. ffii' "'■'''**' '• ' V .• [w|i 'li'^iii HW] ' J; m ■ *^. ■ • 'I r ' ^ warn. >!» '^-\ »it ■t Dfira 1 t,!* .»*v '• ^1 . , .4^., .^ Slri'':, -,:;^ hI'^'Sf .. -■■J". ^■f >•* :.t . 150 it should not be possessed by any other ; and th6 hope that the discovery of the magnitude of the Macquarrie in the interior may have stimulated to its indefatigable investigation quite to its termina- tion, gives thus a dignity and importance to these labours of our colonial brethren, which the mere discovery of a new tract of country, however rich or fertile, could not certainly possess without these associations. ' To return to New South Wales ho\vever, from which these remarks are some deviation. It pre- sents, as may be expected in a country comprising so many degrees of latitude within its limits, a very considerable diversity both in quality of soil and character of vegetable produce ; a diversity which seems to be whimsically opposite to what is gene- rally remarked, the tropical portions of it being strikingly more sterile and Unproductive than those situate in the higher latitudes. In coasting along from Cape York, its north-eastern extremity, to Cape Moreton, a harsh and rocky coast is only di- versified by shifting sandy plains, salt morasses overgrown with mangroves, and a thinly wooded mountainous interior, the principal trees of which are the red gum and a species of pine resembling the alerse wood found on the opposite shores of South America, and considerably harder and hea- \\ier than those of a colder clime. From Cape More* • >*••*' 157 ton southwards the aspect of the country sensibly improves, and the vicinity of tlie EngHsh settle- ments has been found suitable to the culture of nearly every species of esculent grain, as well as of the finest tropical and temperate region fruits. Scarcely any of these are however indigenous in the country, and exclusive of that multitude and varie- ty of shrubs and plants which prociu*ed for Botany Bay its peculiar appellation, the whole seems near- ly altogether deficient in original vegetable produce of either positive or relative value to the commer- cial world. Of the several species of timber may be named however an oak, the bark of which is said to possess peculiarly superior properties for the pui'poses of tanning ; and very good pines and ce- dars are also stated in the usual enumeration of the resources of the English colony in the way of trade. No minerals of value have been discovered ; coal alone is found in abundance, and wrought to a suf- ficient extent to cover the whole domestic demand, and even to admit of some trifling export. Sper* maceti and black or blubber whales are found in abundance along the coast ; and a great many most beautiful varieties of the parrot and pigeon tribe, with the emu or cassiowary, black swan, eagles, he- rons, hawks, &c. swarm in the interior forests. Very few species of quadrupeds have ever been ^bund among then) however, and of them all only mm mm ..'if fff^ 158 'i. J- f >K» < .»* -V..; N' • w '«,»1 the kangaroo possesses a fur of sufficient value to form an article of profitable export. The natives of New South Wales rank particu- larly low in the enumeration of the human species, and have withstood moreover nearly every attempt which has been made by the English settlers to huma- nize them. Sullen, ferocious, and revengeful, they cling to their original habits with a pertinacity evi- dently the fruit rather of obstinacy than of stupi- dity, for they are very good mimics, and readily seize and expose any characteristic foible or singu- larity in those with whom they converse. They go about nearly in a state of nature, although their cli- mate is by no means a warm one; and subsist chiefly on fish, which they catch with the spear, in the use of which they display very considerable ad- dress. This address they are however too fond of exhibiting on other occasions; and it has been acutely observed by a much lamented and hardly- used navigator, the late Captain Flinders, that to the habits of solitary existence, and to the confi- dence in their individual dexterity which they ac- quire from this method of procuring their food, may be traced much of that ferocity for which they are distinguished. Having said so much of its evil consequences, it would be unfair to close this sketch of the character of these native tribes without ad- verting also to that judicial combat or duel which 159 so remarkably distlngiiislies them from every other race of savages with which we are acquainted, and which may be traced to the same cause. When one of their number is accused of any crime, as murder or otherwise, of sufficient importance to in- terest a number in its punishment, he is not imme- diately sacrificed to their resentment, however vio- lently that may be excited, but is challenged by them to a combat in the presence of some neigh- bouring tribes. At the appointed time he appears before his judges and antagonists, armed with a spear and round buckler such as they usually wear, and is required to stand the united discharge at the same moment of the spears of all his accusers. Such are the dexterity and quickness which cha- racterise nearly all of them however, it is not un* common for a champion, thus placed, to escape either altogether unhurt or very slightly wounded, and he is thus secure fron. the future open ven- geance at least of his antagonists, being deemed to have expiated his offence by this perilous exhibi- tion of activity and skill. II. Of the peculiar object and purpose for which an English colony was first established in New South Wales, it is rot necessary to speak at length ; it is sufficiently well known, that it was intended to serve as a place of reception for such felons as might be deemed suitably objects of conditional for^ive- Mj*j Wis: V El •,'iu e> ftOJ^ .^n.: IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) <.^ .^^^^4 <<■ ^° j.Si ^ 1.0 I.I 11.25 ^1^ 1^ Ki Hi 1.8 1.4 %. '/ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 VMEST MAIN STREET WEbSrSR. N.Y. 14580 (716) a72-4'03 \ iV ■^ o ^v o^ '^ '% mo 160 m \>:M .V.J <..' 'V; m: ftess ; the punishment due to whose offences might accordingly be commuted into periods of exile, during which it was hoped, not only that their la- bours might be made productive to the public, but also that measures might be taken for the gradual and effectual reformation of their own evil propen- sities. Such a purpose was most laudable in its pursuit, and the interest which accompanied the earlier progress of the experiment, is attested in some measure by the numerous minute publications which for a time placed the events of every suc- cessive day at Paramatta and Sydney Cove fami- liarly before the eyes of the British public at home. Some little disapprobation was however at length expressed by political economists ; disapprobation paitly suggested by the striking want of success which seemed to attend the whole experiment as far as its object was reformation not punishment, and partly by the very obvious impolicy of some of the measures of administration resorted to by the colonial government. Since that time the chronicle of New South \7ales has been shut up, public at- tention and curiosity have acquired different direc- tions, and the individual inquirer who would now wish to trace the connection between cause and ef- fect in political administration, is here at least left completely in the dark, and can only guess at the present state of this interesting colony by dint of 161 considerations regarding its former condition, and the probable consequences of more modern im- provements. The latest minute information we possess, indeed, only bears the date of 1810, being contained in a very masterly report made by a committee of the House of Commons in 1812; be- sides which a gentleman of the name of Mann, who held at one time an official situation in the colony, published, on his return to England, a very well di- gested summary of its state in 1809, when he left it. To these a very recent publication has added a short notice of the alterations made in 1812, in some parts of the constitution, by which the colony was administered, together with long extracts from the Sydney Gazette, illustrative of the habits, public feeling, and amusements of that town. But in this last compilation a lamentable silence is maintained as to the chief fact of which we should be curious. What are now the habits and general state of morals among the convicts ? Do they for tlie most part reform, or do they still persist in those acts of desperate and uncontrollable wickedness which characterize so painfully the earlier history of the establishment ? These are the points on which we want information ; they are points, too, into which it might again be worthy of our repre- sentatives in Parliament to inquire ; the rather as every reasoning by induction and analogy would .♦►.-Jills m p Tf 'i:-:^ ^^1- ■'Mr. '■'a .^4 ■si ' ;"^! ^^X 162 :.m\ m ^i'-jl'^jl .««?* jreem to contradict the hope in which we would yet gladly indulge, that a favourable and satisfactory answer would reward the investigation. In considering the whole subject with which the mention of this colony is almost inseparably con- nected, I propose to deviate from the rigid plan on which I have conducted this summary, in every other point of the limits which it embraces. I shall, first, endeavour to furnish a clue to the present state of the colony of New South Wales, by a com- parison of former statements with each other : I shall then consider the political constitution under which it was first administered, and the changes in- troduced into it in 1812: and I shall conclude by » giving my reasons for considering it nearly quite t ,. J certain, that the original and principal purpose of its establishment — the reform as well as punish- ment of convicts— is quite unattainable by any mo- dification of which it is susceptible, and that the whole subject most imperiously requires revision and reconsideration, upon every principle of policy, humanity, and even justice, which are all, I think, outraged by the further maintenance of New South Wales as a receptacle for the outcast felons, whom we may deem it expedient to exile from their na- tive land. I shall make no apology for entering into the subject so largely in this place : it is one of too much interest and importance, not to give 5 1(53 weight to even the humblest suggestions which re- gard it. 1. Statistical Summary. — The English colony of New South Wales is accumulated between the 30th and 34ith parallels of south latitude, and being con- fined to the westward by the mountainous barrier already noticed, contains in all only about 14,000 square miles of territory. These are divided into two counties, Cumberland and Northumberland, of which the 32d parallel is the common boundary ; and contain four principal townships, Sydney and Paramatta in Port Jackson, Hawkesbury or Rich- mond, on the river of the former name, falling into Broken Bay ; and Newcastle, on the river Himter, joining the Pacific near the northern limit of the colony, and traversing the principal coal district within its bounds. The whole population, in 1809, is stated by Mr. Mann to have consisted of 9356 souls, of whom about 6000 were free settlers, the remainder being on the public lists for rations, ei- ther as civil and military servants of the crown, or as convicts. In 1810, the population is generally stated in the Parliamentary Report at 10,454. At the same rate of increase, it may be deemed now to exceed 20,000, of whom from 15 to 18,000 will probably be free settlers, subsisting by their own industry and exertion, a large proportion of them indeed the descendants of convicts, not men who liave themselves incurred the penalties of the law. •^-"^ V ^^?^r m. '» '♦•j, ' - ''♦;' ♦♦■^' •!'. 'i* • K, *. .^ \6i II < ■•#' t.i I ./. Vegetable Productions^ Agriculture, ^c— It has been already noticed, that nearly all the esculent grains and fruits return abundantly in this portion of New South Wales. The following, then, is a statement of the proportions in which, according to Mr. Mann, they were cultivated in 1809: Wheat, 6887 acres ; maize, 3889 ; barley, 534 ; oats, 92 ; pease and beans, 100; potatoes, 301 ; turnips, 13; orchard ground, 536 ; flax, hemp, and hops, 34. The whole amount of ground in cultivation is 1 1,896 acres. The report for 1810 states generally the whole similar amount to have then been 21,000 acres in cultivation, and 74,000 in pasture. There is undoubtedly an inconsistency in these state- ments ; this measure of increase being equally at variance with that already noticed in the popula- tion, and with that which is also furnished during the same period in agricultural stock ;* but it is * The following is the Statement of Stock within the same pe- riods : Date. Horses. Mares. Bulls. COKS. Oxen. Slieep. Goats. SuHiic. 1809 1810 Difference 411 521 529 593 118 193 5115 6351 3771 4732 33,258 33,818 2975 1732 18.823 8,992 + 110 +6i +75 + 1236 +961 +560 —1243 —9,831 It may here be remarked, that the diminution found in thw 165 impossible to attempt to adjust or reconcile them by mere surmise. It may be observed, however, that the amount of lands in cultivation probably now con- siderably exceeds the proportion furnished by the c ' ^^^'^ medium of these numbers, viz. U acres per head ; '^' '*'*^^ Jftfv** inasmuch as the increased proportion of a free po- ^ 09. /^ '^^J^^^i^Y^^ -tif] pulation to that working and subsisting under bonds, MUmT Aa. ^S '1,1^ ; ;.. will increase the relative consumption ; and also as ^H^tmJtmM^^ i( ^*'5>i'»*r tion was imposed on all mercantile pursuits within . ^'yirS-l its limits. There are probably now fully 40,000 . ,>-.,.. acres of land in constant cultivation in its whole /t: ^ * 1*^'f $?*•? extent; and indeed we may gather, from several ^ .. , • . f-j*,i:T*i, hints in the recent publication to which I have al- , . ' 'r i»i l, . luded, (O'Hara's State of New South Wales) that ^ /, ^'^-^P'^i^^ the demand for farms and settlements besms to . ^ (i, . / ••^'*>'.4:l presvs on the governor's power of bestowing them within the limits to which roads are as yet carried, and which possess, accordingly, a ready intercourse with the chief settlement. This last, it must be observed however, is a very uncertain measure of fttru^ _ (Tux i^f/U. tJ^^ ^ ,1" Table in the number of goats, is accounted for by the accompa nying assertion, that they were not found to thrive ; but hogs are *te-y^^ s^id to have answered well, and yet they are found to have de- creased one half. There must be some mistake in the original figures. _ V . . . r . :--■ 'A.L- ^^f"' v"-t.1 ■;U , /f- "••? ^'f,i \-v 'f:\.i\ '•- f .^fik i*m U *i: fill 16() improvement, being liable to almost indefinite mo- dification, from local circumstances of soil, expo- sure, means of communication, &c. with which we .. are not sufficiently acquainted to enable us to esti- • mate their value. ♦ . ' ' ': Means of Communication. — None of the rivers in ^\ %ilJM>^^w South Wales are navigable 5 such indeed are 4 \tV*»flfc A^^^*^' tremendous inundations to which they are lia- i^.jt ^ble, (the Hawkesbury, among others, averaging 70, and attaining sometimes 85 and 86 feet per- ■ . pendicular elevation above its usual level,) that they are incapable of being adapted generally to any ■'^"^' pui'pose of inland communication. This however 'l^is, notwithstanding, easy and commodious, very ^'^ '" good roads having been made in every direction ■""^*'' within the inhabited limits. • '"'•^'^*'' Of the numerous creeks and bays into which the "*"• coast is broken, one only, Port Jackson, is open to external intercourse, the remainder being pro- . hibited from being entered by strangers, through fear of the convicts effecting their escape. Port ' Jackson is situate in 38° 47' south, and is a most " ' excellent and commodious port, carrying from 10 to 4 fathoms water alongside the wharfs of the town . of Sydney, and shooting up thence to Paramatta, navigable for small craft quite up to that settle- ment. It is completely landlocked for some miles knil ^ruruA ^ ■Vy c fl, I ^ Ua4^ utter inferiority and depression. In 1810, thefirm^ ?ja/C*- '/ ^^^Pti"***-'? er rule of the present governor. General Macquar- i, -^ caJtwc^ ; {i^iAj:v2»; rie, had already begun to produce some effect ; but ^i^'.- fn ^<' Its operation, together with that of the greater fa- ^/rff'^^ cility subsequently afforded to importation from Europe, has been rather injurious perhaps to the manufactures, which are still extremely coarse, aud consist exclusively of some flannel and linen cloths, the native flax employed in the latter being found, however, of most excellent quality; together with the preparation of leather, pottery, and salt, for the domestic market, of kangaroo skins for ex- portation, and of the coarse machinery, as wind and water mills, &c. used in the agricultural la- bours of the settlers. In 1810, the commerce was still also very limited indeed, consisting principal- ly of importations from England in the government fVrym 1// lU, Um*^^^ %■ Ci }-,ffx^ 3^i,U,.f- 6^ I ft- t-nAhj^ tnx ^^^ .«%-w*< ' *-'^t*w. lV L <*!•».-« /'•^t U i-f mm Wi Vv^iU^^'< ^ /; «jt K».«»1^j kjL *»^ (Uryih^^^ Tl-f-U/^ Ctrt*^ hi^ iiW t J'-iS, 108 AW: transports, all other English vessels being exclud- ed, unless under peculiar circumstances, by the terms of the East India Company's charter ; toge- ther with some direct trade with India, and some occasional supplies obtained from an American with an assorted cargo looking for a market, or from a whaler prepared to purchase refreshments where- evcr she might touch, here as elsewhere, with equi- valents suited to the anticipated demands. The articles from England were principally public stores for the use of the colony, with some private ven- tures of haberdashery, &c. laid in by the crews of the vessels conveying them ; those from India were piece goods, spirits, and refuse European wares j while those finally procured from desultory visitors, were chiefly articles of luxury, as superior sorts of wearing apparel, wine, sweetmeats, &c. The sta- ple returns were kangaroo skins, whale and seal oil, and wool ; together with such articles of naval equipment, as provisions, spars, coal, &c. as the trading vessels themselves might require ; to which some trifling and occasional traffic with the islands of the Pacific, added a small uncertain supply of sandal and other cabinet woods, chiefly bought up, together with the kangaroo skins, by the masters of such transports as were subsequently bound to Canton. The whole average value of the trade is nowhere mentioned ; it forms, indeed, a very im- Lid- 169 portant desideratum in Mr. Mann's otherwise well digested work, which, with this and some other ad- ditions, would yet serve as an excellent model for the labours of any other gentleman possessed of si- milar opportunities of original information, and who might choose to devote his time and talents to the important purpose of supplying the gap now left in our information respecting New South Wales. Such, then, was the state of commerce and ma- nufactures in this colony in 1810. Since that time, although we have no minute details, we have been frequently assured, through the medium of the public prints, that both have j)rogressively improv- ed ; and we are in possession, indeed, of some facts, which render this very certain in some degree. The East India Company's charter has been relaxed, within these few years, on this as on so many other points, and the facilities of communication with England have been proportionally increased ; the state of society in the immediate neighbourhood of Sydney at least, has become gradually more stable in its organization, new comers being now neces- sarily exiled to the more remote settlements ; and, lastly, the dist higuished talents of Sir Lachlan Macquarrie, testified in a great many difKcult and delicate situations, particularly at the commence- ment of his administration, cannot have been al- together without their effect. There are, however, 1*1^ ^^^1; 1^4 It 170 some other circumstances and considerations, which somewhat contradict the flattering assertion j in- deed, there is a sHglit incongruity in its own terms, which forbid us to give it implicit belief; for it is not very probable, that the domestic manufactures would flourish in opposition to the increased com- petition of home made articles, necessarily conse- quent on an enlarged communication. The large exportations of wool, but very lately announced, would seem indeed to confirm, beyond question, the surmise of their progressive decline; but on this surmise I shall not now insist : I shall again have occasion to allude to it, when stating some other reasons on which, it would appear to mc, it may with even greater certainty be founded. 2. Political Constitution, — The government of New South Wales is administered by a governor in chief, to whom are also subordinate the out settle- ments in Van Diemen's Land, which will be fur- ther noticed in a following article. He is absolute in his authority, there being no colonial council, or representative body of any sort ; and in him was also at first vested the supreme judicial autliority, appeals to him in person having been competent even in civil cases. This latter power has been, however, since limited, as we sliall see in the next paragraj)h. He is, by his commission, vice-admi- ral of the territory, and can accordingly convene ' '?-t r/i at pleasure a vicc-admiralty coiut. All sentences of courts martial, as well as of criminal judicature, are subject to his revisal ; and, finally, his procla- mations have in all cases the force of laws, and must be recognised and acted on as such in all the courts. The judicial was originally not less sum aaryand arbitrary than is tliis administrative auth rity ; and in all the three branches of civil, criminai, and admi- ralty judicature, was constituted in a very different manner from what we are accustomed to see in this country. An ofKccr called a judge advocate, the legal adviser and recorder in England of certain courts, was in New South Wales the supreme head both of civil and criminal judicature, assisted in the first " by two inhabitants of the settlement ap- pointed by tlio governor ;" and in the second, '* by such six officers of the sea and land service, as the governor, by a precept under his hand and seal, shall require to assemble for that purpose." No juries were convened in either case ; a majority of voices condemned even to death, nor was any local appeal competent from the first summary decision, unless to the unassisted good sense of the governor himself, who was uniformly a naval or military of- ficer, without preparation, from previous study, for the wholesome and judicious exercise of such an authoritv. Such an arranu-ement as this, how- if '^'' ."•.-X, VT-> Mi:'' -^^ ■ J^m'S:' !r 172 ever, could not last long after the colony was com- posed, as in 1808 it was already composed, of a community in which the convicts, for whom alone such summary forms of justice could have been con- templated, bore only a small relative proportion to the free population. One instance of individual oppression then occurred und"^ this system, which led finally to the arrest of the governor. Admiral Bligh, by the subordinate colonial authorities; and the agitation produced by such an event, fixed at length the attention of his Majesty's ministers on the necessity of constructing a new frame of judi- cial authority. This was, however, done with ex- treme caution ; and even yet, although we are ig- norant as to the fact of the success of these altera- tions, some very plausible objections may be made to some parts of the principle on which the consti- tution of the courts in this settlement is founded. The cognizance of civil cases is divided between two, the governor's and the supreme courts ; nei- ther, however, a court of appeal, but each final within its sphere. The judge advocate presides in the first, the jurisdiction of which is limited to ac- tions under L.50 value ; neither has it any power, like the supreme court, of attaching real property by writ ; but from its decision, on tlie other hand, there is no appeal, not even to the governor. The supreme court is composed of a chief justice. 1?3 assisted by two magistrates in rotation as they stand on the list ; and its jurisdiction extends to all cases of civil and criminal judicature whatever. In the former, the decision is determined by a majority of voices, with this proviso, that if the chief justice himself form the minority, he may protest against the award, and appeal then lies to the governor in person, assisted by the judge advocate. In cases where the contested value exceeds L.30Q0, appeal also lies, under any circumstances, to the King in council, with a further most judicious proviso, that if the appellant be the person from whom the mo- ney in dispute is claimed, he must, on the first de- cision against him, pay it into court. Such a pro- vision would be most wholesomely extended to all our colonial judicatures, particularly to those in the East Indies, where the system of ultimate appeal to England is one of the most intolerable hardship and inconvenience ; but in New South Wales, the error in principle seems to be on the other side, and to consist in limiting too rigidly the power of local revision and appeal. Many doubtful and par- ticular cases must even daily occur, m which it woidd be most satisfactory, and even necessary for the ends of substantial justice, to have a second opinion emanating from a second authority. But for this purpose, the constitution contemplated has made little or no provision. ^i>i' ;•.■>*' ' *l 17 1- The supreme court sitting iu criminal cases is not assisted by a jury, but unanimity in the judges is required to condenni to deatii, and its capital sentences are moreover subject to the revision of the governor, and can only be carried into execu- tion under his special authority. In the Vice Ad- miralty Court the lieutenant-governor is sole judge, and the only other officers attached to it are the registrar and marshal. This Court has been so seldom convened, no particular inconvenience has ever yet been experienced from this imperfect orga- nization ; but were it ever to become r, court of" common jurisdiction in prize cases, it would abso- lutely require revision and amendment. The judi- cial functions which exercise the talents and legal learning of a Sir William Scott, could not be ad- ministered by a naval or military officer, such as the lieutenant-governor of New South Wales has always been ; and who, without previous study, would find himself in a very novel and embarrass- ing situation if called on to solve any knotty ques- tion of the law of nations. In this very situation, iiowever, one lieutenant-governor has in a degree been already placed, two prize questions having been decided in the year 1799 in this court. It may very fairly, I think, be argued, from this brief summary of the existing constitution of the colony of New South Wales, that it is incomplete 175 in many respects, and that even its principle is in- correct and injudicious in some. The want of a representative assembly, the paramount authority of the governor's proclamations, and the summary and insufficient administration of justice within its limits, are three causes which, even as a colony, would seem to condemn it irremediably to a state of comparative depression and insignificance. As a corrective prison, other circumstances, such as I now proceed to consider, would seem still more signally to disqualify it ; and as over these circum- stances we can have no controul, their considera- tion, and the consequent removal of this object from among those, which we may still think likely to be answered by its maintenance as a colony, be- come pressing subjects of discussion and delibera- tion, among those who, with the will, have also the power to make themselves heard in such a cause. 3. Before proceeding to consider the peculiar in- competence of New South Wales as a corrective prison, it will not be amiss slightly to review some of those first principles, which would seem insepa- rable from the very constitution of a prison, at all likely to attain that principal and most important object — ^the reform of convicts, not their punish- ment only, and still less their exile. Of these, the following four would appear to me quite indispen- ^m4 m*' '•1 'if^i A *1 1- vTsii IIP, 170 sable ; and by them accordingly, I propose to try and weigh the merits of New South Wales. 1. The barriers confining convicts should be of that insurmountable nature, as not to leave a single liope of escape to agitate their minds. They will never be brought to a true sense of their condition, nor to any proper or permanent desire of ameliorat- ing it by systematic industrious exertion, while the smallest chance remains, or seems to remain, to them, of at once extricating themselves by a vio- lent exertion. 2. Convicts ought to be placed in such circum- stances, as will admit of maintaining over them a rigorous but paternal superintendence, such as may check in their first buds the shoots of vice, and may cultivate and encourage the ends of returning industry and virtue. They must, from their very situation, be pre-supposed vicious, and almost har- dened ; they must not, therefore, be left to them- selves hardly for a moment, least the continuance of depraved indulgence should nourish its banefid consequences in their minds. 8. They should be kept as much as possible se- parate ; at the least, a rigid separation of the two sexes should be maintained. Upon the minds of the female convicts particularly, the most whole- some consequences might be anticipated,' from even a constrained interval of moral habits. X 177 And, lastli/, a strong, permanent, and springing stimulus should be furnished to their industry ; their very liberation ought to depend upon their own exertion, not solely upon the lapse of time. Indeed, I think time alone is the worst conceivable measure of punishment, particularly when length- ened out to 7 and 14 years, as is common in our judicial sentences. These periods make no impres- sion whatever on the surrounding mob, for whose edification more than for that of the criminal him- self, all punishments should be directed ; while they only strike despair into the heart of the poor convict, and deaden, not excite laudable exertion. They are passed, accordingly, for the most part, in rioting, vice, and immorality, and when survived at all, only return the culprit to his native country, a worse member of society than when he left it. It is unnecessary, I think, to argue in favour of maintaining these several objects as first principles in the constitution of corrective prisons; their pro- priety may be assumed, and I shall therefore only compare the actual state of the colony of New South Wales, with their several requisitions. It is situate on the exticaiity of an extensive continent, rich, and luxuriant in native productions, aftbrding ac- cordingly every apparent facility for escape. The inevitable effects of such a local position, ^nay be traced accordingly in the first, as in the last page N ivy- 'I* , * * j« ■ ■' I-*?'' ^'.4* ■ J'' I' Iff <% • ■' f-l r tii 178 of itb history; desertions are ever frequent, and t!ie minds of even those convicts who remain, are distracted by conflicting anxieties, and withdrawn altogether from those industrious pursuits, from the habit of which alone their reform is to be antici- pated. In the next place, its only means of em- ployment is agriculture ; the convict population is accordingly dispersed promiscuously over its plains, far from the eye either of temporal or spiritual guide. To such extent was this dispersion carried in the first instance, that nothing was more com- mon than for convicts to draw rations of provisions at several different depots ; nor was there even suf- ficient check upon their conduct to remedy so glar- ing an irregularity as this, without having recourse to severe examples among themselves, instead of depending on the probity and punctuality of the storekeepers and their clerks. It is probably much better now ; but no one will believe that even yet the morals of these poor victims of early excess can be looked after with that minuteness with which they ought to be watched, when they are dispersed over a plain of 14,000 square miles, inhabited by a population inured themselves, from early habit, to make light of every villany which does not compro- mise their own individual interests and pursuits. In the third place, the notorious prostitution of the female convicts, and the general laxity of mo* 179 rals absolutely inseparable from a colony compo- sed of such elements, and organized upon such principles of dissolution as is that of New Soutli Wales, are each among the worst and most melan- choly ieatures of its character. They alone lay the axe to the root of every hope which might be entertained of its answenng its original purpose ; while, to crown all the objections which might be multiplied without end to every part of this most expensive of all ou:- fiscal institutions, it provides no stimulus to industrious perseverance, no excite- ment to refbniiation, no temptation whatever to abandon original evil propensities, or to adopt and cherish good and moral habits. The convicts themselves are, in the first instance, well fed at the public expense, and have no interest whatever in the works in which they are employed ; their first object accordingly is to loiter away their time as much as possible : but were even this altered, as it might easily be, the soil being fertile and produc- tive, there is no market for surplus produce, and it is well known that agricultural labours will always find subsistence for a much greater number of in- dividuals than they will employ. In a word, no- thing can be conceived much less suited for all its original purposes than is this colony, and its selec- tion at all as a means for their attainment, is in- deed one of those remarkable events in the history r ^ -.i' > X,l '^"^:# 1 '■■•;V 'H-''A\A •J., '■■■k^m ■Htr 180 P-1 of mankind, which attest the slender influence of general principles on political administration. But if it was ill suited, in the first instance, for the purpose of its establishment, it is even less so now ; and indeed its maintenance so long in this capacity, is a striking proof how much the atten- tion of politicians has been called away, during the last twenty-five years, to other and more important objects of consideration, than those of colonial ad- ministration. For be it remarked, that now not merely the moral character of the guilty, but also of the comparatively innocent, is compromised by the policy of retaining New South Wales on its present establishment as a corrective prison. Its free, and as yet guiltless population, probably ex- ceeds that number at which I have stated it, of 16,000 souls ; and their moral and religious habits should be a sacred consideration with us, no long- er to be tampered and trifled witli by the contami- nating vicinity of infamy and vice. Our political sovereignty over them gives us, in fact, no right to inundate them annually with the sweepings and oftiscourings of our prisons — those channels and canals by which that worst of jail fevers, a moral pestilence, is conveyed. We are guilty of an in- jufti^ice towards these people in this instance alone, which no political or commercial advantages coidd compensate, were they even bestowed. But here . t 181 again we oppress and injure them. The convicts must be controlled by an arbitrary and summary authority ; they have forfeited their claim to more ceremonious treatment ; and, in fact, this very co- ercion is a part of their allotted punishment. But, in restraining them, we also cast the fetters over their free brethren, and subject them and their property to the same summary, and, it must neces- sarily be sometimes, capricious and ill-directed au- thority. Every page of the history of the colony teems with instances of the evil consequences, not to individuals only, but to the state in general, arising from this very circumstance. The military and naval officers entrusted with the government, have been suddenly called on to legislate for a civil society, the intricate nature of whose domestic re- lations they had no previous means of studying. They carried with them to their new task the ha- bits of their early life, that passion for minute re- gulation which constitutes the very essence of mi- litaiy discipline, and that straight forward pursuit of a particular object, indifferent to the passions of mankind, and relying only on their obedience, which peculiarly characterize such a school. And what have been the consequences ? Why, truly, just what might have been expected from the asso- ciation of such elements. All sorts of bad laws have been enacted by proclamation j the indivi- »"-**j ^%^.fi%.t.A x* >■•«?■' .-vM,.- '^v r«' *v,:#*' -■•^ :-V' ■'^■■ .-j*-^. " * *' t i • '^ '.' mi f : - •»* '■-..jti •-'. "■ «' at: I ^,:^ i:^i 182 ■.jK^-i ■ I ill dual administration of justice has been repeatedly invaded j a maximum of price has been affixed to every species of produce, as well as labour ; the pro- perty of coal and timber has been engrossed by the crown : in a word, an example has been set of every species of oppression, paralleled, and only paralleled, in the Spanish American and Dutch East Indian co- lonies, so long the byewords for every gradation of misrule.* It is such circumstances as these which must have, I think, prevented commerce from flourisliing, or manufactures improving within their reach; nor can they ever be systematically pre- vented themselves, while any necessity continues, or is supposed to continue, to exist, for entrusting despotic authority in the hands of any single indi- vidual, whatever may be his talents ; and while he is accordingly exempt from that salutary control il which the existence of a legislative assembly, and its right to be heard and listened to in his pre- sence, can alone permanently bestow. These words are strong, but the subject under * In these remarks I cannot be supposed to mean to make any invidious or disrespectful allusions to the gallant and able officers who have successively filled the situation ©f Governor of New South Wales. For them all individually I can feel nothing but respect ; and if I instance their failure in attaining the great ob- jects which must have been within their contemplation, it is to illustrate the peculiar difficulty of their situation, not in the most remote degree to reflect on their conduct while so placed. length the gallows redeem its victims, after a short -.^ and aggravated reprieve. For the important pur- pose of individual amendment, penitentiary houses would alone appear to me to have a chance of suc- cess ; and these might, I think, be regulated so as even to insure it. Let them be so established as that every individual convict may be separately con- fined at night ; and let their usual commons be exr cessively bare indeed, such as by scarcely any means can support life. On the other hand, let the keep- er enjoy the benefits of their labour, but let him have no means of constraining it, other than by the ■ ■ ■-* vK •► "■■">-, »i„r lit' ' **aT ' '-i-I '■'•;■■ hfm ."iii'*L"*i'-'*k'- ■■I -^» 184 temptation of reasonable wages. Let not these, however, be regulated ; let them find their own le- vel. Let free admission be given to reputable hucksters, with permission to sell, at the outside of certain established windows, every species of re^ freshment, even spirits, for a constrained tem per*- ance is no gain at all : but, on the other hand, let 11,1 V I II II t^fu^ft..*t ^j^g ^.gj,jjj Q^' confinement depend on the convicts* amassing a certain sum, on the production of which they shall be permitted immediately to quit the tfiT^'^ .M4*K t^jvhich daily carries visitors to such scenes, and ^jncco^ which hardens the culprit, and seems to himself to «. J^'"'^ '* ^ . mark him out for ever to the recognition of his felr *Srfe''H*''*^ Mow men. On the other hand, to prevent indivi- 'Ife- /^-., ^^^^ oppression, if such can exist where the keep- fK'^^'f'?^*^ / iJkfUi^y interest would be thus identified with that of »'^w^; ^ ftj*w» ^ bis prisoners, let each ward have a sort of post-of. it ^ '^| ^A\ iice, into which any complaint may be conveyed without the possibihty of being intercepted ; and ^l^iSA''^ let the public officers, whose duty it will be to su- .'*a^H'\ perintend the whole, examine into every signed tr^^ J^ complaint with a scrupulous minuteness, alike sug- ^* ^^'* i^ji; !j^'' gested by the sacred nature of their charge, and by **'^ ^•*^;>ij^'1>'v the responsibility under which it will be admini- Z^ *^^****f V^llii.v stered. "tU♦ *' ^*^^^l j^^'^* edly incomplete, but even as thus thrown off, it would seem to answer all the most important ob- jects of its institution. If properly constructed and contrived, it may leave no hopes of immediate es- cape, and may subject every individual to the most rigorous superintendence even during those hours of labour when it may be necessary that some num- ber of them should be together. The separation of the sexes is an integral part of it, and the stimu- lus furnished to industrious exertion would be the strongest imaginable, for it would be founded on the concurrent operation of hunger, desire of pre- sent comfort, and aspiring after future emancipa- tion. The ability to dissipate their gains at once would be checked in its abuse by the natural de- sire for liberty wliich would animate every bosom, and the habit of self-denial which would be thus acquired would be the most valuable of all the gifts which such an iii=ititution coidd bestow on the ^ , ^m-.^ U U^ ♦H-t*. Ou^ ^M.^. i^i^ ■*■<*».._ I . ■ - ,••• , - •T.f.i.-Jl;;: .1* ''1-'^ ■ J?,; • '■■ '':>.^'**& 186 h'^ii m !>«• ,»* i^^j wi'etclied victims whom we now annually condemn to infamy and vice, while we abuse the real mean- ing of the word by calling the exchange for im- mediate death which we thus confer, " mercy!" Thus far the argument for the proposed innovation holds as it regards the culprit himself; it is not ^. less cogent at it applies to the state. In the first place, the convict would return to society an use- ful member of it, not a poisonous and infectious limb ; while the knowledge he would have acquir- ed, and the habits of industry he would have ob- tained, would fit him to resume that place in its ranks of which early vicious practice and example had defrauded him. In the next place, the ex- penses of his schooling and reformation would not be thrown away, they would at least compass their end, which now it is but too apparent they do not. And, lastly, these expenses would be most mate- rially retrenched. A thousand penitentiary houses constituted as I propose, would not equal in a lapse of years the expense of New South Wales, as a place of exile, for a single season : If properly managed, they might even become sources of revenue ; for keepers who are to enjoy the fruits of the labour of their prisoners, would willingly pay a rent for their places, not stipulate for a reward. But these are petty and sordid calculations, altogether un- worthy the great object which they are adduced to ^»- .» •»^ iii ^.7 ctl .V 3111 n in- im- •»% 187 support. No man of liberal spirit would grudge twice the expense of the colony of New South Wales, aye thrice and fqur times told, if it could be proved that the great object of its institution, tlie reform of convicts, neither their punishment nor yet still less their exile, was in the smallest degree answered by it. But this is not, cannot be the case, while a promiscuous intercourse of all denomina- tions of guilty is not merely an anomalous abuse and excrescence, but an integral portion of its whole system ; and when in addition to this most crying error in it, the noxious current in which these ele- ments are blended, is annually poured into the bo- som of a free and permanently settled British po- pulation, bone of our own bone, flesh of our own flesh, our brothers, not our slaves. We have not even the right, collectively speaking, to call them our subjects, they are only our fellow subjects ; with ourselves the subjects of a paternal adminis- tration composed of the three estates of our realm, an administration under which we enjoy all of us the same equal privileges, and are maintained in them not upon toleration or sufferance, but by virtue of the share which we ourselves and our represen- tatives possess in its composition ; an administra- tion, in a word, which, thus constituted, has in principle and in fact precisely the same abstract V'*, ■■»».,.'■ I 188 HI, right to direct this noxious and pestilential stream to the metropolis of Scotland, as to the free town- ships of New South Wales. How should we re- lish, I would ask my countrymen, the importa- tion, or what stand, do we imagine, would the moral habits of the lower classes of our popula- tion, high as they are generally and justly rated, what stand, I say, would they make against its poisonous influence on every feature of their cha- racter? We recoil with aversion from even the mention of such a thing ; some of my readers, I doubt not, will indeed reject it altogether as an even extravagant illustration of the true jet of the argument I would maintain. But I do not hesi- tate to say, that in enormity even this extravagant supposition is not a parallel case with that which we have been contemplating in New South Wales ; for here, as in the first place, the amount of vice thus annually imported would bear but a very small proportion to the sum and degree of moral feeling which it would have to encounter, so also would its operation be incalculably more repressed by that indefatigable and well organized adminis- tration of criminal justice which characterizes our Scottisii system of jurisprudence. In New South Wales, on the contrary, it in quite evident that nei- ther of these checks can have attained the same ef- ficiency, that neither the counterpoise of moral feel- 189 ing can be so strong, nor the administration of jus- tice so matured ; the burden we impose according- ly on our colonial brethren is infinitely heavier than it possibly could be on ourselves even in its first state, while many of its remote consequences, the loss of trial by jury, &c. which press the heaviest on them, could not, by possibility even, be thus en- tailed upon us. I cannot here say more, and I could not say less on this important subject, which I now, therefore, quit, with a sincere hope that whatever may be wanting in these hints for its consideration, may soon be supplied from some other quarter better qualified to undertake the task of its complete elucidation. VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. New South Wales had been eleven years in the occupation of the English settlers before it was sus* pected that the southern point of land round which they had first arrived, and then daily communicat- ed with their native country, was not a part of the same island with that on which they resided, but the head land of a detached cluster divided from the main by a strait in the 39th parallel of south latitude. In the year 1799, however, this discovery 'M' ^v,: '■■■ 't 'Vlt; mo 1 .» was at length made ; and Mr. Bass, after whom the strait was named, then first reconnoitred it in a whale boat, and subsequently, in the Norfolk colo- nial vessel, commanded by Lieutenant, afterwards Captain, Flinders, explored and traced both its shores. The portion of land cut off by it to the southward was found to consist of one large and many smaller islands. To the large w^as continued that name of Van Diemen's Land, given in 1642 by Tasman to its south-west extremity ; to the smaller gi'oups different appellations were attached at the choice of these first discoverers of their num- ber, nature, and extent. Van Diemen's Land then, the principal of the whole, is bounded to the north by Bass* Straits, situate in SQ**, and extends thence as far as 43" 40' south. In exploring it minutely, two considerable rivers were found, the one on the south east, the other on the north side, the adjoining territory to both being also rich, fertile, and convenient. No immediate use was however made of the disco- very; but in 1804, when the settlement on Norfolk Island was broken up, in consequence of the great loss and inconvenience experienced by its total want of a sea port, it was determined to remove its materials to these several points, to which the names of Derwent and Tamar I ivers had been attach- ed. Several townships were accordingly founded 191 in their neighbourhood, of which the chief are now Hobart's Town and Port Dalrymple ; the whole island was then divided into two counties, named Cornwall and Buckinghamshire, of which the 42d parallel of latitude was declared to be the common boundary j and every means was adopted to give consistency and stability to the nascent establish- ments. Lieutenant-governors were appointed to each, and a proportion has ever since continued to be allotted them, at the discretion of the successive Governors in chief, of the several importations from England of stores as of prisoners, of the means of support and coercion, as of the elements of turbu- lence, riot, and excess. With the particulars we are not however acquainted ; we are only summa- rily told, that in 1810 the whole population amount- ed to 1321 souls, and that the settlements had every prospect of flourishing. The total amount now probably exceeds 3000 ; and it is also probable that the proportion of free settlers to convicts is here considerably smaller than in New South Wales, a circumstance likely to arise, both from the more recent establishment of the settlement in Van Die- men's Land, and from the desire which it will be most natural for every Governor in chief to feel, to disperse new importations to the distant points, instead of receiving them into the bosom of the chief settlement. These surmises are, however, 5 m ' '*' ''^x '•#. ^'\ ■•■j^ .•'-.■r»n' ' ^ ♦■■VM 't: ,..v«- % - •-■"^^ lull*; w ^^'•' If. ..J'Mt'r it.; > J^r%i(^ :il (Ill ?. <♦>, "ji ■Jfc"j 192 extremely vague ; and the only apology for their insertion here as elsewhere, is founded on that ac- tual want of authentic information respecting the present state of these interesting colonies, which I have already regretted, and of which the public has much reason to complain. It is an effect per- haps much beyond what is likely to be produced by such slender means, but it would infinitely re- pay whatever trouble or responsibility these two articles have cost me, were they to caU forth such plain, unornamented, and concise information on all the principal topics of inquiry which they em- brace, such as that of which Mr. Mann's book, as I have elsewhere observed, furnishes an example ; together with that still more interesting addition than all, which can only be obtained from a brief review and comparison of their Newgate Calendars with those of other countries,— -I mean the necessary information for judging of the state of moral feel- ing, disseminated among the population of which they ^"'sat. -\ ARCHIPELAGO OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. We have now traced all the principal shores bounding the Pacific Ocean j and of this portion -fcj, 193 of the task which I allotted myself, it only remains therefore briefly to notice the various and scattered groups of islands which cover and diversify its bosom. These are as yet comparatively uninteresting to the commercial reader ; yet something may be glean- ed even for his purposes from their consideration. They may be generally classed as follows : Marian^ or Ladrone Islands. — Nearly due east of the principal range of Philippine Islands, in 144" east longitude from Greenwich, and comprised be- tween the parallels of 20" and 13° north latitude, lie the Marian or Ladrone Islands, l(j in number, and of which the principal, Tinian, Guam, Saypan, &c. are well known, from the refreshments they were long in the habit of supplying to the Acapulco gal- leons, as well as from the shelter and succour which they have afforded, at different times, to many of our principal navigators in these seas, Dampier, Anson, Byron, Wallis, &c. Situate in a tropical climate, their principal vegetable productions are those of the torrid zone ; rice and Indian corn be- ing, however, the chief objects of the ruue and im- perfect agriculture of their inhabitants, who, al- though now long under immediate subjection to the Spaniards, have learned but little from them ex- cept those Catholic observances, in which, in near- ly all their remote colonics, these rulers have made their religion to consist. In return, however, for o mM .V ". ■.,1* Ip- • <•• •/■'>;SV>' I *A i*/; .,1. - ^ -Aut- c ■ ♦>,•■■• I M - VJ'h ■'%\ m IP '4m this ignorance of all the most useful arts in which the natives of the Ladrones have been allowed to remain, they have to boast of a much more gentle yoke than any the Spaniards have been in the ha- bit of imposing elsewhere ; and altliough rigorous- ly repressed whenever they have shewn any dispo- sition to revolt, have not otherwise been oppress- ed. The whole group has only been occupied from the convenience of obtaining refreshments for the galleons in their long passage. It contains no mines, nor is any hard labour requisite to obtain from the soil the necessary agricultural returns. Where no temptation to tyranny existed, even the Spaniards did not step aside to seek the opportuni- ty of inflicting it. The Spanish population in the Ladrone Islands does not exceed, the garrison included, a very few hundred souls j and the mean and paltry town of St. Ignatio de Agana, in the island of Guam, is the only collection of houses in the whole group deserving that name. The harbours in all the islands are open and inconvenient ; and to this cause it was owing, that at length the galleons gave up altoge- ther the practice of touching at this point. Since that time, the Spanish settlement has become dai- ly more insignificant ; and I think it even doubt- ful, whether it is now at all more than nominally maintained. The only inducement was, perhaps, 195 a small pearl fishery on the west side of Saypan, and tlie value of that was not likely to be commen- surate with that of the supplies of men and stores which would be required to be constantly furnish- ed by Manilla, however itself weakened by the long interruption, of late years sustained, to its inter- course with the mother country. Caroline and Pelew Islands^ — Immediately south of the Marian Islands, and extending in a line from 13** to 7° north latitude, and from 155" east of Greenwich, quite down to Gilolo, the easternmost of the Molucca Islands, lie the contiguous groups of Caroline and Pelew Islands ; the first nearly en- tirely unknown to us, and even the latter, however familiar in our ears, from the popular narrative of the loss of the Antelope packet, and the visit of Prince Lee Boo to England, yet very imperfectly explored. They are known to be each, for the most part, of small extent, but wevy numerous ; and they are said to abound in the ordinary pro- ductions of the South Sea Islands, cocoa nuts, bread- fruit, plantains, &c. no valuable objects of trade hav- ing, however, been discovered among them by the crew of the Antelope, nor any such being mentioned either by their still more recent visitor, Captain De- lano, of the American merchant service, whose very curious and interesting voyages have only very late- ly reached this country. The natives, according to 4 Skm • '■ 't, •••.*'x,l ~ . *t j^ .■■ J 'J .!*^-l_ ■"lis ■?;:.• t,- f'C^"" ' i . "a * •' !• * \ •■f. ; ■ ■.-.i: « ■|il»P': ..# 4'*., •■' - ■ m !L( 19(> !!*! his account, still retain tliat frankness and sinceri- ty in their demeanour to strangers, which so essen- tially served the crew of the Antelope after their melancholy shipwreck, and which, many years af- terwards, induced the master of an P^nglish mer- chant siiip, Maclure, to abandon his country and his connexions, and take up his residence among them. The good Abba Thulle was indeed no more, and the miseries of a disputed succession pressed heavy on the domestic comforts and organization of the Pelew islanders ; but the leading features of their character still subsisted, such as they are de- lineated by Mr. Keate ; and it is pleasing to wit- ness, in the afllectionate terms in which Delano mentions them, the effect of such unsophisticated worth on the shrewdest and^nost interested of man- kind, such as are, for the most part, the masters of those American cockboats, to which I have elsewhere alluded, which are launched and equipped at the expense, and manned and navigated through the personal services of one or more adventurous fami- lies, who thus make or mar their fortunes toge- ther, and scarcely seek to return unless successful. Of this class was Delano, of whose work, however, I am happy to have this opportunity of speaking with approbation, as in many respects most interest- ing even from the information whicii it contains; but which appears to me even still more valuable, as m 197 it illustrates the extent of knowledge, enterprise, and sagacity which so eminently distingush these desultory traders, of whom he may be considered as the representative. Papuan Archipelago.-^Souih of the Caroline and and Pelew Islands, and comprised between the Equator and 12" south latitude, lies a widely ex- tended Archipelago, confining to the west with the Spice Islands and New Holland, and extending to the east as far as 163" east longitude. The islands composing it are thus classed from the race of na- tive tribes by which they are all inhabited, and which, approaching to the negro, is therefore call- ed Papua or Woolly, by the Malay tribes in the neighbouring Indian Islands. The principal islands in this Archipelago are to the west, New Guinea confining with the Moluc- cas and New Holland, New Ireland, New Britain, Admiralty Isles, &c. &c. ; to the southward, the islands of Louisiade, an archipelago so named by Bougainville, who first discovered it ; and to the eastward, Solomon's Islands, Terre des Arsaci- des or New Georgia, a cluster to which these se- veral names have been attached by successive navi- gators who have at different times visited it, and who by this means have attached an almost endless confusion to the nomenclature of the group. The whole archipelago is strikingly alike in its principal t ■■•?.' I ' % *;* "1 <*-*■■' :<-n'u f km us- .H'^rJ ='• v.. ,, )•* A' 198 t '>i fly- i* features of climate, soil, and vegetable productions ; the first being sultry on the coasts, and cooling gradually in ascending the mountains, which every- where characterise the interior ; the second rich and fertile ; and the last forming a mixture of the bread-fruit, cocoa nut, and plantain of the Pacific, with the areca, wild nutmeg, iron-wood, ebon)', and other forest woods of the Indian Archipelago. New Guinea is almost the only island among the whole which enjoys the advantages of foreign trade. It has been already noticed, that the Bugguess and Chinese traders of the Indian islands push their trading voyages to its western coast, whence they embark ambergris cast up on its shores, birds of paradise which abound in its forests, tortoise- shell, pearls, mother of pearl, birds* nests, and tri- pang ; leaving in exchange, Chinese cotton cloths, iron and brass utensils, toys, beads, &c. The amount is not very great, but the trade is improve- able, were it only vested in hands who would not be afraid to quit the shelter of the islands, and pe- netrate among the more eastern groups, who as yet neither know nor value the advantages it might confer. Isles of Santa Cruz, or Queen Charlotte Islands. — East of Solomon's Islands, and in about 11" mean latitude, and 166° east longitude from Greenwicli, lies the small group of Santa Cruz, so named by iVJ ^i. iVlendana, but to which the name of Queen Char- lotte's Islands was also subsequently attacheil by Carteret, who visited it in 1709. This cluster claims tobe enumerated next after the Papuan Archii)elago, i)eing inhabited by a race of pe()j)le in whom the features of the Papuan and Malay, or Polynesian tribes, are evidently blended, and who may there- fore be considered as sprung from both. It has been successively visited, since Carteret, by D'Entrecas- teaux andLabillardiere, by each of whom the islands composing it have been minutely described. They are of moderate elevation, thickly wooded up to their summits, abounding chiefly with cocoa nut and cabbage trees. The chief island, the Santa Cruz of Mendana, Egmont Isle of Carteret, has several good ports, and the inhabitants at most of them shewed themselves friendly to their visitors, whom they did not however permit to penetrate into the interior. New Hebrides. — South of the islands of San- ta Cruz, and comprised within the parallels of 14" and W south latitude, and 108" and 177" east longitude from Greenwich, lies a group of islands, suj)posed to be a southern continent by Quiros, the first discoverer, and named accord- ingly by him, La Tierra del Espiritu Santo ; but minutely explored, and the islands of which it is composed enumerated, by Captain Cook, by whom mm ri iiwfo^r the above appellation, now universally received, was also first bestowed. The group is composed of 19 islands of tolerable extent, to the largest of which Captain Cook continued the name of Espi- ritu Santo, while to the remainder he affixed others at his choice. They are all extremely beautiful and productive, the choicest tropical fruits, toge- ther with many varieties of excellent timber, com- posing extensive forests along their shores. The natives, without being hostile, are yet jealous and distrustful, and evinced strong marks of dissatis- faction at every attempt made by Captain Cook's people to penetrate into the interior of their coun- try. These attempts were not accordingly per- severed in ; and it is only from rumour and vague information that we are told, that the richness and fertility of the interior correspond with those of the sea shore. The natives of two adjoin- ing islands have been particularly noticed in Cap- tain Cook's narrative, from the very remarkable dissimilarity, or rather contrast, observable in their persons ; the one, the inhabitants of Tanna, being as remarkable for their beauty, as the others, those of Malicolo, for their extreme deformity. No signs of the precious metals were discovered among any of them ; but pearl oyster-shells, and some small seed pearl, were common ornaments of their persons. 201 New Caledonia. — South-west of Espiritu Santo, and comprised within the parallels of 20'' and 22° 30' south latitude, and 164" and 1 67" SO' east longitude of Greenwich, lies the large island of New Cale- donia, discovered by Captain Cook, and represent- ed by him to be inhabited by a superior set of sa- vages to any he had elsewhere found in the Pacific Ocean, tall, strong, friendly, and humane. It is somewhat difficult to reconcile this account of their moral, and still less that of their physical charac- ter, with the unfavourable description of both giv- en by M. D'Entrecasteaux in his voyage j and it is only surmise which would seek to impute a por- tion of the diversity to the different character and talents of the two observers. The supposition is however plausible. Of all modern navigators, none seems to have carried the talent of conciliating the savage tribes whom he visited, so far as our much lamented Cook ; and it is natural to believe, that his indulgence for their peculiarities grew with his success in managing them. M. D*Entrecasteaux's observations are all, on the other hand, caustic and severe ; and even the poor ignorant and debased New Hollanders, whose habits are so simple one might almost run and read them, afforded him and some of his officers scope for injurious mis- conception. The difference between the two is not less prominent and marked, than is that between ■ ' T - -J f,« - ' 'I 1:' -v;' '* •I'^0%1 »'«.• 20'2 their several representations of the inhabitants of New Caledonia. The soil and climate of this extensive island bear a very strong resemblance to those of New Hol- land ; and it is, on the whole, the least favoured by nature of all those islands in the Pacific included in this article, and situate within the tropics. Ex- tensive rocky mountains are only partially inter- sected with plains of some considerable fertility, and the thinness of the population, respecting which all seem alike agreed, would appear to war- rant an unfavourable conjecture respecting the qua- lities of the interior produce. Some extensive fo- rests of valuable timber, however, exist within its limits, and its more minute examination might dis- close other sources of wealth, various indications of minerals having been found along tlie coasts. New Zealand. — The two islands of New Zealand extend from 3^^ to 48" south latitude, and from 181" east to 186" west longitude of London, cross- ing thus its meridian, and comprising about 13" of longitude within their limits. These islands, al- though separated only by a very narrow strait, dif- fer materially in their appearance and conforma- tion. The northern and lesser is rich and fertile, covered with wood, and abounding in the produc- tions of the temperate regions, particularly flax, which the inhabitants regularly cultivate and ma- 203 nufactiire. The southern and largest is on the cciitrary extremrly lofty and mountainous, compc^- ratively thinly wooded, and far less vigorous in its productions. The peak of one mountain in its in- terior has been vaguely estimated at 14,000 feet above the level of the sea, and is covered with snow in even the height of summer. The jealousy and ferocity which we have seen more or less to characterize the natives of so many • " the islands which have just passed under review, peculiarly mark also the New Zealanders, and have been signally exemplified in the treacherous assault and cruel murder of many of their visitants. They have contributed to prevent also all minute ac- quaintance with the interior of the country, al- tliough, from the neighbourhood of the English co- lonial settlement at Norfolk Island while it was yet maintained, and the assiduity and perseverance which Hovernor King when at that station applied to tht 'i'vation of some intimacy with them, a consKie/; 'r .nass of desultory information has been obtained. 1 iiey are anthropophagi, neither affect- ing to conceal nor anticipating the condemnation of such a practice ; and although fierce and impla- cable towards their enemies, are yet mild and gen- tle in their domestic relations. Divided, however, in:^ many distinct tribes, they live in a constant state of mutual hostility, and accordingly fix their > •• •-.-1 I- ■■ I km mi abodes by way of precaution in fortified towns or Hippahs, as they are called, which are secured with considerable skill. They cultivate sweet potatoes, eddas, (another species of esculent root,) and gourds; but their chief vegetable is the bruised root of the fern, which, with fish, composes the greatest por- tion of their diet. From the flax, which springs up indigenous in the country, they manufacture a species of linen w. . hich they clothe themselves, and they have notions of decency in almost all the relations of life very superior to those generally found among savages. With this they present, however, a sad mixture of some of their most bar- barous propensities ; and in treachery and cruelty seem unfortunately second to none with which we are acquainted. To7iga, or Friendly Islands, — N. N. E. of New Zealand, and nearly in the same parallel of latitude with the New Hebrides and Caledonia, lie the Tonga or Friendly Islands, the inhabitants of which have been lately introduced so particularly to the acquaintance of the English reader by Mr. Ma- riner's interesting narrative of his residence among them. The number of islands exceeds 100, ex- tending between 16" 30' and 21" 30' south latitude, and 176" 30' and 174" 10' west longitude of Lon- don. They are rich and productive, and the in- habitants are to a certain degree civilized, although 205 fierce and treacherous in tlieir intercourse witJi strangers. The \ ssel in wliich Mr. Mariner ar- rived among them was tlius unexpectedly seized by them, and the greater part of the crew murdered j yet such were their ideas of moral fitness, that wlien it was suggested to Fino'.v the chief, tliat some revenge might be taken on them if any of the Englisli were allowed to escape to tell their story, his re})ly was, tliat the ship having possessed many articles of which he himself stood in need, he had a 7ight to take them if he could, and that he was sure the king of England was too jnst to take any re- venge on him for his exercise of that right. In this reasoning he pretended to be confirmed by past experience ; and thus the very impunity with which a morbid humanitv has induced us to allow these and other savages in the Pacific to exercise their outrages on our defenceless or unguarded merchant ships, is interpreted by them as a proof of their right to avail themselves of such opportunities. It is painful to find in another part of this same work, that the very feast and entertainment bestowed by these natives on Captain Cook, and which procured for their islands the name by which he designated them, (Friendly Islands,) were, in fact, meant as snares for his prudence ; and that, had he relaxed in his precautions, he also was doomed a victim to this right. '7!5 %i i 1'' .•^- 'J'*'.' ■^•■>i^^ in'-"''.,.%**r** 9mm V- •»»: The Tonga Islands, it has been observed, are rich and fertile, principally, however, in tropical produce, cocoa nuts, bread-fruit, bananas, plantains, limes, sugar-canes, sweet potatoes, &c. Unlike the New Zealanders, the inhabitants have no towns, but are scattered abroad in separate plantations, all of which are improved with great assiduity. This circumstance must not however be interpreted in- to an indication ofpacihc habits. They are equal- ly restless with the inhabitants of New Zealand, and nearly equally ferocious in their mutual hostilities; but being separated, each tribe from the other, in detached islands and groups of islands, the same minute caution is not necessary to guard against surprise. A singular point of honour indeed exists on this subject among them ; they will never at- tack t heir enemy by surprise, and always notify their intended hostilities in a manner somewhat resembling that followed by the heralds in the chi- valrous days of Europe. In many other respects, both of internal and foreign polity, they are far advanced in civilization, or at least in a concep- tion of its usages and advantages ; and the very amiable character which Mr. Mariner attributes to Finow Fiji the present chief, contributes to lend additional interest and probability to the hope that these people may at some not remote period acquire the additional lights which Christianity and per- 207 manent commerce are alone calculated to bestow on them. Navigators' Isles. — North-east of the Tonga Islands, in the medium latitude of 12" south, and comprised between 173° and 169*' west longitude of Greenwich, lie Navigators' Isles, ten in number, each of considerable extent, and abounding in all the usual refreshments found in the islands of the Pacific, hogs, bread-fruit, cocoa nuts, oranges, &c. The same ferocity of temper, however, which we have seen to charac'.erize the natives of New Zea- land, the Tonga Islands, &c. has been also signal- ly evidenced by those of this group ; the unfortu- nate expedition of M. de la Peyrouse having here sustained a most severe and unexpected loss, un- provoked, as it would appear, unless by the im- prudence with which M. de Langle, commanding the detachment, confided in their professions. He himself, with the naturalist of the expedition, and nine seamen, paid the penalty of their fatal con- fidence.* * With all his eminent professional and scientific attainments, M. de la Peyrouse does not seem to have either exacted from his followers that implicit obedience, nor to have received from them that unbounded respect, which in our service are so justly deemed of the very essence of good discipline. Whether this was owing to the extreme ease and benevolence of his own temper, or to the general relaxed state of discipline then prevalent in the French marine as in every other branch of their administration, I shall ,^';,v •; .'*■;•* * .1. ' • '■■y» O^ "'^ I :^ "i '^■■:^ ^M Ik y 208 Navigators' Isles, as has been observed, abound in refreshments ; but, independently of the feroci- not pretend to determine ; but that it really was the case I miglit j)rove by a great many circumstances in ihe narrative of his voy- age, by none, however, so signally as by those which characterized the two most fatal events of it previous to its mysterious conclu- sion — I mean the severe loss of men sustained at Port des Fran- 9ois, and here again at Navigators' Islands. On the first occa- sion we find one of M. de la Peyrouse's officers making a most grossly insolent reply to some part of the instructions he was re- ceiving for the conduct of a detached service ; and in pursuing the narrative, we ascertain, that instead of his being immediately re- called to the recollection of that duty from which he had thus strangely wandered, he was continued in charge of the very party, for the command of which he had shewn himself thus unfit. The event might have been predicted with almost as much certainty before, as it was recorded after the catastro])he : this ofEcer had already staked his own self-sufficiency against his commander's instructions ; he neglected accordingly every prescribed precaution, and his own life and the lives of all those with him fell a sacri6ce to his presumption. Again, at Navigators' Islands, M. de la Pey- rnuse expressly tells us himself, that the whole fatal watering par- ty was undertaken contrary to his own judgment, and that he as- sented to it merely to avoid quarrelling v/ith M. de Langle, who was bent on it. Had he been thoroughly imbued with the principles of discipline which as yet, thank heaven ! characterize in an espeo cial manner our school of tactic, he would never have hazarded such an expression, far less would he have allowed his conduct to be guided by such a motive. The attempt thus made by an infe- rior to dictate to him, would have been instantly met with the sharp reproof and firm refusal which it was so peculiarly calcu- lated to excite, and the lives thus lost would never even have been compromised. These observations are not thrown out at random ; they are not meant cither to convey a trite compliment to my own profession, still less is it their object to strip even one single leaf from the 209 ty of the inhabitants, another inconvenience is ex- perienced in touching at them, from the entire wreath, hallowed by misfortune, v>\ich graces the memory of the illustrious De la Peyrouse. This last purpose I would indeed most particularly disclaim ; but the truth is, the sul)ject of naval and military discipline has been of late years a favourite topic of desultory discussion ; and the rigorous canons and summary ad- ministration which alike characterize both, have been in an espe- cial manner the object of invective to a certain petty party in our state, which scarcely seeks to recommend itself to its constituents but by its sweeping denunciation of all existing institutions. To the declamation by which it would endeavour to excite a morbid and irritable sensibility against these, no reply can be made by reasoning ; that is alike foreign from the manner in which the subject is treated by it, and to the assembly for which the speeches alluded to are intended. The appeal must be made to facts ; and surely when the fate of one of the most eminent, but most unfortunate, of all modern navigators, can thus be traced, in a degree, to this one speck in his professional character, whoever has any regard for the British name and reputation, would pause be- fore he would allow even an effervescence of humanity rudely to assail that by which these have been preserved in the most peri- lous periods of our national existence. This^ however, is still on- ly a general remark ; but I am not afraid to give the subject yet a closer grasp. Corporal punishment, considered abstractly, is perhaps in some respects to be deprecated ; but in societies com- posed for the most part of refractory elements, cooped up in a nar- row and confined space, and placed almost hourly in situation*; where only the most extreme promptitude in command and in obe- dience can ward off impending danger, the most rigorous coercion, I will maintain, is indispensable; — indispensable indeed, not less for the comfort and happiness of these little bands, than for their union and security ; nor ought any lever to be rashly assailed ; ith invective, whatever party or individual purposes such declamation may be supposed to serve, when for so many ages nearly the whole mighty machine has been kept in motion through its agency, ^t, P ■*■- n ■■r«-^<* ,■ ■ ■-. ••; ■ •'. ^■-■"ji^'ifS'' ill' ,»ii,' .i^ ''*' I ir 1: 3' I' m ^\i''M 210 want, as far as has yet at least been discovered, of a secure anchorage in the group. Coral reefs sur- (».. is of this invective that I would particularly complain, and I scarce- ly hesitate to add, that the most mischievous effects were even al- ready becoming perceptible in many of the minor details of our service through its operation, when fortunately the mortifications which characterized the early progress of the late American war scoured away some of the vile rust, and restored the springs to their usual elasticity. But even now these same effects may be traced in that fashion which I thi.ik rather gains than loses ground in both services, but against which I would enter a most serious protest ; that fashion, I mean, which would seek to estimate an of- ficer's character by the gross sum of punishment which he may have been called on to inflict, perhaps with the greatest pain to his own feelings, rather than by the general success of his system of discipline, whatever that may be, in keeping his people together, and in maintaining their spirit and efficiency. It surely can re- quire but little acquaintance with the real nature of owr task at least to see the fallacy of such a measure of ability as the former, or to anticipate the effects which its permanent employment is but too well calculated to produce. The first step of its progress is to in- troduce the habitual infliction of arbitrary confinement and extra labour in lieu of other punishment ; and these, as in the first place, they are not calculated to strike forcibly on the imagination of others, and consequently make no example, so can they not either be apportioned with the same nicety to the amount of offence, and they are therefore for the most part much more oppressive, much more susceptible of abuse, and much more easily perverted from their proper destination, to minister to the gratification of private dislike. Their direct consequences are then insubordination and tyranny, while their remote effects are inefficiency and discon- tent ; — poor substitutes for the vigour which a former system gave to our naval force ; a system of which the debasing moral effect would seem to exist only in the imagination of those who wish to Serve their own ends by inveighing against it ; while it is contra- dicted absolutely, uy the experience of every past time, — by the va- i 211 round them all alike, uninterrupted by those breaches which, in almost every other island in the Pacific, characterised by this natural barrier, form the entrances to secure harbours within their line. Society Islands. — East and north-east of Naviga- tors' Islands, numerous groups of others are scat- tered at random over the vast face of the Great Ocean. It is not my purpose, however, to encumi- ber this portion of my work with a tedious nomen- clature ; these islands being so uniformly similar to each other, and to Navigators' Islands, in all the leading features of soil, climate, and production, the account of each successive series would be on- ly another reading of the same tale. From among their whole number, I shall only select therefore the Society, Marquesas, and Sandwich Islands, as the subjects each of a short separate article. The Society Islands, including Otaheite and its accompanying group, are eleven in number, di- vided into two distinct clusters, of which Bolabola lour of the Roman legions, before the leaders of which the instru- ment of chastisement was carried even as a badge of authority,— as by the spirit, enthusiasm, and intrepidity, which have illustrated the annals of every age of the British marine, the pride of its own country, the terror of that country's foes, and which can only cease to merit these appellations, when civilians, who can know nothing at all about the matter, shall have succeeded in ingrafting, by dint of public opinion, their own abstract notions upon the prac- tice and detail of its most ancient institutions. *h ■ "* J- . :j%i 1 bfv' M ^^ 'Vi, ..-■fi^-^ 212 is the chief island of one, and Otaheite of the other ; the first, however, being only 30 miles in entire circumfierence, while the last extends to 130, being in every respect equal besides in quali- ty of soil and produce, They are all comprised be- tween the parallels of 16" and 17" south latitude, in the mean longitude of 149" 30' west ; are all sur- rounded by coral reefs, in which, however, are numerous breaches opening to large and capacious harbours, within which, to use Captain Cook's words, " there is room and depth for any number of the largest vessels ;" and are so extremely alike indeed, in every original character of climate, soil, and produce, that to describe one is to give a sum- mary idea of all. I shall dilate therefore on Ota- Jieite in particular, without further noticing the other islands. Otaheite, or King George's Island, as it was called by Captain Wallis, is composed of two great peninsulas, connected together by an isthmus of low land, not more than three miles wide. Each peninsula rises into lofty hills, surrounded by a border of low land of the medium breadth of three miles. To copy again nearly the words of Cap- tain Cook, " The view which it affords is the most luxuriant imaginable ; the hills are high, steep, and even craggy, but are covered to the very summits with trees and shrubs, in such a S13 manner thtit the spectator can scarcely help thinking that the very rocks possess the pro- perty of producing and supporting their verdant clothing. The flat land which bounds these hills towards the sea, and the interjacent vallies, also teem with various productions, that grow with the most exuberant vigour, and at once fill the mind of the beholder with the idea, that no place upon earth can outdo this in the strength and beauty of vegetation." The principal vegetable productions are yams, taro root, sugar cane, kava> plantains, bread fruit, cocoa nuts, &c. Sandal wood is also found in the interior, together with many other species of valuable cabinet timber. Every sort of European and tropical vegetable introduced by the successive visitors of the island, has been found to spring up and return abundantly : in a word, na- ture seeiiis to have left nothing undone on her part to render this favoured island the chosen seat of happiness and of abundance. The experience of all ages, however, concurs in the testimony, that the gifts of nature are not in- separably connected with the happiness of man- kind, but that, on the contrary, her liberality^ by superinducing idleness and debauchery, but too often taints and corrupts both the moral and physical qualities of the species. The Otaheiteans, even when first discovered, bore the incontestibl© ' .-11*3 ' ' A- '\ i 4'. "f !5ri. •;► ,1" .,v Jf i-- 1 '2li marks of habitual sensual indulgence ; and the Ai reoys, or societies established among them, the in- dividuals composing which bind themselves to maintain their freedom from incumbrance by the pubHc nmrder of their own offspring, afford an anec- dote of the depravity resulting from the abuse of prosperity, which we shall in vain seek to parallel among the atrocities produced by famine and star- vation. These excesses had not however, at that time, very materially affected either their physical constitution or tlieir numbers ; they were still ac- tive, cheerful, clean limbtd, hospitable, and hu- mane ; and theii numbers must, at the lowest com- putation, have approached to 30,000, since, as Captain Cook informs us, their fighting men alone amounted to 678O. But since that period, melan- choly have been their descent and degradation. Enervated by luxury ; tainted by disease ; their cheerfulness sunk in gloom and despondence ; their hospitality in avarice and deceit ; even the person- al cleanliness for which they were before remark- able, is represented by Mr. Turnbull, in 1801<, to have deserted them in this their last stage of poli- tical existence. They were reduced to the num- ber of 5000; and as the same causes still pre' .^il jamong them to the same extent, it seems proba- ble, that at no very distant time their name will be extinguished among the nations. w. 215 Tliis picture is truly deplorable, and it requires no extraordinary degree of sensibility to feel acute- ly for the share which we ourselves have had in throwing in its darker shades. From us and from our countrymen have the wretched Otaheiteans re- ceived many a noxious gift, the taint of disease, the knowledge of factitious wants and convenien- cies, for the regular supply of which they can devise no permanent resource, and which, accordingly, havij only destroyed their relish for former com- forts, without instilling into their minds the small- est spirit of industrious application. It is scarcely romance to say, that we are bound to make what reparation is in our power ; and in another part of this work, I shall again, therefore, recur ' o this subject, and again endeavour to appeal to common justice and humanity in behalf of these wretched victims of depravity and disease. Marquesas Islands. — North-east of the Society Islands, in the mean latitude of 9" 40' south, and in 139° west longitude from Greenwich, lie the Marquesas, or Washington's Islands, also compos- ed i>f two groups. Of these the south-eastern was discovered in 1765 by Mendana, and by him thc' first and most generally received of these appella- tions was bestowed ; the north-western was not iliscovered till 1795, when Ingraham, the master mm 'A ■•"■J *t*/, T ,1, »-.»;*■■.;■,'• I -*&;« i*„-ri>ii f2lO a:*. / of an American merchant ship, touched at it, in the course of a speculative voyage in these seas. The Marquesas are extremely numerous, the principal islands being high, volcanic, and rockyj abounding, however, in the usual vegetable pro- ductions of the islands of the Pacific, the vallies being well watered by rivulets descending from the mountains. The smaller islands are for the most part low, and evidently formed by the growth of coral, many of them being yet in that unfinished state, which deserves rather the name of reef than island. There are many good ports among the more considerable islands ; but hogs and other ani- mals are more rare and higher priced in all of them, than in either the Society or Navigators' Islands ; the convenience of touching at them is according- ly more limited. The inhabitants of the Marquesas are represent- ed as among the handsomest of all the eastern islanders ; fierce, however, and untractable in their tempers, and equally given up with tiie Otaheiteans to the excesses of sensual indulgence. They have received also some small taint of disease from tiieir European visitors ; but the ferocity of their tem- per has saved them from that general and unreserv- ed intercourse \viiich has been so signally prejudi- cial to the others. We have accordingly no reason to believe, that theii* numbers ha^•e suffered anv re- 217 duction since their first discovery — a most striking proof, if proof were wanting, that the original liiint of licentiousness and debauchery, with all its horrid consequences of prostitution, infanticide, &c. would not have sufficed to produce this deplo- rable efiect among the Otaheiteans, had it not been assisted in its operation by the desultory and un- profitable communication of civilized visitors with their shores. Sandwich Islands, — Had we had no other instance of European communication with the savages of the Pacific, than what we have thus shortly consi- dered in the southern hemisphere, we could have deemed it only a scourge, in all cases pernicioiis in exact proportion to the extent of its infliction. Crossing, however, the equator, we find an exam- ple of its benefits, instructive both as to the cause of the evil, and as to its relief. The advar i^os which the Sandwich islanders have derived from their acquaintance with us, are altogether as pro- minent as are the miseries and misfortunes which we have heaped on the devoted heads of the wretch- ed Otaheiteans ; their consideration will appro- priately wind up accordingly this whole summa- ry, and conclude it with the most thoroughJy agree- able object which it has come within its limits to present. The Sandwich Islands, eleven in number, are comprised within the parallels of 19° and SS*^ north r.-.'!J"i'v] .Mt i. '^'A- I <^ .'■ ^•i I m* 218 i mm '"If latitude, and between 154" and 1 61° west longitude from Greenwicli. Several of them are of very con- siderable extent, particularly Owhyhee, so noted as the scene of Captain Cook's death ; they are also generally mountainous, Mouna Kaah and Mou- na Roah, two volcanic peaks in the same island of Owhyhee, shooting up their summits above the li- mits of perpetual snow, even in a tropical cli- mate. They are only partially fertile, the inte- rior and mountainous districts being even striking- ly cold and arid ; but this Is more than compen- sated to the inhabitants by the exuberant fertility of the lower grounds, nearly all of which are sub- jected to a rude tillage, which has even yet bor- rowed almost nothing from European improvements* The principal object of this cultivation is taro root, which the natives prepaj'e in various ways, and which forms the principal article of their vegetable food ; but besides this, breadfruit, cocoa nuts, plantains, bananas, yams, sweet potatoes, and eve" ry other variety of tropical produce yield abundant-* ly to the slightest cultivation. Sandal wood, and many other species of valuable timber, grow luxu- riantly in their forests, and pearl oysters are found on several portions of the coral reefs which sur- roimd each island to even an inconvenient degree, neither the space within, nor the breaches in the outer barrier, being so ample as those in Otal jite». 219 The want of conimodioiis sea-ports is indeed the only boon which nature seems to have denied to these islands ; the growth of the coral, unless pre- vented by mechanical power, such as was applied by the French at Madagascar, threatening to fill up even those harbours which they possess. When the Sandwich Islands were first discovered by Captain Cook in 1777» the natives were found to be strong, active, and well limbed j inferior, however, somewhat, in physical organization, to the Friendly or Tonga islanders, and in arts and manufactures decidedly also behind the Otaheitean?, Although not absolutely hostile to strangers, they were yet however somewhat fierce and untractable ; and the premature death at their hands of the great man who fu'st introduced them to the know- ledge of the European world, seemed to stamp on them the distinguishing characteristics of jealousy and precipitation. The beginning of Captain Van- couver's long maintained intercourse with them seemed to confirm too this prepossession ; for he had scarcely known them, ere the treaclierous murder of two of the officers attached to his expeditior, seemed to belie that late repentance which they had professed for that of Captain Cook, and that supersiition which had consecrated his bones, like those of the famous Scander Beg in the estimation of another enemy, as the assured pledges of prcs* mm ■;; ,.r.'K 1 ■ 1 f viff- ^»- ••;.■.■ ;| ■ ■ t-i' *\ I 5J20 nil w --•1,1 perity and triumph. The firmness and genuine courage of Captain Vancouver were not, however^ to be thus baffled : he prosecuted to conviction be^ fore their own chiefs three of the accomplices in the assassination ; and in their execution he read the natives a salutary lesson, which they have ne- ver since forgotten. His severity was tempered by acts of kindness and beneficence. He instruct- ed them in ship-building, and several other useful arts ; laid down for them the keel of their first decked vessel j and, finally, received from their chiefs that express resignation of the sovereignty of their islands, which constitutes the whole group, in reference at least to European powers, an inte* gral portion of the British empire. His memory is still revered by them ; and even this last act, the benefit of which to them may be perhaps question- ed, is yet quoted by them to their visitors as their privilege and acquisition. They constantly display English colours ; and the zeal with which they have imbibed some of our prejudices, is one instance among many, how easily the lesson of hatred is in- fused into the savage breast. But all Captain Vancouver's gifts and instruc* tion would have been useless, had it not been for the central position which these islands occupy in the Northern Pacific, and which has made them* ever since their first discovery, a common rendezvous 221 to various branches of permanent traffic, alike pro- fitable to themselves and others. From them the fur traders on the shores of New Albion draw their supplies, and in their ports also such of them win- ter, as are obliged to pass two seasons on that bleak inhospitable coast to complete their cargoes. From the same point, the Russian settlers, both on the coast of Asia and America, recruit their stock of provisions, but inadequately supplied from their own resources : it is even reported, that one of the group has been lately occupied by them for this very purpose. And, lastly, the trading Americans, whom I have already noticed as swarming in these seas, have long made these islands a place of con- stant rendezvous and resort, and have now at length organized, according to Delano, a trading firm, of which some of the partners reside in the Sand- wich Islands, tlie others at New York. It is by means of these, and such as these visitors, that the Sandwich islanders have thriven and improv- ed, and made an absolute leap towards civiliza- tion, such as never perhaps before was witness- ed in so short a period. In 1794-, Captain Van- couver, as has been mentioned, laid down the keel, ^6 feet long, of their first decked vessel ; in 1803, Mr. TurnbuU found Tamaahmaah, their princi- pal chief, (a very singular character, the Napo- Ipon Bonaparte of the Pacific Ocejm,) in posses- ''■.I'll ■ ',/: I ■Jb^'^' ■■■. ' I ::.'j|'ifSl .»', 'C Pi>|-»..v ■•,-■1 It Pi i E \\ mT ^i ffil m ^ 1 ^ r'lf f«*j •el hf 222 sion of 2,5 vessels of from 25 to 70 tons burthen each ; and in 1810, Campbell describes him as num- bering a navy of 50 sail, one of which was a vessel of 200 tons burthen, purchased from the Ameri- cans. In 179 1', Captain A^ancouver bought of them, as of every other savage tribe, his supplies of pro- visions, &c. in retail, for the usual equivalents of nails, beads, hatchets, and the hke ; but in 1813, when Captain Tucker, commanding his Majesty's ship Cherub, touched at the same place, Tamaah- maah caused him to be at once supplied without ex- change — a compliment, as he expressed it, due by him to the public servants of his own superior lord. And, lastly, while, in 1794, the dwellings of this interesting people were the same leafy co- verings which are foimd generally among the na- tives of all tropical climates, in 1810, Tamaah- maah resided in a brick building fitted with glass windows, and ostentatiously displaying too, along its front, a regularly mounted train of brass guns. Nor was this magnificence confined exclusively to his own person ; the inferior chiefs vied with each other in the appointment of their households, and even the meanest of the people exerted their talents in competition with tlieir European visitors, in all the most useful arts of life, a separation of pro- fessions, the first signal of improvement, having already taken place among them. To conclude, in J'\^. 223 the words of a British seaman, (Campbell), who was more than a year resident among them, " Thoy are distinguished by great art and ingemiit} h^- all their arts and manufactures, as well as by a most persevering industry. Many of them are employ- ed as carpenters, coopers, blacksmiths, and tailors, and do their work as perfectly as Euroi)cans. In the king's forge, there are indeed none but native blacksmiths ; they had been taught by the armour- er of a ship, who quitted the island when 1 was there. It is astonishing liow soon they acquire the useful arts from their visitors." A minute detail respecting these people would fill a volume, and I have already trespassed on my allotted limits. I shall not, therefore, now pursue the topic, but shall here close this portion of my task by the expression of a heartfelt wish, that such a picture may not long remain an anomaly in the Pacific Ocean, but that a participation of the be- nefits and advantages enjoyed by these islanders may lead others in the 'ne course ; and that thus the dark cloud whicl. as settled over the political infancy of Otaheite, may soon be dispelled by the same bright sun of commerce and civilization, which has thus early chased away the mists from the summits of Owhyhee. 3 .■'.iV-i .' 1^ v:,^t.-"Vw| -: -^ -v'.i ■'■M. ,*':. 1^^ *■•■, -* A ■ ■ ." t; ,,(4 '•' I •J, ^ tt* >< , 1 T 4i' \'ri. ► I J-'", p(t. ♦■,* '^-l CHAPTER II. ON THE POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES WHICK WOULD SEEM CONNECTED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL FREE FOflT WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE PA- CIFIC OCEAN. \\E have now summarily traced the principal shores of the Pacific Ocean, and without entering into any very minute details, for which indeed the sources of information within the reach of the or- dinary reader are inadequate, we have acquired, I trust, such a general knowledge of their statistics, means of foreign communication, &c. as will enable us to comprehend the full scope of any conjecture as to the consequences likely to arise from the es- tablishment of a colony on one of those innumera- ble islands with which the surface of the whole ocean is studded, together with the general grounds on which such conjectures may be founded. To that portion of my task then I now proceed, which, as is explained in the prefatory introduction, i§ to f, Wi#. fJ 4; " 'f^Jy 225 be devoted to the purpose of classing and elucidat- ing a series of these conjectures ; and in the intrin- sic interest of the subject itself, as well as the means wliicli I have thus previously afforded of correctly estimating it, I hope to iind some indulgence for that incapacity which I do not hesitate to acknow- ledge in my self i to treat it with the entire depth and variety of which it is yet evidently suscepti- ble. It will be in the recollection of my readers that the specific proposal, which I thus submit to gene- ral consideration, is not only to establish a central colony within the limits of the Pacific, but also to constitute its port or ports free to all and every traffic within its horizon ; and to make it thus not only an emporium whence our own exports will readily diverge to their several destinations, but al- so a conduit by which the whole speculations of these seas shall be conveyed to the European and other Atlantic markets. Before therefore consi- dering the peculiar application of such a measure to the circumstances of the Pacific Ocean, I con- ceive it will be expedient to set before the reader a distinct picture of such a port, with its usual cir- cumstances and consequences, as detailed in the positive history of a similar establishment in another ([uarter ; that in reasoning subsequently respecting its operation on tliis point, he may luive a clear '■'■:4' •'^•lii ' ''Hi • • I **! ■ ■' I *'.■'. ■ :■:<■:;.' ■Mm 3*^0 §. vl coiiccptioii botli of its own luituic, and oFtlic vivi- lying commercial j}owers witli vvliich it is eiuiovvcd. This illustration, this picture, I most hapj)ily find in a work of great celebrity and undoubted autho- rity in matters of connnercial history, a work be- sides, which no one will accuse of a disposition to aggravate or embellish the features of any subject of which it treats, but which is written throughout with that simplicity which best befitted its purj)ose, that purpose, viz. of sup})lying the. commercial world with an unvarnished narrative of the facts and incidents inscribed in its record. " The Dutch island of St. Eustatius," says Mr. Macpherson in his Annals of Commerce, " the Dutch island of St. Eustatius is not above six mdes long. It consists of two hills of rock with very lit- tle soil upon them, and has not a single rivulet or spring of fresh water ; so that it is not worth occu- pying for any purpose of cidtivation or comforta- ble residence. Yet the wonderful industry and commercial spirit of the Dutch have made it a most valuable possession, and of at least as much import- ance as any other of the windward islands in the West Indies. By giving the greatest possible ac- commodation to strangers of w hatever nation, this barren island soon became an iniiversal repository for the produce and manufactures of every quarter cf the globe ; and as the Dutch were not so often a-A **■ wed. find tho- be. )ii to bject lOllt pose, u'cial facts engaged in liostilities as tlic other maritiirie ])o\vers of Europe, the season of war has always l)eeii tlieir peculiar and richest iiarvest. There the Ameri- cans with their cargoes of provisions, tobacco, hnu- ber, and naval stores, the Frencli with their wines, brandies, and manufactures, the British with their innumerable manufactures, and the merchants and planters of almost all the neighbouring islands fly- ing with their produce to elude the grasp of mo- no[)oly, or slum the dangers of warfare, as well as the Dutch, whose stores were filled with everv dc- scription of commodity, met as in a great fail', and without any restraint transacted their sales and pur- chases in this truly free port, and general magazine of all nations. Hence an island which produces al- most noihing, used to ship more produce for Eu- rope than manyoftlie most fertile sugar colonies in its neighbourhood, and a prodigious. stream of wealth flowed in u})on the Dutch, through wliose agency most of the'business was transacted." Such is the picture afforded us in the history of this celebrated Dutch colony, — a colony placed in the most ineligible situation possible, and which had but this one sj)ark of life and prosperity, freedom of trade, in its wliole composition. In applying the lesson which it inculcates to the circumstances of the Pacific Ocean, I shall first again summarily trace its principal shores, and then contemplate the >?. "^-^ iv ;»-4..A^ - A--, t'l^^^--^ -f "ill*".-* - ■ T '% !»%* I k ■"■.»^'''?*t"j. .;■*.■-!».■•■, •:•/. •t; .:CC l Kv K^ 4^ U^^i more general prospects which sucli an establish- ment V ithin its limits would seem calculated to o])en to us. I. Spanish Colonies. — The Spanish colonies on the shores of the Pacific are at present in that du- bious state, that in rcasonhig respecting them it is necessary to contemplate them under the several as- pects of being in a state of war with the mother country, reduced again under her authority, and, finally, altogether emancipated from her controul. Under the first as])ect, w hich is that which they now present, they afford us the picture of a country a prey to faction and misrule, its manufactures inter- rupted, and its expenditure increased by the ordi- nary operations of violence an I confiscation. Un- der the second, which is still a supposable although unlikely case, they will place before us the image of a country still bleeding under r^any and severe wounds, but yet beginning to experience some of those advantages which are peculiarly attached co inteetine warfare, and which act as a sort of heal- ing -aim to its worst inflictions. The minds of its population will have been freed from those local and superstitious shackles by which they were for- merly fettered ; the habit of political discussion will have enlightened them to their triie interests ; and even the government itself, if endowed with any perception of the precepts for future guidance 229 ■miA which tlie events of the passing times are so well calcuhited to instil, will have opened its eyes to that true connexion which inseparably subsists be- tween its own welfare and security, and the wealth and prosperity of its recovered subjects. It will have read the instructive lesson afforded by the loyalty of Mexico and of Lima, and it will study to extend over its more remote provinces that cir- culation of mercantile capital and industry by which tliese liave been kept together, while all was anai'- chy, and revolution and revolt around tliem. Witli (X^yfKs^- <. minds thus disposed, the means of improvement, w^^^^^ • will readily suggest themselves, some of them even #^ » will have been created, as it were, by domestic war-j^. ,_ _ ^^ f;^W fare. Their roads will have been improved,* their * If we would seek an example of this necessary effect of civil dissension and of its ulterior consequences, \vc shall find it in a portion of even our own domestic empire. Previous to the rebel" lion of 1745 not a single road traversed the Highlands of Scot- land in any quarter ; and the state of sotiely amid their path- less wilds vied acciordingly in rudeness and anarchy with any on even the most remote feudal record. Since thflt period they have been pierced in every direction by practicable highways, some few of them constructed at the expcnce of a government made sensible by recent experience of the extent and nature of the evil, but more of them cut by individuals, as the convenience and advantage of easy mutual communication became progressively familiar to their understandings. The improvement in manners I need not even mention ; it is well known that williin less than 40 years of the period to which I first alluded, even iljc acrimonious Johnson re- laxed, in favour of his Highland hosts, from a portion of thai in- veterate prejudice which jaundiced the eye he cast on almost all our northern habits and institutions. e^^ >\ I ^ H! I « > sii 230 habits of remo'^ mutual communication will have been formed, and a spirit of individual as well as public enterprise will have been engendered. And, finally, the Spanish colonies emancipated altogether from the controul of the mother country, will pre- sent the same aspect nearly, but with an infinitely more vivid colouring. The ardour and emidation of youth will be substituted for the tardy and cau- tious prudence of a yet hesitating and doubtful old age ; the flush of victory and triumph will animate i^ councils, which would have been otherwise deaden- - ^ ed in some measure by the suspicion and jealousy ^ ^ inseparable from the restitution of a government , V to authority, which had been shaken to its furthest base by anarchy and revolt ; and the views which in the former case would have been divided be- tween internal and external policy and administra- tion, will in this be carried abroad with an intensi- ty corresponding to the enthusiasm by which alone the numerous sufferings and privations to which they are now subject can be endured, or this con- summation of libertv ever be attained. Such then are the several views in which the Spa- nish western colonies must either actually or pro- spectively be regarded, if we would give them that comprehensive consideration by wliich alone our own policy respecting them should be guided. The ad\ antageous application of a contiguous free port 231 to them in all these circumstances is very obvious. While yet contending in the field and mutually in- terrupting those manufactures by which their po- pulation has been hitherto for the most })art cloth- ed and subsisted, each party will be able to receive from it the supplies of which it may stand in need, contraband or not contraband of war as may be judged fit, for these ought to be either given or re- fused indifferently to both ; and thus those com- mercial connexions will be gradually and progres- sively forming, which on the retiun of peace and tranquillity would mature into such a harvest as it would be impossible for almost any restrictions, or any success on the part of tin; mother coun- try, however complete, altogether again to de- stroy. In the next place, shoidd these colo- nies continue under the dominion of the mother country, and her government acquire, in addition, those more liberal views of commercial policy which the events of the passing war are so well calculated to inculcate on it, then would such a settlement as this, for a time at least, engross nearly all the in- dulgence which might be granted, and all the be- nefit arising from those facilities of internal com- munication, which have been already considered as the inseparable consequences of the present war, let its termination be what it may. Its proximity 1 1ll" :• * *i •li-'f^' * "■-, . i'- ! > : i ,. ' • •■"■ -T' ^^ ■ mi ,::■ :,ir'^ ^^1 ■ . ^^ m '23'2 alone would give it this monopoly, whatever niiglii be the character of the 8panisli population for mer- cantile enterprise ; but with the known indolence and inactivity of that, heightened as these qualities would necessarily be by the sensation of recent de- feat, for we cannot but believe that the restoration of the authority of the mother country over these distant provinces would be felt by all of them as a defeat, there can be no doubt that an ultimate mar- ket, teeming, as this would necessarily be, with every species of suitable equivalent, placed too at so convenient a distance, and which might be ap- proached by so safe and easy a navigation, would long engross every particle of commercial enter- prise which these colonies would supply. But the application of the measure proposed, to tlie last aspect in which these Spanish colonies have been contemplated, is infinitely the most important of all, both as being by much the most likely to be realized, and as combining, together with all these preceding views of advantage arising from an en- larged intercourse with these colonies themselves, other and even inestimably higher interests. The Spanish colonies emancipated will be in the further limits of our globe the same infuriated apostles of liberty and revolution, intemperate with success, and thirsting to extend its limits, wliom, under an- other name, we have witnessed in our own days ^;t. m^i '^' Q33 t?onviilsing Europe, and drenching it with blood. The Paciiic Ocean they would call their domestic sea ; the assumption is familiar to them, it has been already loudly avowed, though feebly main- tained, by Old Spain ; and their first commercial, and tiirough them their military views, would car- rv them to India, unless checked in their career })y the facility of obtaining every species of Indian produce at a more convenient distance, and at an easier rate than any for which they could themselves make the whole voyage. It is tliis last most im- portant service which tiie establislnnent of a cen- tral free port in the Paciiic would perform ; this, and also that other, of familiarizing the inhabi- tants of its shores to the existence of a British set- tlement within its limits, before they are in the si- tuation to dispute our rights ; while, in fact, they would rather hail our approach to them as a fa- vour, than question it as an usurpation. II. New Albion. — The advantages of establish- ing a central free port in the Pacific, as they would apply to New Albion, are of two different sorts. In tlie first place, such a settlement w ould give the fur traders a new and lucrative market, tlu'ough tlie medium of which they could all approach Can- ton on equal terms, at the same time that it woukl probably, or rather certaiidy, lead to the opening of a conimunication with other points of tlie Pa- ff, 3*' * «-«i^ • . i,'*w •■.. Jki •!•>"■•■ r, ' Tilt ■ • H ■ . f,-Wf,*1t ,4', . \?';-t ,■•"•• I ■■|i!f'^iv.'';l ■■^^^ 23'1 citic sliores, tlie Spanish colonies in particnlar, where their wares would be certain of finding a ready sale. This particular object requires no il- lustration ; the advantages to the fur traders, con- nected with their acquisition of an ultimate mar- ket in tlieir immediate vicinity, whence too their imports would readily diverge in other hands, and at other risk, are self-evident. The next obji;ct, however, which this settlement would seem calcu- lated to attain with respect to New Albion, is of a wider and somewhat more intricate nature, and will require, accordingly, a more specific elucida- tion. It consists of the facilities which the fur traders would acquire through its means, of em- barking return cargoes of South American and East Indian produce, in such proportions as would enable them first to introduce progressively the taste for these articles of luxury among the savage tribes adjoining the Columbia ; and, finally, to supply Upper Canada, and even the back settlements of the United States, with them, through the me- dium of their inland navigation across the conti- nent of America. It will be in the recollection of my reader, as being stated in the preceding sum- mary, that the Canadian or North-west Fur Com- pany, has, within the last few years, carried its factories along the line of the Columbia quite to the Pacific Ocean, with which accordingly it main- 235 tains a regular communication. This communica- tion, it was also stated, is however embarrassed by tlie heavy expenses attending the water-carriage — expenses arising principally from the strong convoys necessary to protect it against the natives. Now the expenses of these convoys would, in the first place, be very nuich diminished, relatively to the fur trade, if they could be made to protect, toge- ther with it, another branch also of commerce ; while, at the same time, it is probable that the dis- semination of the taste tor the rich fruits and other luxuries of tropical countries among the savage tribes contiguous to the Columbia, might in a lit- tle time wean them from that hostility towards the traders which at present characterises them, and which must be rather exasperated than allayed by military array. But these considerations, impor- tant as^they arc, are by no means those which, in my opinion, give the most interest to this idea : the object of giving to Upper Canada a new branch of external commerce, entirely dependent on our sufferance and permission, and which it can only, therefore, hope to enjoy while a province of our empire, appears to me an object of even incalcu- lably greater weight. The situation of Canada, both Upper and Lower, is one which cannot be too seriously considered by every one interested in its preseiTation to this country. It is, in its whole ■■^iii" '' •'1' ♦1: ''f"\ .*)(«. , ■"1 ill* i-:!«^, .+'L.. si'ii 2J6 k Pl m ^r^< jifj^' 1 m m boundary, directly conterminous witli our most ac- tive and most insidious rival, wiiile, on the other hand, it is for some months in every season cut off iVom all communication with us, by the severities of an inclement winter. A still greater misfortune than either of these, consists in its want of any branch of lucrative external traffic, which it miglit not almost equally well maintain without us ; its trade in timber by no means deserving the appella- tion of lucrative, and even the privileges conferred on tliat having been but very lately menaced by Go- vernment, and even now only temporarily assured. Now this want is that precisely which the im- provement of the navigation of the Columbia, and its employment as a means of supplying Upper Ca-. nada with tropical produce, would supply ; and the facilities again for doing that, would be furnished by the establishment of a central free port in the Pacific Ocean. Nor would the vent for tropical produce in this way be limited by tlie mere con- sumption of Upper Canada. The Mississippi rises almost within its limits, and skirts the United States in their whole length as far as the Gulf of Mexico ; there never can exist, accordingly, a point offering more temptations to the establishment of an exten- sive inland communication, nor wiiere the induce- ment to the government to which it belongs, to fos- 237 ter and encourage such au undertaking, would seem so munerous and so strong. I do not doubt but that many of my readers will consider this idea extremely wild and visionary ; but to these I can only answer, that so at one pe- riod must have equally appeared a proposal to con- nect Buenos Ayres and Lima, Petersburgh and Ochotsk ; and yet tl\e most precious tropical com- modities have now long familiarly traversed the al- most interminable wilds which separate these points. There is no wildness in the idea itself; there is on- ly an appearance of it, in consequence of the whole ^ measure being thus at once presented to the ima- gination on this point, while, on the others, its de- tails were progressively added, as ambition advan- ced the limits of territorial acquisition in these se- veral directions. I might add, indeed, yet ano- ther observation, which is, that if we do not our- selves do something of this kind soon, we shall in all probability be anticipated. The Rocky Moun- tains have been crossed on more points than that indicated by M'Kenzie to the Canadian Fur Com- pany ; Captains Clarke and Lewis wero equ '. 7 suc- cessful with him, and with less apparent dinculty and danger too, than he encountered ; and it is certauily not a little remarkable, that their steps have not been even alreadv habituallv followed bv «- »' v their countrymen. ; ■■■♦:*'» I f :.?«f"i I ■■** .,* •»* •>t.' ■a I ':' }t > "V- r '*>'ii4 '"'I ill* '-^^J^i': |1! ,,.^ •^38 .'£»•$ m ill. Russian Settlements. — In considering tlu' iiussian settlements on tlie Pacific Ocean, the most prominently remarkable feature which they ]>re- sent, is the immense distance at which they are placed from the more populous districts oftlie em- pire, and the ahiiost interminable land journies by which all communication with them is accordingly maintained. The ordinary operation of this dis- tance on the price of all sorts of goods will very rea- dily be surmised, but its exact extent will be best illustrated by a comparison of the prices of some of the principal articles in an enumeration now ly- ing before me, and containing a mi' te specifica- tion of prices at Kasanandat Kamtscluitka in '['^d^. Among other articles, the yard of linen^sold at the former place for 21 roubles, fetched at the latter 139; a })air of boots, which were 3 roubles at Ka- san, rose to 12 and 18 at Kamtschatka; a pound of candles, which at Kasan had sold for 8 kopecks, at Kamtschatka were currently disposed of at from SO to 100 ; and every other article was in the same extravagant ])ro])()it ion. The expenses on the re- turns nuist necess:irlly be at the same rate ; the whole indeed afibrding a specimen of difference be- tween prime and ultimate cost, quite unparalleled in anv other branch of trade. m Tiie o])ening to improvement likely to be afford- ed bv the establishment of an ultimate market in 239 ilie immediate vicinity of these remote regions, will not require a laboured illustration. Its first effect would be, undoubtedly, that of drawing the whole fur trade of the Russian settlctnents to its market- place, dividing thus the profits on its prosecution, in nearly equal proportions, between the original speculators and the intermediate British merchant, who would charge himself with the subsequent dis- posal of the furs. But the political consequences of this contiguity of ultimate market, woidd be in- finitely more important than this, 'ihe value of imported produce of every description would fall at Kamtschatka, while that of exportable produce would necessarily rise with the facility for its dis- posal. That wretched poverty, accordingly, would disappear, by which these remote settlers are at present characterised ; and a portion of the domi- nions of Russia, which, except as a mere conduit for trade, is now absolutely useless to her empire, would become an efficient portion of her dominions, able and willing to contribute alike to her foreign and domestic resources. The benefit, too, would be reciprocal to ourselves : in peace, a civilized popu- lation of consumers would replace a horde of mea- gre savages, whose demands scarcely rise to the le- vel of what we would consider necessary to their preservation ; while, on the menace of war, the value of the remote colony, and its de})endence on i * ■ I'- *:-ii| • ;■? '■*• r '^ ■ ^^ , „/ ^?; ■••■ mi '240 I yf^/. our support, woulil ^ive a hi<^lier tone to our lan- guage autl demands. In 17S() and in 17i)'«J» single vessels from Hengal arrived at Kamtschati! w;?' .. ^ ■•■ »• I • ••■ , • 'I' mil ill' '^:>" • ■■■; '■•■'vb'M i;lea\'oiired to coiuey our information, and incul- cate our precepts ? Every successive attempt wliicli has ever been made to overcome the barriers placed to our encroachments, has been urged by a pow- erful Company, vaunting its resources, and emulous to be received itself, antl to have its agents ac- knowledged, as the depositaries of sovereign autho- rity. Is it asicnishing that such attempts should have failed, or that, witnessing the burbaric splendour with which these pretended merchants have sought to approach them, and listening, at the ssme time, to the tales of their usurpations industriously told of all alike by tlieir rivals in the same race, the na- tives of China and Japan should have shrunk from their insidious embrace, and recoiled from the par- ticipation of even the most alluring benefits, which seemed b/ut the snares and blandishments by which sovereign ambition, the ambition of territorial not of commercial acquisition, sought to varnish over and conceal the purpose of its soul ? It is not astorishing that such should have been the inference of these native princes ; and thus si- tuate, it is still less f;xtraordinary that the most solemn embassies should have failed to excite even the smallest disposition in the minds of any of them to depart from their rooted maxims. In Japan, these have indeed been peculiarly unsi ccessful ; the last attempt of the sort— that made by Russia ! 243 in 1806 — having forfeited those privileges which had been even gratuitously granted to the unsup- ported request of a private individual, Laxmann, a few years before. Would not this circumstance, then, seem still more to strengthen the argument which I would now introduce by these preliminary observations ; the argument, I mean.^ in favour of trying the experiment of a free port contiguous to these shores so long shut to our exclusive Compa« nies, and of leaving that to make its own way by dint of the small traders who would soon make a common rendezvous of its market ? The produce of the several shores of the Pacific is known to bear a high price in the dominions alike of China and Japan. The silver of the Spanish colonies, the fin's of the more northern coasts, the varied produce of the several archipelagos which extend in every di- rection along its western boundary, and within its bosom, are all objects of extreme desire in these markets, and have already various circuitous ways of attaining them. Even the slightest intermixture of European produce and manufacture is rejected now, when circulating through the hands of pow- erful Companies, and exhibited for sale only by 1200 ton ships, arrayed in all the panoply of mili- tary pomp, and commanded by men claiming, even from their own fellow subjects, a superior rank to that allowed to ordinary merchant seamen. But it is ■I •• 'I* •'r- rf;t .i- ^4 ■ »> I' •'.. I' ...^ i''- ■ !^ -' I .' t ; ►! -■■:»*hL:v it'':*'JT"*^l |« ''''^. .•'!Vi * ;■ s' * . J I* H ■'h '■•. ■ ♦• *'•- ^;'I!:;-K»«';;J ■!:•:*«■:.•; •» p •'*.. ■ 1 *>!»» \"' .... W .; I l- ■■MM 24f) ^^l Tlie process then by which, I should conceive, we might convert these several points into indirect avenues to an extended Chinese and Japanese trade, is by gradually overflowing them with our commodities to produce a species of glut, which would interest their inhabitants themselves in tlie further dissemination of these articles among their friends and allies. This effect, if we will on- ly trade in such a manner as shall excite no jea- lousy of our further views, it would not be difficult to produce, particularly among the Loo-Choo Is- landers, in whose untutored minds our productions must necessarily for a time bear a higher compa- rative value than they do in those which have been long familiarized with them ; but it would be easy, I think, to produce it nearly equally in both, if we would but agree to be buyers as well as sellers, and receive in exchange the Chinese silks, &c. which alone our intermediate agents, as these natives would thus be, could obtain in return for the wares they will have received from us, and which we would thus force through their means into these ulterior markets. Now this is the stumbling block which has hitherto prevented our employing the inhabitants of the Indian Archipelago in this very way, and which, if we do not remove it, must equally prevent us from improving any other indi- rect medium of communication with China and ve, I'ect ese our ich the eir on- ea- ult Is. ns a. en we nd 247 Japan. We have silk manufactories of our own at Spitalfields ; and, in defiance of every principle of sound and effective policy, we attempt to maintain these in the exclusive possession of our home mar- ket by a series of legislative enactments, the perni- cious effects of which we reap in full measure from the exclusion of our more peculiar manufactures from those markets in which they might be ex- changed for other silks ; while the individual be- nefits which they are supposed, and only supposed, to confer, (for be it remarked that the superior va- lue of silk over woollen manufactures arises mere- ly from tiie superior value of the raw commodity ; yard for yard, they neither pay the master nor workman better, while, value for value, they pay them in an almost infinite ratio worse, inasmuch as they do not furnish either with the same extent of employment, or the same circulation of capital j; while the individual benefits, I say, which they are supposed to confer, are frittered away by the daily and hourly success of the contraband pursuits which such enactments are most especially calculated to excite. And while we thus contribute ourselves to the V elusion of our manufactures from the Chinese and Japanese markets, we presume to call these se- veral nations short-sighted and blind to their true interests, which, as we pretend, woald be promoted by our liberal admission into their ports. Have ■ '.'"VirtP"'! • i, *;%,•;' *i:^v^ v"^. i .» *. •J' S.'i8 not these nations then, equally with ourselves, a su- perabundant population to maintain, and have they not a right, accordingly, to maintain it by the ex- clusion of those who would inundate their markets with every species of supply, while they refuse to take in exchange any but crude productions of the soil, which support but one class of society within their dominions ? Most certainly they have ; but I will take yet higher ground. Is not the very ex- clusion of which we complain supported thas al- most entirely by our own act, for were these wish- ed for ports open to us to-morrow, what would they avail us if we refuse the manufactures which are their staple article of exchange ? China in particu- lar has few or no crude productions sufficiently va- luable to increase materially our exports to it, let the facilities of trading intercourse be what they might; and although Japan is in some measure differently situate, exporting principally the crude produce of its mines, together with camphire and other vegetable gums, still were we on any enlarg- ed intercourse to refuse the lacquered ware, in the manufacture of which the ingenuity of its inhabi- tants is principally exercised, the effect would be in time precisely the same ; we should ourselves impose tlie limits beyond which our trading inter- course could not possibly extend, whatever indul- ge! mui 249 gences or whatever means of direct or indirect com- munication we might obtain. If we really, then, have a desire to improve our intercourse with China and Japan, let us use the means which are actually in our possession, which promise to lead to the acquisition of the object. Let us opf n that lock the key of which is in our own hands, and then we shall deprive the enclosed treasure of at least one of its protecting securities ; time and opportunity will not fail to remove the rest ; and those barriers which have for sucli an al- most incredible period sequestered these nations from our minute examination, will crumble even to their base before, first the anticipation, and then the actual enjoyment of those mutual advantages, the true nature of which would seem to have been ever misunderstood nearly alike by each party in- terested in their pursuit. VI. New South Wales. — In considering the co- lony of New South Wales in the preceding sum- mary, I deviated so far from the rigid method which I prescribed to myself on every other point, as not only to consider its actual state, as far as we may conjecture it from the most recent publications, but also to go at some length into the argument respecting the propriety of now at last altogether changing its destination, and bestowing on it the full privileges of a British colony. To that argu- '*<%. , .M. 'V. -^ • ,:l •■/■*■„•» I ' -^> . *»• . ii I ■ ( , ■ (C -,■ . » r J. 4, •i;-,4.-- ,. Ms ■!* ' /^' ^, ■ tl'ii" 'ip^i] 2.50 ment 1 do not now refer with any view of resum- ing the consideration of the several to})ics which it discusses ; I only propose quoting one inference which I endeavoured to draw from it, that name- ly, that wliile New South Wales continues a con- vict colony, and subject accordingly to the sum- mary and arbitrary administration by which it is now governed, it never can become a flourisliing connnercial establishment, — not even the settle- ment of a contiguous free })ort coidd give it sucii a character, powerful as 1 consider such a mea- sure for almost any purpose to which it can be di- rected. But though it cannot, in my opinion, be thus made a flourishing commercial settlement, I am yet far from thinking that it may not be most essentially benefited by such an establishment. By its means it would, in the first place, acquire a cer- tain market for its sui-plus agricidtural produce j an additional stimulus to industrious exertion would be accordingly supplied to the convict. It would moreover be placed within the immediate reach of assistance should any unexpected calamity ever re- duce it, as heretofore, to a state of absolute depend- ence on foreign supply ; and more than this, as being a benefit of more permanent operation, a greater va- riety of sensual indulgences would tlnis be placed within the comjietence of the lower classes of its poj)ulation, in consequence of the reduced ])rices al wbi be its sit^ GUI lo> Wl tin. k pee he- )n. im- is '251 which the merchants of a contiguous free port would be enabled to ofter every species of luxury for sale at its market. The great advantage of this last acqui- sition would consist in the probability it would hold out of weaning the convicts from that immoderate love of intoxication which now characterizes tiiem. We behold daily in England the benefit in this re- spect, which the cheapness of tea has produced ; the same weed has been productive of precisely the same effects in Kamtschatka, where the use of spi- ritous liquors was at one time more confirmed by habit, and apparently still more consonant to the necessities of climate. The lower classes of so- ciety are nearly every where composed of the same original elements, nor would those of New Soutli Wales long be proof against a similar experiment. They are, it is true, placed under one peculiar dis- advantage ; their good dispositions are liable to be constantly overpowered and mastered by a fresh importation from head quarters, of immorality and vice. But I cannot persuade myself that such a system can long prevail, by whatever prejudices of habit or education it may now be supported. The destination of New South Wales must soon be al- tered ; all the sympathy of Britons cannot be con- fined to the physical wrongs of Africans, while the moral and religious character of a portion of their own countrymen cry aloud to them for rescue and 1' ^0^ &i 2d<2 ni release from the bondage of contagious example in which they are enthralled, and by which their throes of repentance and reformation are kept down. When that shall be removed, then will the establishment of a free port in their neighbourhood have its full effect on these victims of impolicy j then will it re-organize their moral character, and stimulate their industry, by affording them profitable direc- tions in which it may be embarked, the sale of their line woods, of their coal, their whale oil, their wool, their flax, their corn— in a word, of all the varied productions for which the circumstances of their soil, climate, and character are appropriate. And then, and not till then, shall we too be able to consider New South Wales as a profitable pos- session, — as a sinew of strength and power in the southern hemisphere, not as a load upon our pecu- niary resources, and a most foul blot and stain upon our political administration. VII. Archipelago of the Pacific. — It is not my intention, under this head, to consider at length the numerous objects of mercantile speculation with which the islands of the Pacific abound ; their pearls, sandal wood, &c. are well known to the commercial world, and the opportunities will readi- ly suggest themselves, which the establishment of a free port in their immediate vicinity would af- ford, both for prosecuting these to the uttermost, •and fie and for discovering other sources of lucrative traf; fie among tliem. But what will be the consequence of such a settlement to the natives themselves of these islands? In some one of them our free port will be itself established : what will be the re- turn to the inhabitants of that island in particular, and to the others more generally, which shall re- quite to them this apparent usui*pation of their ter- ritorial rights ? In considering questions of this nature, it has not been usual to regard them in this point of view ; too long, indeed, has it been custom- ary to examine them only as they refer to ourselves, and to rank tlie native inhabitants of any proposed point of settlement but as the live stock, or even sometimes but as the wild beasts on the estate, to be employed or extirpated as suited our conveni- ence. So were Mexico and Peru invaded, and thus too, more recently still, were Indostan and the Indian inlands occupieo and frutn these ex- amples, a sort of discredit has been thrown in the estimation of generous minds on ever) similar pro- posal. Let us not however, on this occasion, over- look this important point, but let us recur again to the question, What will be the consequence of the proposed measure to the natives themtselves of those islands in wliich its first steps must be traced ? To this question 1 have no hesitation in giving the most brief i.nd comprehensive answer : it is 5 ■■ •■M\ ft ll*T ^ I f >t"i r .''■■ft!, m lit ' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) fe /./ 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■^■24 |2.5 |50 l*^" M^S ■^ 1^ ill 2.2 1.4 1.6 % <^ /i ^/,. 09». % > ^A" '/ /A Photographic Sciences Corporation S^ \ «^ 'C^ "% v ^^\. 4 ■*> r • \ '^,, ■Ml-'' f'Tft-2 ?ic'i 256 m pi pie of a rich, productive, and permanent market, will naturally and progressively inculcate on the surrounding population. The natives will acquire the knowledge of many objects now unknown to them ; a system of presents will either never pre- vail, or will at least speedily cease in a mercantile community ; and they will soon learn, that these objects are only to be acquired by industry and as- siduity, either in rearing stock and bringing pro- duce to market, or in labouring in the service of the possessors of these valued articles. The germ of industry thus sown will not be defrauded of its appropriate harvest ; its progressive steps towards maturity need not be here stated, they will be fa^ miliar to the political economist, and to every other reader will be best illustrated by a direct reference to the opposite scenes which different corners of the Pacific Ocean already exhibit, from the opera- tion of this very cause. When Otaheite and the Sandwich Islands were each first discovered, the natives of the former somewhat bore away the palm from those of the latter in the estimation of our voyagers ; yet, what is now the relative situation of both, and to what is the marked difference ow- ing ? The Sandwich Islands happened to lie con- venient for a particular branch of traffic, by no means very lucrative in itself, nor yet conducted on those systematic principles which could alone 5 giv« hov the que dist in give it full developcment and effect. The natives, however, were by its means early familiarized wit! the principles of trade and barter ; and the conse- quence has been, that, without the aid of mission- aries, they have acquired all tlie most valuable no- tions of morality, the effects of which may indeed be distinctly traced in every feature of their character, in every step of a progress towards civilization, which, abstractedly considered, seems little less than a prodigy and a miracle. The Otaheiteans, on the contrary, have lain remote from the course of regular traffic, and liave only received the be- nefit of the Missionary Societies. Their presents, their abstract notions, their very assiduity in col- lecting the inhabitants in idleness around them to listen to their exhortations, have poisoned the sa- cred volume itself which it was their object to im- part, but which can only worthily and piofitably be received, when, with it, is also received the op- portunity of carrying its moral precepts steadily and systematically into effect, and when tlie spiri- tual benefit of these is reinforced to the worldly mind of the savage by the experience and example of their temporal advantages. That opportunity, that comment on the text, the Otaheiteans have ne- ver had : they are sunk, accordingly, in idleness, vice, and debauchery, are becoming annually few- er in numbe;", and in a short time, if no steps be if,*l, J -,'„l I"' ' "■ Jk J I mm U. 'It '•,'"■ ..riV.«l ?58 taken to reclaim them, must disappear altogether as a nation from our sight.* I • The Missionaries of Otaheite have lately given considerable publicity to a letter purporting to have been sent them by Pomarre, the principal chief or king on the island, in which he : cknowledgcs, in the most unreserved terms, the conversion of himself and peo- ple ; transmitting to them, at the same time, the symbols of his former worship, to be burnt at the Missionaries' pleasure, or sent to their country, " for the inspection of the people of Europe, that they may satisfy their curiosity, and know Tahiti's (Ota- hejte's) foolish gods." Of such a document it is impossible not to speak in contemptuous terms, whatever good wishes for the ac- quisition of the great object pursued by the Missionaries we may profess, or whatever respect we may entertain for that entire abrogation of self which characterizes their exertions. Even sup« posing it to be the genuine record of Pomarre's sentiments, (it n)ay, in fact, either be dictated by the most sordid motives, or it may be an entire fabrication, for no set of men have a right to de- mand implicit belief on the part of the public, where the internal evidence affords so strong a presumption against them,) but sup- posing even, I say, that it were the genuine record of Pomarre's sentiments, what does it prove? It proves certainly enough, that whatever moral obligations may have been imposed by his former religion must be now dissolved, since he can not only treat its symbols with disrespect himself, but even court the ridicule of others with regard to them. But does this make him a Christian, or does it in any degree heighten the degrading opinion we had ob- tained from other sources of his character ? To my mind it most certainly does neither; indeed I think it nearly self-evident, that at no time, probably, were the Otaheiteans ever less likely to be actuated by correct moral principle than at this moment, when it seems thus proved, that they consider themselves released from the obligations imposed on them by their former worship, and when, as yet, their new belief can have made but little impression on their habits and conversation. If the Missionaries would controvert this presumption, let them favour us with the i- J jether 5259 I do not mean to dilate on this topic at greater length, but I could not allow that the humanity, to which I would appeal in behalf of my argument, should be enlisted in opposition to it, by overlook- ing these most important considerations. I shall now only further observe, that our interference on such an occasion need not be altogether disinterest- ed, for the success of our endeavours to civilize the inhabitants of these islands would almost in- stantly repay us, through the improved market which they would afford us for our manufactures. Their demands on us at present in this way are no- thing, or next to nothing ; but with industry to provide equivalents must also come discernment in the choice of objects of desire, contempt for the trifles which have been hitherto bestowed on them only assured test by which their success can be estimated— de- tailed statements, I mean, respecting the progress and actual amount of Otaheitean population; respecting its moral habits, and the disappearance of Arreoyism, with all its horrible accompani- ments of unreserved prostitution, infaiuicide, &c. from among its members. Until these are given us, and while our impression of Pomarre's own character, of that of his subjects, and of the state of the Missionaries among them, is the result of the details respect- ing each given us by Mr. Turnbull in his Voyage round the World, it cannot even be believed possible, by any means short of a di- rect miracle, that of such elements a religious and moral commu- nity could have been formed, without the application of an exter- nal impulse to that spirit of- industry, honesty, and sobriety, by whose fruits alone a true Christian spirit can be recognized among these savage tribes. Lnn.f.j ti'4t ,'■■"• J' ^*- ■• i*"' % WJ [it. 1 ■'^« :^'U .'«?; M 260 in their exchanges, and a craving after more vahi- able sources of gratification. Our home manufac- turers will thus be admitted to a share in the profits of the whole communication ; while the merchant, in the rapidity of circulation which tlie vicinity of an ultimate market will insure him, will equally find his account in the prosecution of these pur- suits. VIII. Economy of Outfit. — The preceding ad- vantages, it will be observed, are purely local, and peculiar to distinct portions of the shores of the Pa- cific : it now remains briefly to consider those of more general application. The first of these whicli I shall mention is the greater economy which an establishment of the nature proposed would intro- duce into the outfit in England of all vessels, with- out exception, bound to these seas. This is at pre- sent of the most expensive nature, whether of men, of provisions, or of stores. Preparation of men must be made to meet the usual casualties of death and desertion — casualties which, in a distant, precarious, and unpopular voyage of nearly three years duration, are both more numerous than on ordinary occasions, and are besides irremediable. The same observation applies to naval stores and provisions. Of these, the first cannot anywhere be supplied, and must therefore be embarked in a profusion, of which the first consequence is waste, valu- lufac- >rofits !hant, ity of lUiilIy Jiur- ^ ad- 2G1 and tlie last decay. Every seaman knows, that, in these distant voyages, the loss by rot is not less severe than that by service ; while of the stores which survive both, half the efficiency is probably lost, through the want of some corresponding arti- cle of equipment — a few nails, a little twine — by which they require to be applied. Of provisions, again, some uncertain supply may, it is true, be for the most part obtained among the islands of this great ocean ; but the quality is generally inferior, and as they must be cured down by the crews them- selves, this is frequently done in a slovenly and in- sufficient manner, and their entire loss forms an- other item in the complicated expenses of these voyages. All this would be prevented by the establishment of a central free port within the limits of the sea it- self, which is the theatre of these speculations. At such a point, supplies of every description, of men as of stores, would be readily obtained; and thus a first step would be gained for facilitating eveiy separate pursuit within its horizon, which will equally enter into our consideration of all, however it be thus separately stated and otherwise overlooked. IX. Whale Fishery, — Among the topics of ge- neral application to the whole scope of the Pacific Ocean, none more readily presents itself to our re- collection than the whale fishery, nor is there any * M -■■■' ' V '-" f - * ■'•: ':> '•■: J/' ^«' lit'- ■^.;' ^^w .: ■»4: ■ •< ■^!*>'l i^-' , ... '■ft5* '•**•■■ i.iii. V; ^'1 >i» !-; I p„ ff ■, ? >.■{>:■ W m\ more deplorably in want of the assistance which the establishment of a central mart within the li- mits of these seas would so abundantly confer. The national value of the object pursued by the South Sea whalers is recognised by the legislature, which has granted bounties for their encouragement ; but the mode in which they are compelled to prosecute their speculations, in a great measure defeats the operation of these aids. Their vessels must receive in England an equipment for two or three years, the expense and loss attending which have just been adverted to ; and they must be manned by a disproportionate and excessive number of the best seamen, who will only be lured into this dangerous and most disagreeable service by the reward of shares in the proceeds of the voyage. The neces- sary equipment of provisions and water tor such a ship's company precludes the possibility of embark- ing also a cargo, even if there were a market ; the outward-bound voyage is therefore entirely unpro- ductive, and from 12 to 14 months elapse before any thing is done for the owners* behoof. When the fishery does begin it is exceedingly precarious, and only the spermaceti whale can be an object of pursuit, the black or blubber whale not being sufficiently valuable to make a return adequate to such expenses. A single material casualty, whether by death or desertion, annihilates the speculation. an^ brc the 203 'hich |iie li. TJie ioiith ^hicli I; but 3cute U the and the vessel herself is perhaps with difficulty brought home, her seamen having been kept toge- ther only by the hopes of her success. The change which the establishment of a free port in the Pacific would produce on all this, is suf- ficiently obvious. The fishery would gradually de- volve on resident seamen, and vessels would leave England freighted with cargoes for this port, se- cure of being able to purchase there, oil, sperma- ceti, or whatever other return they preferred, by means of its proceeds. They would be navigated thither by only the usual proportion of seamen, who would receive only the usual remuneration j and their supplies would be recruited with such ease at this port, it would be unnecessary to bestow on them in the first instance more than the ordi- nary equipment. The black equally with the sper- maceti whale would reward such a speculation, and the necessity of bounties would be altogether superseded. X. Ph^aci/. — The merchants of Jamaica have lately, it is said, presented a memorial to govern- ment, soliciting and inviting its attention to the acts of piracy committed in the Pacific Ocean. Their representations are of a merely local and pe- culiar nature, but the subject is well deserving a more general and more complete elucidation. ,|-;. i:5' .: •I-'" •« "... 1| .■•,*■, ""' **% -;* ■■■:••, i'". m m,. (:j5 Three different sets of outlaws infest the waters of the Great Ocean and neighbouring coasts, and exercise their depredations with an impunity at our hands the more remarkable, as they shew no res- pect or regard for our flag more than another, but freely violate it wherever they have the power. The first are the Malay and Chinese pirates, who infest the coasts of China and the Indian Arcliipe- lago ; and who, but the other day, were only frus- trated in their schemes of murdering and plunder- ing the survivors of the wreck of one of our men of war by the skill and spirit which they displayed in their defence. "While mentioning these rufHans, it is impossible not to remark on our singular apa- thy and forbearance towards them for so many years that we have navigated these seas, consider- ing too, that the river of Canton itself is hourly subjected to their insults, and that the Portuguese owe their settlement at Macao to that identical service of checking and repressing their violence along the coast of China, which we are called on by so many other reasons at any rate to perform. The next class of pirates, for so they may be styl- ed, which I shall mention, are the inhabitants them- selves of some of the islands of the Pacific, particu- larly New Zealand, the Tongas, and Marquesas, who have repeatedly seized our merchant ships, murdered their crews, and even diawn, as we have sec fav ed anci N , J 'I . ■( . '«{,. 205 seeti in one instance, an a posteriori argument in favour of their right to commit such excesses found- ed on a long impunity. Here, again, our forbear- ance is somewhat surprisii t, considering the re- cord with which we are fui lislied of the beneficial effect on the Sandwich isla' i Jers produced by Cap- tain Vancouver's prosecution unto death, before their own chiefs, of the murderers of Messrs. IT jrgest and Gooch. Since that period, scarcely a single in- stance is mentioned of the smallest act of violence offered by them to any of their numerous Euro- pean visitors ; and if, which is extremely probable, this forbearance be as much influenced by a sense of interest as by a remembrance of punishment, so much the better for my principal argument in fa- vour of forming such an establishment among them as shall convey to all those islanders the same mo. tives for respecting the lives of their visitors, as are here proved to have been so powerful. The last class of lawless invaders of individual rights and property in the Pacific, is composed of those men, the privateers fitted out by the insur- gent Spanish colonies, against whom the memorial of the merchants of Jamaica is addressed, but who, as yet, are somewhat improperly stigmatised as pi- rates. Acting under commissions issued by go- vernments, self constituted it is true, but yet with ^ome plausible pretexts of right and reason on theii ft,; V ^> W. 4 ,,► " " r . •'■•V'l'i., '!■ •>. *•( •H >. *" ■ i i" IP ■ '* >i^'::- I W .*i' !" 3:' .1' 't;^ "vV ^'rt!- i-iS''" ^H n L - ,. Til 2GG ? ::! side, it yet remains to be proved, by success, whe- tlier that coarse appellation is to be applied to them or not. The policy of this country respecting them is however sufficiently apparent and indispen- sible ; they must be jealously watched, and most rigorously curbed whenever they attempt to travel out of their record, to violate or to insult the Bri- tish flag. They must be more vigilantly watched than ordinary belligerents. The ultimate success of their cause may rank them with the acknow- ledged nations of the earth ; but their defeat con- demns them irredeemably to piracy and rapine for the means of subsistence. History gives us again the illustration and example. The outcast English fugitives from Honduras became the butchering buccaneers of the Caribbean Sea j and with many a bitter tear of blood and humiliation did Spain re- gret that first success, and the cruelty with whicli it had been stained. Let not England then forget the precautions by which alone she can purchase her own exemption, and the exemption of her subjects from those dis- asters of which almost every sea for a time will be the scene should the Spanish colonies be finally fiubdued. In the Pacific Ocean they must longer predominate than in any other, both from the dis- tance and the convenience of its innumerable ports ; and such a predominance is peculiarly interesting '■I I 267 to us from the proximity of the Indian Seas. Let us first, then, occupy the ground, let us mingle a preventive with the corrective which we may be called on to administer. The appearance of the British flag now in these seas, the rather if floating on the walls of a permanent settlement, would be accepted and submitted to as a warning, — it would be deemed even a favour. A little time and it may be resented as an encroachment; and a distant and doubtful warfare may alone vindicate its authority and its power. XI. Science, — Such are the vicissitudes in popu- lar estimation of relative values, that the interests of scientific research — ^for the promotion of which, in the beginning of his present Majesty's reign, scarcely any sacrifice seemed too great — can scarcely now find any suitable place amid the important political and commercial objects with which they are thus associated. It is true that, in the interim, even their intrinsic value has been impaired, the grand outline of the shores of the Pacific having been no / long traced, and even of the minute details, only a few still remaining for examination. But in return I would observe, in the first place, that some little chivalrous feeling might, with infinite propriety, be attached to the prosecution of inquiries, with the history of the outset of which, the youthful patronage of our now I . <• "s . % .<• >. )? -Ay': ■Ha •■« pv ■ -.4 '1.'' '*"■ v'v*- ■^;:'* '»{•■■■ 2(38 aged Sovereign, and the names of some of tlie most illustrious of our countrymen are inseparably con- nected ; and we might fairly and creditably pro- test against yielding up to France and Russia, nei- ther of them maritime powers, the honour exclu- sively of bringing them to a conclusion. But, in the next place, even allowing that the hydrography of the Pacific were nearly complete, (be it noted that this is really hardly the case, many minute de- tails being yet wanting,) but allowing, I say, even that it were the case, it mu? by no means thence be inferred, that no objects of curious inquiry still remain within its limits. Its meteorology is as yet entirelyin its infancy ; I may remark, indeed, by the way, that so it must remain until science do at length acquire a permanent home within its limits, for meteorological information can only be depend- ed on, when it is the result of the comparison of long continued observations, not the vague surmise founded on a few casual and desultory remarks. The magnetical and barometrical inquiries accord- ingly, which it would be curious to have satisfied in this ocean, occur in a profusion of which I shall not now pretend to offer an outline : indeed, any list which it would be within my competence to supply, would be, to say the least, unsatisfactory to the scholar, while, to the general reader, it would be only tedious and unintelligible. But there is 269 one consideration to which I may with safety ad-, vert, as being equally obvious to every capacity—, that, I mean, which regards the facilities for scien- tific inquiry, afforded by the immense extent, and easy, certain navigation of this great ocean. A few weeks sail witliin its limits will place the in- quirer into any branch of physical science in pre- cisely similar, or precisely opposite circumstances, in either hemisphere, as the nature of his experi- ment may require ; and this convenience, which certainly does not exist in any quarter of our whole globe even, to the same extent, as it will be suf- ficiently appreciated by all students, as it relates to investigations connected with astronomy, natural history, geology, mineralogy, &c. so, may I remark, is it peculiarly favourable to inquiries into the great questions of variation, * &c. the solution of * I cannot avoid taking this opportunity of recommending in the strongest terms, to my brother officers, and generally to aH interested in keeping a ship's reckoning, a little work on the Va- riation of the Compass, lately published by Mr. Bain, a Master in the Navy. The object of it is to illustrate, by a variety of ex- amples, taken in part from his own experience, not only the exist- ence of the fact, that a difference exists in the result of observations for variation taken with the ship's head cast and west, a phenomenon first observed by Captain Flinders, but also the dangers in which a neglect of the rules for calculating this difference, may involve the navigator. Such a work was become the more necessary, from the existence of a very general prejudice, in the minds of practi- cal seamen, against the result of Captain Flinders' experiments, •■I' '« biT* L#.. ''"' h^ 1-r \t.\ ■ ■i'M .1"' ■■« ;t.K 270 which forms at present so great a desideratum in nautical science. Such as it is, however, it can never be adequately improved by occasional desul- tory visits, but must ever lay waste and in abey- ance, until, as I have already said, science shall have acquired a permanent and conveniently cen- tral home within the limits of the horizon which her inquiries would thus pervade. XII. In the next place, a free British port in the Pacific would draw towards it those detached and isolated American traders, who now nearly occupy every corner of its shores, their thoughts filled with home, and their minds strongly bent on acquiring useful information, and imparting it on their return to their fellow citizens, who thus reason with re- spect to these distant objects with a precision which !^i It w AS asked by them, with some apparent plausibility, how that copld be affected by the direction of a ship's heac*, which was pe- culiar to her place in the water, not to her position ? Such an ar- gument is, however, extremely shallow, and may be put down at once, by supposing, that something in the accumulation or direc- tion of the iron>work in either a ship's head or stern, produces an effect on the compasses. This effect will draw the needle to- wards the true north, with the ship's head one way, and from it when it is the other; and, as it operates therefore in both, twice its actual amount, whatever it may be, will be the difference between the observations. But it is absurd to argue in a physical question of any sort, but above all in one which regards the variation of the compass, of the theory of which we do not possess even the first elements. 271 |m m can lesul- ibey. shall cen- \h her we cannot attain. By drawing these men towards it, it will weaken those domestic ties which now make them so exclusively national and anti-British in all their thoughts and communications with the savage tribes, and will at any rate enable our re- sident merchants to procure a knowledge of the objects of their traffic, and a participation in its be- nefits, such as at present no British subjects can acquire. When American independence was first acknow- ledged, the advantages attending commercial spe- culations were already so thoroughly understood, that although still in a state when agricultural pur- suits were the most natural and congenial to their resources, while labour yet bore a high price, and agricultural produce found a ready demand, the subjects of the United States notwithstanding, threw themselves at once into commercial specula- tions, and have prosecuted them ever since with a success corresponding to the zeal and intelligence which are their noted characteristics. Among other points, the Pacific Ocean did not escape their ob- servation, they were even among the first who pro- f?ted by the instructions regarding its resources af- forded by Captain Cook's third voyage. Its desul- tory traffic, and the small original capital requisite for embarking in it, suited the state of their indi- vidual resources j and the economy which, from f*,?i •■rM ■^<-^,...\ .' •" * I 070 h* ■I necessity, they introduced into the detail of their voyages, together with the superior advantages with which, through the operation^ of our East In- dia Company's privileges, they entered the port of Canton, the only neighbouring market then open to them, enabled them to prosecute their several pursuits in these seas with a success which is best illustrated by the fact, that of twelve ships which touched at the Sandwich Islands in 1810, only two were English, and these, too, whalers, not coasting traders, one was Russian, and the remaining nine w^ere all Americans. These men, as we have else- where seen, are in the habit of leaving their own country with trifling cargoes of provisions, &c. al- together on speculation, and passing from port to port, and from sea to sea, they accumulate as they proceed, their eyes still intent on home, th^ir minds still filled with domestic prejudices and animosities. Every thing English is in a peculiar manner their aversion j and to instil the same feelings into the several tribes with which they traffic, is their choicest gratification. Let no one despise an enemy because apparent- ly insignificant, nor let us undervalue this one be- cause the poison which he imparts is not immediate- ly followed by inflammation. These desultory trad- ers are of all men the most likely to open the out- ports of Chin£|, and Japan, and they are at this mo- rn l! Ihei ir iges 273 meiit familiarly to be seen in every insurgent port in Spanish America. Let not these important points be pre-occupied by those who, however ap- parently insignificant^ are yet avowedly opposed to us and to our interests. I do not ask that they shall be attacked, far from it, let them be encou- raged ; but, in the encouragement, let the venom be subdued which alone makes them dangerous. Give them a civilized home within the scope of their usual pursuits j accustom them to look to it for their market, to it for their supplies, to it for the means of realising past, and of organising future speculations. Let them form domestic ties among your subjects, they will themselves soon swell their list ; let them find their own account in making a home of your dominions, thither will they soon carry their sympathies, and thither convey their in- formation. They will identify their own interests with its prosperity, and neither scowl at its flag, nor murmur at its fees. XIIL Revenue. — These fees, and the revenue they would produce, form, then, the last subject on which I shall now touch in recommendation of this portion of my scheme. They will naturally con- sist in the levy of a small transit duty on every spe- cies of commodity passing through the warehouses of this port, on its way to the ultimate market, ■whether European, American, or Asiatic j and, in "**■ ■•■■ i. . M Iw I.' r J* ".*•»«. ," ^i 5iii.lM ;,:^^v 71< '^'/i< u i| ft \ n the genuine spirit of a free port, will be levied on all alike, without favour and without drawback of any sort. Tlie total amount must necessarily de- pend on the degree of developement which the whole measure might be able to bestow on the commerce of the Pacific ; for, whatever that ma) be, it must almost necessarily centre in this point. No resident merchant within the limits of the whole sea, whatever might be his circumstances, would be able to trade direct with any Atlantic port on the terms with which he might communicate with this market, which, at scarcely a tenth of the dis- tance, woidd combine every variety of produce, European, American, and Asiatic j while, vice ver- sa, the Atlantic merchant would be unable to find imited on any other point of the Pacific the same advantages which he would meet here. The re- sult would seem demonstrable, nor shall I now far- ther dilate on the topic ; finally observing only, that the revenue thus acquired would be interest- ing to us not merely as might regard the amount of pecuniary gain which we might derive from it, but as its details, together with the exchanges on the market place of the free port itself where it would be levied, would afforc^ us a sort of political barom'e- ter for the whole ocean and the various interests which it involves, such as the independence of the Spanish colonies in particular, may make it most hi 275 especially desirable for us to possess, and which by no other means we should seem likely to attain. This last consideration almost deserves a separate place in the enumeration which I now conclude ; but I suppress a particular illustration of it, partly because its application is so nearly akin to what we are in the daily habit of employing as a guide for our political conduct in Europe, that it appears superfluous to do more than thus to name it j and partly from my desire now to bring to a close these observations respecting the Pacific, and respecting the various sources of political and commercial as- cendancy which the due improvement of the natu- ral advantages possessed by its principal shores so abundantly presents. Their elucidation has already drawn me indeed, to trespass materially on the limits which I had wished to assign to this particular por- tion of my work j and as some little recurrence to the entire topic will necessarily form a portion of both the following chapters, but more especially of the last, to the opportunities afforded by them, I now reserve whatever little addition I still wish to make to them. " ^* - ''fi-^'l 1 : ,"• , *•*» m^* ■■■ r. '<* '►'. ,■"■■ '•?''■ A. J 'tt4.,»n! ••J J ■lf*«.-- df r/i> CHAPTER III. Brit lian I II i» ^ il 'I ON THE POLICY OF FORMIXG A SIMILAR KSTABLISHMEXT ALSO IN THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC (wiTHIN THE TER- RITORY, NAMELY, OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE), AND OF CONFERRING ON IT PARTICULARLY THE SAME PRIVI- LEGE OF TRADE WITH INDIA LATELY BESTOWED ON MALTA AND GIBRALTAR. In the preceding chapter I have summarily laid down what I consider the chief advantages con- nected with the establishment of a central free port in the Pacific Ocean ; I am now to follow out the plan of this work by considering those identified, as it would appear to me, with the formation of a similar establishment within the territorv of the Cape of Good Hope, bestowing at the same time on the port selected, the same privilege of unli- mited trade with India and the Atlantic markets, in other words, the same privilege of receiving the transit duty on East Indian produce imported in 277 British bottoms, conferred only last session of Par- liament on Malta and Gibraltar. •! In carrying the reader's mind at once to a sub- ject so remote, alike as it regards place and interest, from that to which I have hitherto endeavoured to confine his attention, I am aware some preface would be necessaiy, had I not already anticipated that task in the introduction which I have prefix- ed to the whole work. In that I have detailed at length the prima facie argument in favour, at least, of the last of these proposals ; that argument, I mean, which is drawn from the proximity of the Cape of Good Hope ports to the track from India alike to every Atlantic market, and the little compa- rative inconvenience which would accordingly be imposed on the British merchant by the exaction of a transit duty at tbeni, to that npw inflicted by the necessity of touching at a Mediterranean or British domestic port on his way to his ultimate destination. To that I shall not therefore now again recur ; but combining the whole proposal in- to one, — that is, adding to it as therein originally contained, the further ingredient of free trade, — shall proceed at once to develope what would ap- pear to me the most striking and important conse- quences with which it would seem likely to be at- tended. ■ i , r- - ■■ ■^'Kt..vl. I '•*,.»;'' ■t'l, '•.'■■ ■< 'Ii !• " L - !* -j; *J t •>. •" t '■■'."Virivi .■>». .'■■■, «. , •■ i .'11 .?•'• ■ •' : \V. \ '•■ m ■ "* , '«'♦. '*. '.if *■ ' fcl; I II V '■.•"•■ t% "i^'i^l $i78 t ■It' i. The first of these then is the extreme facility which the estabhshment of an intermediate free port between Europe and India would confer on their mutual communications ; a facility which 1 scarcely characterize too strotigly, when I consider its efiect as tantamount, or very nearly tantamount, to the entire annihilation of half the whole dis- tance which divides them. The view of the sub- ject which suggests to me so strong an expression, I cannot better elucidate than by an illustration which must be familiar to every one accustomed to travel post in this country, and who has had his horses changed between two stages, giving up those belonging to that he has left, and taking in lieu those of that towards which he is proceeding. The effect of this very simple operation is that two par- ties of travellers are equally forwarded to their re- spective destinations, and two postmasters derive full benefit from their passage, while the horses em- ployed do at the same time but half the work which was originally cut out for them. Even so would be the effect were an intermediate port established be- tween us and India. The respective produce of each hemisphere would get under way from both extremities at the same time, and, meeting at a point in the middle, would there be exchanged ; each vessel employed in its conveyance derivinjj^ precisely the same advantajijes from a vovaice of on I (pu in do< :r piy 279 only lialf the usual duration, and attended conse- quently with only half the risk, expense, and delay in realizing the profits of the specii'^tion, that she does now by completing the whole. It is unnecessary, I think, to dilate at greater length on the moral certainty of the superior eco- nomy of this method to that now employed ; still less is it possible for me, in this place, to enter in- to minute particulars respecting the immediate commercial advantages necessarily consequent on thus ameliorating the means of communication be- tween Europe and India. There is one particular effect of it, however, which I cannot altogether overlook ; the increased extent, I mean, which it would give to the exchange of British marmfac- tured against Indian crude produce. The banks of the Ganges have already witnessed tho prodigy, the commercial miracle, of their native produce being transported to England in the crude state, there manufactured, and at last consumed on its native shores ; and if that can be done with the present method of communication, its occurrence must be multiplied indefinitely when that sJiall come to be improved. This is so obvious, I should hardly have thought it necessary to notice it, were it not for my desire to make the following remark on it. An objection may be anticipated to the whole scheme, from consideration for the domestic capital and industry at present embarked in the «. ■ 'I ..'"*' ^" - '» • > -A I ; Jv. •»• ■. " ■ . < *• ^'Z-y ■I t V ■ ■■ ■' ;'.r'i f I . v-.r iki «»■ I" w S 1 ■4 4 5^80 transit of East Indian produce through the home market. This objection will, I think, fall to the ground, when a com})arison is instituted between the value and sort of these embarked in that spe- culation, and those engaged in manufacturing pur- suits. The capital engaged in the transit of East Indian produce through the home market, is for the most part supplied by a few wealthy individuals, who, when this source of its employment shall be withdrawn, will easily find another — will find ano- ther indeed immediately, in the more active ex- change of manufactured and crude produce which is anticipated. The labour is in the same manner furnished by the sturdy porters of half a dozen of our principal sea ports, who, in the same conse- quence, will find the same resource. But the ca- pital and labour engaged in manufactures are very differently situate. Of the first, a very heavy out- lay must be made before even commencing any speculation — an outlay which, if that prove unsuc- cessful, can in no way be redeemed ; while the la- bour is furnished by the sedentary of all ages and of both sexes, by women, children, &c. who have only one direction in which they can possibly turn their industry, either to their own or to public ac- count, a direction, however, in which their pre-emi- nent skill has happily elevated their country to that pinnacle of political greatness which she has 281 now long attained. There can be no comparison between the value of the two objects, no doubt to which our preference should be given. II. The natural consequence of abridged dis- tance, for so it may even literally be called, and of freedom of trade, would be to draw the traders of all nations alike towards thii: one point, to make it the conduit, in other words, by which the whole com- munication between the two hemispheres would be maintained. Of the two active elements which I thus name as working together to produce this ef- fect, the influence of the last, viz. freedom of trade, was exemplified in the beginning of my last chapter, at a length to which I need only now le- fer. But I would further observe, that in the in- stance then alluded to, it was acting alone ; St. Eustatius, possessing no advantage of situation above anv of the Leeward Islands to make it thus resorted to, jutward bound being further distant than almost any of them, while homeward bound it is not one inch even nearer. But the employ- ment of the Cape of Good Hope, in the same way, would further, as we have seen, abridge the whole distance nearly by one half j thus constituted, there- fore, it would stand to the Atlantic markets in the relation of India, and to the Indian markets in that of Europe ; presenting a: the same time to both a variety and assortment of the produce of each, 5 *«- ""'It** . : .i4'*- •:>!'">. "■ I'.k- 'A ,, . 'M'"' ■« •!,. ..!■ ■*" ..1' I '*! 1 1.1. ■ ♦* ..I"' ■ t "nA. ■•|; •ST- ilV'i 281- cvil tendency of contraband pursuits on the morals; of a people, requires no detailed illustration, it is but too often displayed to us, in all its most lamenta- ble characters, in the concluding confessions of criminals condemned by justice to expiate their crimes on the scaffold, and who almost uniformly attribute their fate to the premature lessons of vice inculcated by habits of either poaching or smug- gling in early youth. Respecting the first of these fatal stimulants to juvenile depravity, it is impos- sible here to introduce any of those obseiTations, which yet crowd instinctively to the mind on its very mention ; but with respect to the last I shall say, that notwithstanding these sad and per- petually recurring examples, no legislature has ever yet been able to infuse into the public mind a prejudice against its practice ; high and low, even in England, where moral sentiment is incontestibly higher wound than in any other country, yet con- niving almost uniformly at that which seems to in- flict no corresponding injury to the individual be- neril tlerived from it. If such then be the real stiite of the case, and if the experience of every age and country proves also that it is likely ever to continue so, let the hydra be attacked with other weapons. Let us endeavour to make that con- temptible and mean, which we cannot make igno- minious ; let us divide the entire sum of tax into ^A portions, to be paid by different hands, and at suc- cessive stages of the progress oftlie article in ques- tion to consumption^ Let the temptation to con-^ traband pursuits at no one point equal the risk j and let common prudence at length guard that property, which neither threats, nor denunciations^ nor captivity, nor even the infliction of death it- selfi have ever been able to secure. I have expressed this argument in general terms, because the principle which it contains might, I think, be introduced with advantage into nearly the whole range of our financial institutions. Its application, however, to the ca^e in point, is even still more easy and obvious. The transit duty paid at the Cape of Good Hope would be subtracted from that whole amount required from the impor- tations of East Indian produce into this country for home consumption j the remainder, accordingly, would no longer present that strong inducement to fraud, which at present encourages it to laugh at every fresh precaution taken for its prevention. IV. The next consequence of this general resoit would be, the placing all traders in the exchange of East Indian and European produce on an equa- lity, enabling English capital and activity to pro- duce their full effect in every direction, without taxing them, as at present, to overcome specific difficulties and obstructions arising' from the colla- ;:: "*•(•■ .11 Si .If'- ,•; ."■«?* ,),■«•;■- i ■i:\€**' ;-.K.' ■ tn ' .'-■ }'* >. . '■ •■"ill- . ■tut -k: "1*1 '■ . '•■ L>8() teral operation of statutes and regulations, good perhaps in themselves, but on some one point in- jurious. Tliis argument is directed principally to a set of common-place reasoners on political sub- jects, who are strongly bigotted to ancient modes, and wlip, to every home-thrust directed against them by incontrovertible facts, have always the same weary reply in their mouths — " It may be all very true, there is perhaps some little disadvan- tage accruing here ; but never mind, British capi- tal and enterprize will easily overcome that, and all will be again right." To the power and efficacy of these means I willingly subscribe ; they have borne us, thank heaven ! through many a difficul- ty and danger, and I do not fear but that they will do so again. But I would remark, that if thus powerful to overcome actual obstacles, give them but a fair field and no favour, they would be more successful still, and would soon infinitely outstrip that competition which is only enabled to maintain any struggle with them at all, by means of the ob- stacles which thus beset their path. V. This general concourse of all traders to a port subject to our jurisdiction, would now further enable us to guide and direct the course of the whole trade within its scope, as suited our interests, by the mere operation of financial regulations. This power is extremely delicate, and would require to a „t»r."' be exercised, it is true, witli the utmost precau- tion ; but the certainty of its acquisition is sufH- ciently obvious, and there are one or two instances in whicli it might, I think, be wisely and politi- cally exerted. We might, tor instance, encourage by its means the exchange of our manufactures against the crude produce of India ; and we might also support by it that monopoly of the trade with China, which we think proper to confer on our East India Company. The policy of the gift is per- haps very questionable, but it is of long standing and has been conferred besides for a valuable consi- deration : we cannot therefore, with propriety, hasti- ly violate it, however we may disapprove of the means by which it is supported, however sensible we may \ie of the actual injury and injustice of which these means, or some of them at least, are the operative causes. The exclusive privileges conferred on the Company at the port of Canton are those to which I most particularly allude, and their various ope- rations on British interests in the Pacific have been already noticed in their own place. But to this I may safely add the humiliating forbearance and submission which have so long characterized and disgraced all European intercourse with the vain and supercilious Court of Pekin — a forbearance and submission which, in compromising our national honour and dignity, compromise even infinitely su- ■ *v '■tit,. ■' . *i ■ :."#. ■! •«• »i ■ «»; iP ■ '-'J ■^'» „,- »^ Hi. 4. 2." I ■• . 'I',, ": tf'^' " ■ * 5?!', : ■«,*. ' IM >■■' .P\" ■ St . ; *n' , 288 perior considerations to that for which they arc sa- crificed. Now it woiUd appear to me, that all points alike would be gained by the moderate ex- ercise, on this occasion, of the power to which I allude — the power, viz. of regulating tlie course of trade at this intermediate point by financial regu- lation:;^. Some pecuniary exemptions conferred there, on the East India Company's Chinese trade, would enable it in a short time greatly to increase its actual extent, while we remain in a state of peace and amity with that empire ; while, on the other hand, should we ever be forced into hostili- ties with it — a consummation becoming every day more probable, both from the approach of our mu- tual boundaries in the interior of India, and from the continued insolence of the empty satellites of its throne — I say, should we ever be thus forced into hostilities with it, such a previous arrange- ment would hold out, not merely a chance, but even a certainty to the East India Company, of re- gaining their trade on the return of peace — a cer* tainty, in a word, of that of which otherwise they can entertain no hopes whatever. During the con- test these privileges would lie, as it were, in abey- ance ; and we should be supplied with Chinese pro-' duce in the interim by neutral traders at only a slight advance of price, consequent on the higher duties which their traffic would pay, diminished however, iti sui cu ed tei of th tc 289 iiT"' it must on the other hand be observed, in some mea- sure, by the superior economy witli which the spe- cuhitions of private merchants are always comUict- ed, to any to wliich those of a pubHc body can pre- tend. On tlie restoration of j)eace, with the return of the opportunity of exercising their privileges, would return also to theCompany the trade which, in the very first instance, they woidd increase and ex- tend ; and thus we miglit at once abolish those re- gulations by which the commerce of Canton, suf- ficiently embarrassed at any rate by Chinese regula- tions, is still further rendered migatory to us by our own statutes ; and miglit assume and maintain that real independence of bearing towards the fee- ble Court of Pekin, of which our refusal to com- ply with some ridiculous ceremonies is but the pageant not the reality, the empty and degrading semblance, not the honourable and dignified sub- stance and effect. VI. The proximity of the Cape of Good Hope in comparison to India, and the advantages which it would hold out to individual traders, would have a powerful effect in reviving the spirit of mercan- tile speculations on the continent of Europe, and would foster and encourage its several trading ma- rines. The first statement of this proposition would seem by no means to contain a favourable prospect to the shipping interest of this coiuitry, which, on i' ' 1' ,J . -•• ,. r ■ . • ". .J ' ■' :v:.. i ;.v., 1 ^ ....'trtii*."! ■5fv, ii\)0 if I: 81-. >■•♦ I '111, 1- ■i. , the contrary, would appear likely to suffer some- what from the habit whicli it anticipates as being thus given to continental merchants of having their work done by their own native shipping, instead of employing as now, almost exclusively, English and American bottoms. But in the field of fair com- petition I have no fears for British capital and en- terprize ; they may lose on one particular point, but they must gain on others, and not even the shipping interest would suffer on the whole. But it is not so with the American shipping, which de- rives little or no employ, comparatively speaking, from its own native resources, but is almost entire- ly fed and supported by that carrying trade wliicli first the Dutch, and now these new rivals, have al- most entirely engrossed, but which we have so espe- cial an interest in proscribing. Between them and us, the continental shipping interest is quite over- borne ; indeed, I am not sure that there is not some little prepossession lurking in the public mind al- together against its revival j I believe a great many politicians would hear with some little pain, that the Indian seas were again swarming with French, Dutch, Danish, Hanseatic, and other flags, while they would have the real picture of the extended and extending commerce of the Americans, in the same quarter, placed before them without emotion. Certainly never was prejudice so misplaced, h} our fron as ai ratlj our I the I "' .. 41 ••wn some- beiiiff 291 our late contest, we derived no assistance whatever from the American merchant marine ; 1 do believe, as a naval officer, we had not a man from it, we rather lost, through tlie difficulty of recognizing our subjects from among Americans, and through the scandalous encouragement which, even while professing a strict neutrality, the government of the United States was not ashamed to hold out to our deserters. Well may I speak to the fact, 1 was myself, on one occasion, a most material suf- ferer by its occurrence. But how was it, on the contrary, with the mercantile marines of conti- nental Europe ? Tlieir seamen swarmed in our fleets even when tlieir several sovereigns were leagued against us, and scarcely did they require even not to be led against their own national flags. We may not approve of this unpatriotic principle in individuals, but in a body it is for our purposes a useful quality ; and I must here remark, that the valuable services which our navy derived from these men last war — services which were only rendered efficient through this distinctive feature in their character — have never been adequately acknow- ledged or rewarded by us. Those rights of natiu'a- lization which were nominally conferred on them as an encouragement during the war, on the return of peace were rendered nugatory by the combinations among our native seamen to exclude them from ,. ■*»-.^' Ik J ; -^ ,»* ;■ . 'V , -r i ' I ".A. i. (•1 f ♦■V ;!■< • « ', '•* "*»■■*,' •It. * ^; ' f ■'"«■ !< !>«. • '*■• I Il.-C ■■■Vv * If*'. ., .Jul i!»i • lis >■■■ V; . ■ 'V'- f*^.M ''.•n't! ' I '. ■ ill , i* 111 ••■J 2f)'2 our mercantile employ — combinations wliicli, as far as this cft'cct was their object, were almost sanc- tioned uj)on principle by the great mass of British j)ublic ; and thus the men who had fought and bled for us in our day of need, in the hour of com- parative prosperity, or when at least the burthen had changed its character, were thrown aside, and in vain appealed to the naval officers with whom they had served, in animated protest against the wrong they thus received. In the general statement of this question, I have been led somewhat away from its particular bear- ing on my principal purpose. This, however, is veiy obvious. The capital, resources, and enter- prize, which may be unable to organize a specula- tion for India and the further corners of the south- ern hemisplierc, may yet readily embark for the Cape of Good Hope ; and in the habits and acqui- sitions of success, continental merchants would again resume that acti> ity and speculative exertion which thcv now want. We owe our exertions towards ef- fecting such an object to a great many interests ; to our manufactures, for these now languish in the absence of that luxurv and cheerfulness, which in 11 peculiar manner cliaracterize the successful pur- suits of trade ; and to our good name, for that now suffers under the imputation that we can take no interest in any thing beyond our own unmediate ij*. as far sane- tritish \t and com, [rthcji ', and 'iiom t tile have 293 objects, that we have neitlier capacity nor libera- lity sufficient to see the advantages of associating others in our success. But more than tliese, not as more important, but as more innnediately bearing on the subject of the foiegoing observations, we owe them to tlie poor foHows whose services we even exacted in our day of need ; wliom we cannot now encourage in our own mercantile marine, but at tlie expense of a still more valuable set of men, our own native seamen ; but for whom we might thus indirectly provide. And, lastly, we owe them in a most peculiar manner, to the deep interest wo have in proscribing every species of carrying trade, in disseminating among many channels the excess of maritime employment over what we ourselves engross — not in allowing it to be accumulated in one, which a revolution in our circumstances may not only make commercially, but even politically, formidable to the dearest interests of our land. VII. By presenting at the Cape of Good Ho})e advantages which would most certainly allure all Indian traffic towards it, we should interrupt, with- out violence or dispute, that conmierce maintain- ed by the Americans with India, which we wished to refuse them, it was understootl, at the late i)eace, but which they would not resign. The importance of this object is in my mind \cry great. India is an extremely delicate point of our empire, main- *,, f ■ 'V ;** •t • ' ' \ If » », ill- , ■'" p. . i^; ;»•? f;l 1.. '••if . 4' ■■ V ,1' .. ■ - f\<^ I *^'-:' IT'.-- I '* " w'.ii'" ■,■• «.. » I h >1 ■III' ■;: " *| • ■ * aoi '^ m iuiiied, as we sliall presently see at greater length, in a great measure, by the force of oj)inion, and which is therefore peculiarly accessible to those weapons of offence, detraction and affected con- tempt, in which the petty American traders al- most mechanically indulge with respect to us. It is indeed somewhat a pamful study to trace, even in one's self, the excess to which mutual aversion now exists between the United States' subjects and our- selves — an aversion founded on a long train of in- juries and disgusts, and aggravated, by that con- tempt which ,ve each pretend, and only pretend, to feel for the other. Its effect in cfvery port, where the petty agents of both meet, is palpable to even the grossest observation ; but the rancorous and sarcas- tic remarks which it elicits, are in a peculiar manner injurious to us in India, where we are for the most part rather feared than loved, and where, according- ly, a greedy and delighted ear is turned to observa- tions tending to depreciate and vilify our name. But this is not all. The pecuniary value of this trade to America is perhaps not very great, it is much greater, however, I may observe by the way, than is generally believed ; but its moral importance to them is, beyond all computation of this sort, great. There is a dignity and elevation of sentiment in- separable from all distant speculations, of which the first hazards are sreat, and the returns only c( oil fal sll as t( ength, i» and those con- I's al- ■" It en in 1 iiow 1 our- of in- con- nl, to e the n tile ircas- inner most 295 contingent and remote. They enlarge the capa- city, exercise and improve the understanding, and familiarize those combinations of great ends with slender and apparently inefficient beginnings, such as alone are entitled to give the name of ambition to the steady purpose which they produce on the mind ; \^^hile that once bestowed, vires acquirit eundo, difficulties and moderation alike disappear before its course, and the most lofty and daring views at length dawn on its contemplation. Such have been the effects of this Indian trade on the mo- ral intellect of the American people ; for be it re- marked, that its iiiiluence on them is not as with the Spaniards, Dutch, and, until lately, ourselves, dammed up and confined to an exclusive Company, the directors and chiefs of which alone catch the spark of inspiration, while all beneath them lie yet grovelling in the slumber of counting-house obedi- ence. No! — The Americans have no exclusive char- ters or associations ; their Indian sliips are, as I have elsewhere noticed, launched at the joint ex- pense, and navigated by the united labours of a few indigent but adventurous indi\iJuals, all in- terested in husbanding the resources, and promot- ing the ends of Uie speculation, and all acquainted with its first hazards, and with the proposed object by which it is hoped they will be rewarded. The effects which such enterprizes produce, are accord- , «i .■•'' •»»•:' • " . ■• « ' 206 iiigly widely disseminated among their population, and may indeed be most distinctly traced in almost all of them. Other and nearer branches of con> merce have made many of them rich j but it is tiiis Indian and Pacific Ocean trade which has made them as a nation ambitious ; it is this which has envenomed their hatred to the parent state, which fostered them with her very blood ; this, in a w ord, which makes them anticipate with deligiit even, the hour, however remote, which shah v: ;is8) as they fondly hope, the ruin of her most anci- ent institutions. I do not speak of their admini- stration : that, I do believe, is innocent of such thoughts ; such combinations are nearly incompa- tible with its loose and feeble organization. But I speak of the great mass of their population, of their mercantile and seafaring communities, of the factious but able leaders of their provincial elec- tions and assemblies. To all these the most ex- travagant anticipations of future greatness are even familiar ; and by them, as wdl as by the perma- nent and enduring operation of the original cause, IS that moral energy of mind sustained and sup- ported, by which alone they can ever hope to see these visions realized. Both points of view, therefore, in whicli this trade is contemplated, are most interesting, aud both claim for it our steady consideration of the ; 8 297 means by which It may be amicably interrupted. These means, the instiUition of an intermediate free port would seem in a most especial manner to present. If indeed capable of offering those ad- vantages of diminished distance, smaller risk, quick- er circulation of profits, and, finally, variety of equivalent for almost every species of cargo, all of which would seem inseparable from any idea which we can form of it by anticipation, then may w^e rest assured, that no avowal of our own ultimate object , would be able to defeat its operation, no legislative enactments elude its purpose. The Americans must come to us and to our port, or they must abandon altogether the market ; there is no keep- ing up a disadvantageous trade for mere purposes of state convenience any where ; but least of all could such a measure ever be attempted under a government supported only by tlie breath of public opinion at home, and which but the shortest inter- mission in its applause must level with the ground, VIII. The interruption of this intercourse on the part of the Americans, would, from the operation of the same causes, be extended to other powers, and would promote the security of India, whether we choose to colonize it or not. The first part of this proposition is sufficiently obvious, I wish, how- ever, both to give it a distinct expression, and also to guard against a possible misunderstanding of ■'■"" i*t ♦ i..3^: •« "* I 1' ,"'> **»•'• til,; '^ tr,. ■ ■in ' ;•*?•:!;■,■ '■'im'' ■ If. J!,'.-- 'k t 298 the exact meaning which I attach to it. By an in- terruption, I mean only in the direct trade ; I do not by any means suppose that tlie measiue which I recommend would banish foreign flags from the Indian seas altogether. The trade from all parts of India to the Cape of Good Hope, would be just as free and open to all, as that from the Cape to all narts of Europe and America ; and a share of the ; would be accordingly as readily engrossed as of the other by neutral powers. I only mean that a British port would be the common rallying point of both, and that the whole commerce would be main- tained by virtue of privileges conceded by our fa- vour, and which might accordingly be forfeited at our nod. Those exclusive feelings, accordingly, would gradually subside, which make the trader be- tween Canton and New York an enthusiastic Ame- rican, and the merchant passing from Batavia to Amsterdam a mere Dutchman in political feeling. The breasts of both would progressively warm to the port and country which still divide their time and their domestic associations ; they would be half our subjects, to whatever lord the remainder of their fealty may incontestably be due. The second part of the whole proposition prefix- ed to this portion of my subject, comes now to be considered — to be considered too at a length, which, however inadequate to its real importance, may ' 299 yet, in this brief and summary compibtion, bear some proportion to its intrinsic magnitude. The security of India is indeed a question which must come home to every individual, however callous to the ordinary topics of alarming and serious consi- deration, with wliich we are ever daily beset. I do not say that every one is to take it on trust that it is really compromised because it is so said ; but I do say, that if but the smallest surmise of the kind be advanced, it is worth any man's while to examine into its reality and truth. The security of India, then, has been long con- fided to its remote situation, and hitherto tliat has been sufficient for the purpose to wliich it was tasked, aided however, be it remarked, by some very considerable sacrifices of money, moral cha- racter, and reputation, such as in an especial man- ner characterize our administration of that opulent inheritance. But that remoteness of situation, let it be also remarked, with fear but with firmness, is now actually under compromise. The emancipa- tion of the Spanish South American colonies — their entire reduction seems almost hopeless, — must de- vGJope in our despite, and unless we timeously in- terfere, beyond our controul, the vast commercial and still more formidable political resources of their Pacific Ocean shores ; and the North Ameri- cans, we may be assured, already contemplate such 'V, -Itjl.^ : '''m'"i„; \ ■ "■ ^* J ■vJl.l'JJ '■■~i). ' 11 "ft* f. ? "'"T > „■ ,, ^ , : ..1 ■•'■ ■-■rn ..* ■",'*'' 300 an issue with even the tyger's gaze of interest and eager anticipation, (pubHc commissioners do not go now-a-days to tiie extreme corners of the world merely in search of accurate information, however plausibly the tale be told.) Supposing that result were actually realized, which is beyond all measure the most probable, I mean that Peru, Chili, Buenos Ayres, &c. had achieved their emancipation, and were united with the North Americans in the bonds of an interested compact, in what direction, I would ask, is it most likely that their first commer- cial, and consequently political views, would be carried ? Why, most certainly towards Asia ; the distance is much less, the ground is not nb-cady so much occupied, and the interchange of commodi- ties is in most respects more suitable than with Europe ; the specie, raw cotton, and line wool of the one, corresponding in all respects to the de- mands of the other; while the natural returns are equally suitable, composed as they would probably be of the manufactures, ivory, frankincense, spices, betel nut, &c. for which the eastern shores of Asia are so famed. AVhen these friends and allies have been thus led then by the hand to India, in what situation will tluy find us there — vigorous at home, powerful abroad, respected and beloved, the ter- ror and yet the stay of the native chiefs ? No ! thanks to our cold-blooded policy, they will not so 301 find us; our situation is the reverse, absolutely the very reverse of this picture. — Seated on the surface of India, not amalgamated with its compo- sition ; paltering in a petty traffic, by which they acknowledge themselves losers, but to which they cling with much the same feeling, as that with which a superannuated tradesman still lingers over those now losing occupations which once were pro- fitable ; and viewing, finally, with agitated emotion, e^'ery petty cabal, every casual interchange of cou- riers between the native powers ! Such is the mag- nificent description which more truly pictures the rulers whom it is our pleasure to bestow on India, and who now, after nearly a century's occupation, are still seeking to bind it to their side by a mere chain of sand — a chain of which the scattered grains, we cannot call them links, are formed of all that is most foreign, most irreconcilable ; of a military force, strong only in the weakness of its antago- nists ; of an almost antiquated respect, the fruit of past victories and success ; and of a fixed, a rooted turbulence and aversion on the part of the native princes, the rich and merited harvest of a thousand usurpations and intrigues. I do not speak in re- proach, but in counsel ; not in invective against tlie past, but in warning for the future. The season of security from such a teiuu'e, or of success from f*ucli a policy, draws alike to a close ; our own cs- lili ' •:•' ' '" \ .' Lr '* \: '.', ,A»r,.' ' '. •«. •"1 •,. T. ir I'l'"' I',;: ;** • ■X ■f' !i. i.» 'ii 'I-,- "■: ■ J*' 'MU , * 'ml •■ ■ }>■'. 502 tablisliments of Sepoys have taught the natives tac- tics J our indulgence to the Americans, with the licentious liberty ofspeech which these latter every where carry with tliem, have taught them to doubt the truth of those tales of national greatness, the belief in which our local successes had once almost interwoven with their very composition. And if dis- tance, military superiority, and moral prejudice, are all thus to be at once torn from us, what is there that will remain for the support of our establish- ments ? One support the institution of the intermediate ports which I have severally proposed in the Paci- fic and Atlantic Oceans, will unquestionably be- stow; a feeble one, comparatively perhaps, but yet something in such a case. They will exile from our Indian shores those whose ambition and sagacity we have most reason to fear. To the east- ward the South Americans will find at their own doors a still greater profusion and variety of equi- valent than they cculd hope to encounter, in one place at least, by making the whole voyage to India, for European commodities would at our port be added to the enumeration ; while to the westward the same causes would produce the same effects, aided, moreover, in a degree, by our still greater military ascendancy in that direction, to any which we could almost ever hope to attain in the Pacific Ocean. Or if these institutions fail in accomplish- ing comp'etely these ends, in this, at least, they will succeed— rin chaining foreigners to their commercial compters, they will place them in India in an infi- nitely more insignificant light than that in which they now appear to the native population. Trad- ing, as they will then do, whether they pro- ceed east or west, to a British, not a foreign, to them a native port, the most eager credulity will J hesitate in believing their insinuations to our pre- judice, will pause before it confide in the pretend- ed impotence of that power, to which even its ca- lumniators must thus acknowledge themselves in- debted for a market. But this alone will be, I would fear, insufficient j we must colonize India if we would permanently retain it. The argument in favour of such a mea- sure is long and complex, it is besides foreign in some measure to my principal purpose ; but I can- not refuse a place to a short exposition of its prin- cipal outline. The great objection to the colonization of India is said to be drawn from the fatal experi -^nce we have already had, as is pretended, of tiie insecure teiuu'e by which a powerful colony is held by a pa- rent state ; and immediately on the first proposal of such a measure we are desired to read in histo- ry its conMequences and result. History is uur :w5» .1? illi"-l, .•♦ • • "'"■'1; • ■ ;•*♦■ : ,,.. *i, C, V _ i, ; .,. lit ' ■ '•ft;:* it; •!?"'*'•< .1111- • If . (' . »"■ '. ■ '■' ■ r' i •H > l;,ir *" -*' ....... |;:5. :.U' mi doubtedly the gjreat glass in wliicli all political mea- sures should be dressed, and I most willingly sub- scribe to the appeal thus made to its authority. Lot us turn then to the identical page thus alluded to, let us consider its contents, and let us adopt the maxim of policy which they are calculated to inculcate. Does this page of history then tell us that in mere •wantonness of strength our North American colo- nies threw us off? that despising ol name, and liating our controul, they chose for themselves a new designation, and capriciously and contemp- tuously set us at defiance ? Does it tell us this, I say, or does it not rather proclaim, that we were wanton, that we were capricious, that it was we who, not content with avowing our belief in the existence of separate interessts from our children, and demanding of them a tribute to our necessities, carried, moreover, the insolence of fancied power to such a pitch as to prescribe even the mode of its exactment, and to persist in that mode when it had no recommendation left on earth but the offence it gave to the feelings and prejudices of these our brethren ; when it was become a bone of conten- tion even amongst ourselves, and when the most eminent talents in the kingdom, I speak especially of those of the great Lord Chatham, were set in array against the very principle on which it was founded, I would ask again which of these two t mg the V^ » 305 readings is the most correct of this record to whicii we are thus triumphiintly referred for tiie ultimate decision of the great question resi)ecting coloniz- ing India ? the topic is now one of sober discussion, the passions which it would once have excited are now hushed. — Surely it is the latter, indubitably the, latter J and if so, what is the true practical les- son which we ought to draw from it ? Is it against the possession of opulent dominions, or against the unstatesmanlike passions which lost us these ? Not only do I maintain that this last is the lesson which we ought to draw from it, but I assert also that it is the lesson, the only lesson, which we have prac- tically drawn from it, however another may still appear in our theoretic discussions ; for we have established a continental colony, New South Wales, since the loss of America, and composed it too of the same refractory elements with that ; and, on the other hand, we have adojjted, for the most part, towards our other colonies, even the meanest of them, a tone of conciliation and deference, of which we reap the appropriate reward in their resi)cct and in their love. No one will pretend that the sacri- fices of life and property made by the inhabitants of Canada during the late American war to defend and to maintain our right to rule over them, were a tribute paid by fear to our power, or to our means of retribution should they prove disaffected. On X •lis ■r ..• I' J,f ■■■•*' If ■ ''IV III' • •»■■-'! "■■■■^J III' fe; i50G tlic comraiy, every dastard feeling, if they had any, was enlisted on tlie side of our opi)onents ; anil the C'anailians, moreover, had the mortification at that time to be ruled by a Chief Governor who was ])ersonally unpopular to most of them, and to witness also some considerable and very lamenta- ble disunion in the military councils entrusted with their defence. But still they loved and honoured us in the main ; some few individual cases except- ed, we had been kind and indulgent to the voice of their popular assemblies ; and in our day of need they generously forgot petty grievances to prove to us their sense of loyalty and obligation There is then no insurmountable objc. ^.tt prima facie t to colonizing India, its propriety must be discussed and determined on other grounds. Let us then consider it, first, as it would relieve Eng- land, and next as it would secure India : I shall be very short on both heads. First, then, it has been long recognised by poli- tical writers that England has attained that stage of improvement, that extent of population, when a judicious emigration is not merely salutary but in- dispensable ; and the only question remaining is in what direction this healthful stream should be im- pelled. By a series of prejudices, for which it is not easy to account in a country where political discussion is so widely di^jseminated, this impulse 3 . 307 lias ever been given in what may very fairly, I think, be considered tiie very worst direction [)ossi- ble, let the other be what it may. Canada ahjne has been selected, and thitlier accordingly we have been in the habit of annually carrying our super- abundant and starving population. Canada aftbrds but one article of lucrative export, wood ; it is suit- ed for the growth and culture of only the most or- dinary vegetable productions, for the surplus of which, moreover, it has no market ; and, finally, the agricultural labourer within its limits must de- pend on the proceeds of only >ne half the year for his entire annual subsistence, the whole country dur- ing the remainder being bound up in the fluigs of a long, a severe, and a most painful winter. Such is the picture of its integral resources : What then are its other characteristics ? Is the possession of it secure, or is it placed in a friendly neighbourhood, which we would gladly see benefit by our exuberance ? Alas ! it is in these respects even still more deficient; its possession is exceedingly precarious, its only neigh- bour is our most active and most formidable com- mercial rival, and our superabundance is thus not only lost to us, but even goes to feed his resources, which already, from a concurrence of other circinn- stances, multiply in a ratio which has no parallel in the world. Surely it requires but little argu- ment to expose the impolicy pf such a system ; we IIh«. 1 J-i" ' «.'»'■ ^' ; ,'• 'if'- •■;'v; , * 1(1 ,!«»■■.: ,.'■ SOS ought to blush to think, that by our perseverance in it we not only breed up our children as aliens, but even as enemies to our name. Any interests almost should be compromised, rather than allow such an anomaly in the parental system of oiu' ad- ministration to subsist. Even the ^^afety of India is but as dust in such a scale *, for, were that lost, we could still foster its growing resources, and rule by mediating between our powerful children. But the altern^.civc is not so severe. India would be se- cured, not endangered, by diverting to it that stream of emigration of which the present course is thus pernicious : there wants, indeed, absolute- ly some such vigorous measure to give us even the smallest chance of much longer retaining it, or of ever benefiting essentially by the multiplied resour- ces of wealth and power with which it teems. Into this second portion of the whole argument, I shall not, however, now again enter; its sub- stance has been already anti-^ipated in some pre- ceding observations, and indeed there remains but little now further to remark, except only, that un- til we do at length, by these means, acquire some integral source of security \n India, ve can never hope to be enabled to relax, in any degree, from that o])T)ressivo , and even horrible poHcy respect- ing the native princes, which lenders the history of our adnHnistr:„..,„. Ill .' ^ ■ ■'!•■ ( ,l( • .t <; ■v.;' ill ,<■ ' > • ■■, .HI.''- ■:,r ii> till.;; '•■ !• •■Hil!;,J • -An'' * r.. ■<% r«-,' . 310 what more closely than has been hitherto done. I would remark, then, that the security witii which, under almost any circumstances, we might, I think, colonize India, would be incalculably enhanced by the institution of those intermediate free ports which I would recommend, and which I have now successively contemplated in so many favourable lights. Pressed on either hand by these powerful and formidable bulwarks, communicating alike with Europe and with America exclusively through their medium, and dependent accordingly on them for every means of external commerce, these precious dominions, thus secured, would alike want the temptation to foment intestine revolt, or to invite or support foreign invasion or attack. IX. The possession of an intermediate port, such as we have contemplated, within the territo- ry of the Cape of Good Hope, would bestow on us a power and influence in both hemispheres ex- actly proportioned to the extent of its improve- ment as a medium of communication : we should, accordingly, have a very strong interest directly in its prosperity as a port of general resort, and more remotely, in promoting the intercourse between all distant points in both hemispheres, whether inde- pendent kingdoms or colonies, whether foreign or domestic ; in other words, we should have a very strong interest in the commercial prosperity of all. I;1 y- Ii.i,i 511 The first portion of this general proposition is ex- ceedingly obvious. Scarcely any ordinary sacrifice would be deemed too great by a foreign state, to gratify that power through whose medium alone it would thus be enabled to communicate with its re- mote colonies ; or, in the supposition thut it has no colonies itself, through whose medium alone it would be enabled to obtain its supplies of East In- dian produce, and to find in the great southern he- misphere a market for its own original exports. The same remark is equally applicable, mutatis nm- tandisy to the southern colonies j their affections and deference would no longer be confined to their own parent state, they would be divided between it and that power through whose intromission alone they would be enabled to correspond with it advantageously. The ^ ower and influence we should thus acquire would be unbounded consequently, could we obtain foi tliis port an absolute monopoly of all communication, and if that communication were universal j but if that be impossible — I do not say, I do not even think it is impossible, on the contrary, I think it is very eas)- — but if it be impossible, at least this is certain, that the power and influencewhich it would bestow vv( ;>iid be always in exact proportion to its approach towards that monopoly and unlimited extension j woukl just fall short of the unbounded extent to which r... ■ ••li;; 'k '>.'«ii !:■:.■"" > ■'Ik |ftH|tH>j,- ill P' ill/if n,.,M'.«. !♦«■ !„ •■''•Jnif'% "iliti i ;*'""'■''•'" *■■''' ". I H 312 r* they miglit be carried, by that precise sum of com- petition in the whole intercourse a\ hich the aclvaii- tages offered by this port would yet be unable to supersede, and by the precise deficit of those points, in eitlier hemisphere, which might yet continue to have no share in the mutual communication. The second term in the whole proposition, then, now ensues as a mere corollary, necessarily conse- quent on the preceding assumption, yet itself de- manding some little illustration. If the power and influence which we covet be necessarily proportion- ed, in their acquisition, to the prosperity of this intermediate point as a port of resort, our interest would be necessarily intimately allied to that pros- perity, and would be in all respects connected with the extent of the commerce by which it would be sustained. This connection would be, it is true, ri- vetted by another link than this ; for the reveniii' arising from the contemplated transit of the produce of both hemispheres, would always be equally de- pendent on the same extent. But here ambition, as well as avarice, would be brought into play, both pointing at the same ultimate result, national aggran- dizement, and both equally contemplating the same means for its acquisition ; first, the monopoly, through the medium of this port, of the whole communication between t! e two hemispheres ; and, next, the increase of the thing monopolized, that is to say, the encouragement and promotion of f^ 31S commercial exchanges between all points of both — between Batavia and Amsterdam, Cadiz and Manilla, Canton and New York, as between Lon- don and Calcutta, Liverpool and Madras. And tliis whether in peace or in war, miless we would wish to weaken the sinews of our strength precise- ly when they are about to be most strained ; un- less we woidd deem it good policy to lessen our power, diminish our influence, and curtail our re- venue, precisely at the moment when perhaps their whole united strength may be tasked to their ut- most limits, to cope with the blow levelled at our existence. This, then, is the point towards which I have been tending tlirough the almost obvious truisms which occupy the two preceding paragraphs. I would suggest the propriety of for ever exempting the commerce of this port, from whatever point it may be derived, or whithersoever it may subse- quently be bound, from that confiscation of private property, by which we assert our naval empire, I must also add, that I think we disgrace it at the same time, on every occasion of foreign hostility. Whatever may be the advantages of situation, or freedom of trade, or moderation of impost, which we may be able to offer at this point, it can ever presume to hope for a monopoly of the whole com- munication between both hemispheres, unless we '•: -«. ,, ,r',.. •'■■;■ •■■if!''*' I. > , '" '. ail ■ ♦- "•VI'"' ^: ittii(i«i" i J."'"' ■fit •r ■ *....■ "ifc. '■..'.' 1(11.1 . A :, ■ :;;iii'r' ■ Mill:.* iiiH'ii;:'^' 314- cast into the balance with it that privilege also, which we alone of all the world can bestow — an ex- emption to its commerce from the vicissitudes in- cident to every other from the vacillation of mili- tary politics. Without this, the principle of its establishment would be adopted on other points by other powers ; and the sum of benefit which it is calculated to confer, not merely .. i ourselves who would be its masters, but on those .ilso who, under the shadow of our power, would enjoy its privi- leges, would be dissipated and destroyed by the endless jarrings which competition is ever calcu- lated to excite between rival powers. With this high privilege, on the other hand, there would be no room for these sources of contention, these oc- casions of inimical discussion, these pretexts for bloodshed and strife. The subjects of all powers alike would seek this neutral bound, within which war could find no place, and the very idea of com- petition with it would vanish from their minds. X. If the foregoing reasoning be correct, then would our acquisition of such a free port as has been contemplated be in the very highest degree acceptable to every humane mind of whatever country or clime, inasmuch as it would develope the principle, and illustrate the facility with which we might give up altogether the right of confiscat- ing private property as an engine of public hostili- i g< o at w 315 ty ; as it might tempt us accordingly to the more general experiment ; and as it would thus strip war of half its attendant horrors and miseries, while it, at the same time, removed many of the temptations which usually excite to its renewal. This is a view of the whole principal argument wliich I am pecu- liarly anxious to establish. Amidst all the ambi- tion, and all the avarice of which our enemies loud- ly accuse us, there is yet among us also, by the confession of these very same enemies, by the prac- tical experience indeed of most of them, a spring- ing fountain of genuine benevolence and philan- thropy never shut to the avowed and rightly un- derstood interests of suffering humanity. That foun.tain, that stream, I sought to direct on a form- er occasion towards the poor Islanders of the Paci- fic Ocean, who possess so many claims on our con- sideration, but who yet, in the blindness of their understandings, are unable to utter them. I would now again have recourse to it in yet a higher cause, in the cause of that measure which would seem cal- culated to heal some of our own bleeding wounds, and not only to heal them now, but even for ever. And surely if but the slightest chance of success be allied to such a scheme, those feelings to which I appeal will not slumber over the demand, however incompetently urged, however inadequately con- veyed. (('■' "4 r... '■'. 1" ■' . . ■■ *f. , ta\f ■ " ■■■,'* :|- in,: II.". ''^ •\\¥ ,.1. ■• ..f,ll ...:!'. .310 I- Jf fu The first tenti, then, of my subordinate proposi- tion is, that the establishment of a free port within the territory of the Cape of Good Hope, organized as I have just contemplated, would develope the principle and illustrate the facility with which we might give up altogether the right of confiscating private property as an engine of public hostility, and might tempt us accordingly to give the reme- dy a more general, an even universal application. The illustration of this is not difficult. We can- not as a nation wish to continue an acknowledged abuse, for which we have hitherto had no excuse but the supposed necessity of the case. We can- hot state a right to this confiscation in any abstract. f" proposition at all ; we cannot assign any reason for that violation of private property being honourable and justifiable on one element, which yet is univer- sally scouted and contemned on another ; or for his property being sacred and respected, even by ourselves, who has just yielded up the sword which was levelled at our lives, while we without hesita- tion confiscate and condemn that belonging to the trembling and defenceless merchant who has no alternative, but must unconditionally submit to us. We do not profess any personal enmity to this lat- ter ; abstracted from his property, and from the flag under which that is navigated, or the port for which it is destined, we wish him individually as r oe. ^ Ik,: 317 well, or even better, to?in the other ; we only ruin him by the way, because, as we say, we cannot help ourselves, but are under the necessity of so doing. In what then, let us inquire, does this ne- cessity consist ? Why, truly, in nothing in the world but in tlis, that if this property were allowed to reach its destination, it would contribute some small matter to the pecuniary resources of our ene- my, and would disseminate comfort and content throughout such portion of his subjects as it might feed or employ. But on the intermediate point ^ 'i**!^- which we have now contemplated in so many dif- ferent lights, if constituted as I propose, \v shall have admitted the adequate value of the equi\alent to ourselves, in consideration of which, we are will- ing to allow this benefit to accrue to our enemy. If he will but purchase from ourselves, we are will- ing that he should be supplied ; if his importa- tions do but first pay the regulated tribute to our « quer, and yield the regular profit to our sub- jects through whose hands they will have passed, we are content that they shall contribute afterwards in proportion to him and his. The mutual bene- fits of such a system would soon be understood and appreciated, and the example would probably be followed on other points, the rather, perhaps, that even this precedent, contemplated as being afford- ed by the privilege proposed to be conferred on. r .. , 1(1'' •" m i Ane*^ ■!■'■• n, » ^n .,)!■■■''■ 'I : mi; . ,; ii-».. ' ": n,..ii • •■iii|;'' "La''"*.i 818 vi the commerce of the Cape of Good Hope, would not be, in point of fact, the first, even in our own generation, of such a practice. Our system of li- censes during the late war was the same to the very letter, inasmuch as it required transit through a British port, and the contribution, pro formay of a mite towards our pecuniary resources, as the only indispensable requisites to obtain our consent and sanction for inimical commerce.* ^•4**rt»^ * Our late system of licenses is unquestionaoly the most perfect precedent which can be conceived of the innovation in the mode of prosecuting maritime hostilities which I propose, but it is not the only one of that nature to be found in our history. In 1528, Henry VIII. then at war with the Flemings, signed with them a special treaty, guaranteeing on both sides the security and free- . /%^j^.^ ^^"^ of mercantile exchanges. Indeed, it was only in the needy and profligate reign of Charles II. that the invasion of private property became a primary object and consideration with English ministers : and it was then, too, that the atrocious precedent was first set of confiscating it previous to the declaration of hostilities, of regulating even that declaration by the suggestions of this most despicable cupidity. I do maintain, that scarcely even his French pension reflects more unqualified disgrace on Charles' head than does this anecdote, and yet the example has found advocates, and even imitators, it is grievous to think, among the first talents which have ever illustrated this country. How were the mighty fallen, when the immortal Lord Chatham, in 176i, could resign his situation as prime minister, because he could not get the Spa- nish galleons intercepted ; and when his still greater son could preface a declaration of war in 1804 with an attack on the frigates of the same nation, whose only crime was the treasure they con- veyed. These cases, it is true, are not precisely parallel, inas- much as the treasure contemplated principally in both was public I'; 319 But, it will be pretended, the immediate object and purpose of making war by confiscation of pri-^ vate property, is to exhaust the means of its prose- cution, and thus bring it to a speedier termination : and moreover, it will be urged, if we withdraw property from the field of action altogether, we leave only life as an object of attack ; wars will become accordingly both more bloody and less de- property, while the private wealth compromised was only a sub* ordinate feature in the temptation. But I would ask generally, on what principle is it that peace is always restored with so many precautions, with an allotment of time suited to the distance to which the news is to be carried, while war at once levels all the barriers of good faith ? When the argument is retorted on us, we can understand its fallacy easily enough ; for in all our invec- tives against our late antagonist, none have been more loud and bitter than those directed against his detention of travellers in 1802 : and yet there is no difference in principle between the right to reduce a man to beggary in violation of all previous trea- ties, and that of imprisoning his person while travelling on their faith ; the one in only a more unusual exercise of arbitrary will than her, and which, as being moreover without the same apparent ^....ptation or reward, looks a little more petty. But surely we would not wish our public conduct to be justified mere- ly on the score of the temptation to which its weakness had been exposed ; surely we would like to look higher for a motive, than to an excuse which we would unhesitatingly reject if offered by the meanest criminal at the bar of the Old Bailey. The question, indeed, abstractly considered, would seem to require only to be stated, to be decided ; and yet such is the force of habit and pre- judice, I fear more for the reception of this one argument which I have sought to maintain against them, than for any in this whole work, varied as have been the details into which it has led me. •\, III ;" i n ■;•■*: ••it ;:,,,- ;.iiti'" ;■. •'-I .1"' .li It I' '3t'. il:.',,C^, '■ ;.ii ' > ■ jrl Jt 3au f ^^^ ^ cisive, and thus in remedying one evil at present ^^a^ncident to a state of warfare, we shall but super- f^ induce an aggravated proportion of another, gain- ing nothing in fact, perhaps losing by the excliange. These objections bring me to the second term of my original proposition, viz. that sucli a conse- quence would strip Nvar of half its horrors and mi- series, while it would remove, at the same time, many of the temptations to its renewal. In answer to the first of them, then, I would boldly appeal to ^ the experience of the last thirty years, during which the system of confiscating private property was carried to a pitch never before contemplated, even in idea. Did we terminate the war through its means j did we gain any thing, in a word, by it, but contention with neutral powers, exhaustion pressing on ourselves equally with our antagonists, and now, finally, a repose resembling decrepitude so nearly as to have alarmed even the most san- guine reasoners, and to have struck dismay — abso- lute dismay, into the hearts of most. Can we ima- gine that any of the purposes of our adversary's prosperous career were foiled for want of pecuniary resources ? Undoubtedly they were not j the only difference was, that what he might have obtained, had private property been mutually respected, from the interest of his people's capital, he was constrain- ed to extort from their principal itself. And were Siii .13 not we in the same &i: uaiion ? Were we not riiisiiig loan upon loan, mortgaging security upon security, and screwing out painfully and laboriously, by a rigid inquisition into the income and sources of income of our subjects, those supplies which the possession of free ports, on every principal point, would have be- stowed on us in a profusion infinitely more than com- mensurate with the extent of those derived by our enemy from the privilege contemplated as being al- lowed their commerce, inasmuch as the pecuniary resources accruing from them, would with us have all Centered in one common object, whencesoever they had proceeded, or whithersoever they were bound, while he would only have reaped an ad- vantage from that portion of their speculations which might have been directed to his own domi- nions. We would have enjoyed the wholesale pro- fits, he only those arising from a small portion of their retail ; and the trident of Neptune, which, as we chose to wield it, was but a barren, and un- productive, and tyrannical sceptre, if thus exert- ed, might have been the key to the mighty treasures arising from mercantile speculation in every quar- ter of the globe, our passport and our guide to that cordiality, affection, and respect, which such an administration of the power which it bestows would be so calculated to insure us. •II .<►• ^•ji>- Z*'*^ UJa>*^ .Tl/4 f...L yt-i-^ ro»^ '^ i" /uC-«A^ - <^ H '^ ,... f- 3'22 I 1 Tlie confiscation of private property does not, then, hasten the termination of War.- — Does it now, further, mitigate its horrors ? — ^l)^ interposing an- other object of attack, does it afford a screen to human life, which would be otherwise alone ex- posed ? In answer to this question, I would strong- ly maintain, not only that it by no means produces tliis effect, but, on the contrary, multiplies incal- culably tlie occasions of strife and contest, and holds out innumerable temptations to bloodshed, which would not otherwise exist at all ; but also, that even if it did produce such an effect, it would still be nearly as much to be deprecated as ever, for that, most decidedly, for every purpose of so- cial charity, property is even infinitely more valu- able than life. The lives which war invades are for the most p it volunteered into its doubtful lists. High in hope, they are staked against a prize, which, if they are fortunate enough to obtain it, rewards them for their hazard with all that can make life valuable to one thoroughly embued with the principles of the school in which he is thus cast— rank, honour, and estimation. Should the turn of the die, on the other hand, require a vic- tim, honoured and beloved that victim sinks to re- pose with all that car soften his dying hour, with ji deep consciousness of duty performed, of memo- ry about to be cherished, the clang of victory per- /UArPUt^' li%4. J>t-C*< ^- ^ tM.oiU^r-' <^^ r u^jr Vfrl(AU^ t^/3U U,J^CixA/Cyf- y^r^L-^^J '>^^M *^' ."I'Tj* Ytm,^*)^ 'rt, 4-#u I I 523 Imps elating his fleeting spirit, and even the wail- ing and mortification of defeat fading from his fail- ing sense, and striking on it but as something harsh and dissonant, from which he is now about to escape. His family regret his loss, but even their regrets are mingled with exultation and triumph j while the severity of the blow must be in some mea- sure broken, by that preparation for such a catas- trophe, which must ever be made by the friends of those adventured in war's high career. The sym- pathy of their fellow citizens pours a healing balm over even the greenness of the wound — that sym- pathy which so honourably distiilguishes, in parti- cular, our British public, and which, on one me- morable occasion, clothed in darkness and in si- lence the whole street in which the home of a fal- len champion was situate, amid even the first loud shouts of England's victory and success.*— -But how is it, on the contrary, with him whose property has been ravished from him by this foul abuse of power, and who is sunk, accordingly, in a vale of inextricable difficulty and distress, unable to dis- charge obligations which yet he had most honour- ■I. "*. •II ■ ■ : ' *i I, , ■ • i' ' ■•-■ llll«i ? 'ill"' I'li * Such was the aumirable compliment i)aicl by the Ma»istratcs «f tlie city of Edinburgh to tlie memory of Cap^^in Duft' of the Mars, wlio fell at Trafalgar. Can wc doubt of the consolation it. must have afforded to his family, even amid tht first burst of passionate regret ? i.i " ^■•^ 324 I'M ably contracted, and witnessing only despair, and even reproach, on the countenances of those around him. The merchants who had confided in liim imperiously demand the grounds on which his speculations had been founded j and conclud- ing, as we all do too often^ alone from success, depreciate his judgment, question his prudence, his veracity, his honour, all that constitutes the basis of self-esteem and approbation. He turns to his family for consolation, to his friends for sympathy, to his own conscience for exculpation ; and all are for a time nearly equally leagued against him. His family is yet stunned by the same blow by which he is himself ovei'whelmed ; his friends hesitate to sympathise with him whose good name even is under question ; and many among those whom next himself he trusted, fall in the hour of difficulty from his side, who is likely to tax their sentiments for him at a higher rate than mere profession. Even the sympatliy that is most cor- dially offered, his agitated and irritable spirits re- ject, perhaps, as mockery and insult; while his con- science finally suggests to him some maxim of pru- dence overlooked, some precaution neglected, some assurance thrown away, and reproaches him, more- over, with the dire consequences of the oversight to those whom, more than himself, he loves. Who is there so base as to prefer such a life as this to the si b I 325 sharp but passing pains of a destiny anticipated but by some moments by the sword? Or who shall weigh such misery, and compare it with even the sharpest endurings of the widow and orphan of him, who sprung from our netherworld with one bound of animated exertion, drawing after him, in his course, the meteor train of honour and estimation, those glittering stars, dearer than life itself to the sol- dier's own heart ; and which, for him, even these relics of his love must prize beyond its choicest en- joyments, if these he could only have purchased at the expense of their eclipse.* In both points of view, then, is that sweeping confiscation of private property, with which we choose to characterise the administration of our na- val empire on every occasion of petty hostility, to • " War," says the venerable Prince de Ligne, " War, the most alluring calamity, ought not to be depicted as a monster. I have witnessed so many fine instances of humanity, so much good done tq repair a little evil, that I cannot accustom myself to consider war altogether as an abomination, provided there be no plundering nor burning, and no harm injUcted, but that of killing those who, a fen years later, would perish less gloriously. I have seen my grenadiers giving their loaves and their pence to the poor of a village, which an accident not connected with the war had re- duced to ashes. I have blessed my situation as the commander of such men. I have seen some of our hussars restoring their purses to their prisoners, and ppenjng to them their own. Such deeds exalt the soul. The greater the courtage of a man, the more exalted is his feeling. In every circumstance of life, it is emotion that is sublime."— Lc//rM et Pcnsces du Marcchal Prince do Ligne, torn. ii. p. 1 60. r r" ■•i.ii" '• 5 ' " .Si' r ■ ■ ¥<' '!!.■ ft ,i"' •t Ml'' ; »•(• H<^^<**J^ /ox-^-fc^ io AU t>f>vXvH /»./5> /-- 3*26 be deprecated and deplored. It is not necessary, for it in no shape tend? to shorten any period of hostilities, while it in a most especial manner, and much beyond what could be produced by any great- er eftusion of blood which its abolition might by possibility entail, disfigures and degrades the pomp and circumstance of glorious war, and aggravates the calamities with which it is necessarily and un- avoidably surcharged. There needs no more than these considerations to recommend a measure to the philanthropist of every country and clime, which promises, or seems at least to promise, an easy and effectual illustration of the facility with which the whole stain might be removed. But to the British philanthropist and patriot, it would seem to come peculiarly recommended from this quarter j for, in very truth and fact, this glaring abuse of power is not even politic, its maintenance is even striking- ly unwise. It has already twice raised up formida- ble rivals to our military marine, first in the Dutch, and then again in the American naval powers; and although the danger from one of these would now seem past, and that irom the other may by many be considered visionary, it is yet impossible altogether to forget the peril which we have once incurred from that past competition, or to shut our eyes to the general odium which, through this one cause, attaches to our na\al empire — an odiiu« ■l^-T^ ^.-^ . 327 which has once armed all the powers of the North against us, and which is now the toiiclistone even, by wliich the patriotism of the native inhabitants of nearly every foreign power is tried among them- selves. That we may long be enabled to set this smothered flame at defiance is very possible j no- thing would as yet seem too great tor the power and energies of a navy, which in number, equip- ment, and spirit, stands unrivalled on the record* of time. But it is surely unwise to maintain the attitude of defiance when we can assume that of conciliation ; when we can make it both our in- terest and our pride to do that, whicli in all time past both these passions have seemed irreihediably to oppose. It would be very easy for me to carry the whole abstract argmnent in this question to a great length — ^to a length, indeed, irreconcilable with the li- mits which alone I can here assign it. I might re- commend the innovation which I propose, by il- lustrating the extent to which it would remove ma- ny of the most prominent existing sources of poli- tical dissension, as also the degree in which it would facilitate accommodations, and break down na- tional animosities, from the constant circidation of interests which it would occasion — a circulation which no vicissitudes of military politics would ever disturb. I might, on the other hand, anticipate :M'»' % t- <"'•. iii>' (Mil ■„ll ■ 328 and attempt to answer some of the objections which might be made to it — ^that one, in particular, which . would regret the want of encouragement to active cruising on the part of our military marine, when its rewards would be thus essentially curtailed. Nei- ther of these, however, shall I now attempt ; the first, from a consideration of the time and space which it would necessarily occupy, and which would scarcely be adequately rewarded, the various rami- fications of the subject very readily presenting them- selves on even the slightest examination ; and tlie last, from pure contempt for such reasoning, and for the grounds on which it would be thus attempt- ed to establish it. I hardly know, indeed, why 1 notice such an argument at all, unless it be merely to take the opportunity of stigmatising it j for lit- tle does he know our naval service, who believes that pecuniary emolument is necessary to excite its ranks to the study of their duty, or to its even en- thusiastic discharge. That considerations of prize money and emolument find their place when no- thing else occurs, I will readily admit ; but when other service was on hand, when a military expe- dition was in array, who has witnessed a plea offer- ed for exemption from its lists ? who has then so- licited a cruizing ground? or, rather, who has not used every exertion in his power to give up even the most advantageous, and staked all his public S' 329 as well as private interest with the Commander in Chief to attain his object ? And who, finally, has ever witnessed these animating scenes, or read them in their record, and would allow but one glance even of suspicion to pass unnoticed, that such a service would require the encouragement of pecu- niary promise to excite it to any exertion at which it may be tasked ? No one would do so — I could not at the least ; and if I should seem to have here somewhat indecorously panegyrised the profession to which it is the boast of my existence to belong, I trust the honest feeling of professional pride which my words betray, will be no indelible blot on the argument which thus they would conclude. XI. The measures which I have now successive- ly proposed for the promotion of our commercial and political interests in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, their colonies, and the minute and per- manent intercourse which they would necessarily Occasion with even the most remote points of both hemispheres, would facilitate the preaching and propagation of Cliristian knowledge throughout the world, and thus accomplish readily, and with- out difficulty, that most important object, which our Missionary Societies profess, indeed, as the ultimate end of all their labours, but which, it is but too evident to even the slightest examination, 11 ■ .'111 I 111 •• ■ '*' ■'ill... l.lm -iiii^" J.. , „|| •. ;;;ii:' (lie 330 their limited powers are utterly unable, without as- sistance, to attain. I am unwilling to extend the enumeration of the advantages which would seem to me connected with the several measures which I have successively contemplated in the foregoing pages ; and indeed, after connecting them with so many interests, with those, viz. of cpmmerce, of national policy, and, finally, of moral and benevolent feeling, it is not difficult to surmise, that the whole argument would rather lose thjin gain by a further multiplication of images and applications. The one topic of reli- gious conversion, however, still remainsr — that topic which must come home nearly alik^ to every bosom, whether abstractly pious or only worldly wise ; whether intent on the communication of those be- nefits from which its own religious consolations are drawn, or merely occupied with the acquisition of that most powerful engine of political influence, community of worship and belief. In touching on this portion of the subject I shall not, however, use my own words j amid a diversity of opinions both as to the value of the object itself, and of the grounds on which it is to be estimated, they could scarcely attain that sober medium of expression which should give due weight to both, and even if tliey did, they would be probably only the more of- fensive to the great mass of readers, as these may P 1 m f' 831 individually incline towards the several extremes. But I shall i)lace in contrast before them all, a live- ly picture of the different effects attendant on Mis- sionary labours, and on permanent and minute commercial intercourse, and shall then leave each to draw his deductions as he may think best. " As for the Missionaries," (says Sir Alexander M'Kenzie, in the Introduction to his Travels across the Continent of North America,) " as for the Missionaries, if suffering and hardships in the pro- secution of the great work which they had under- taken deserved applause and admiration, they had an undoubted right to be applauded and admired. They spared no labour and avoided no danger in the execution of their important office j aiid it is to be severely lamented that their pious endeavours did not meet with the success which they desci'ved ; for there is hardly a trace to be found beyond the ciUtivated parts of their important functions. " The cause of this failure must be attributed to a want of due consideration in the mode employed by the Missionaries to propagate the religion of which they were the zealous ministers. They ha- bituated themselves to the savage life, and natu- ralized themselves to the savage manners, and by thus becoming dependent, as it were, on the na- tives, they acquired their contempt rather than their veneration. If they had been as well ac- l;i""' r: *' Ml '.,•1*11 .1' ■12 ..i!' . ' i ..!'■. if '',iL. ^'■i ;:!l!<" ■ill!' 33^ quainted with human nature as they were with the articles of their faith, they would have known, that the uncultivated mind of the Indian must be dis- posed by much preparatory method and instruc- tion to receive the revealed truths of Christianity ; to act under its sanction, to be impelled to good by the hopes of its rewards, or turned from evil by the fear of its punishments. They should have be- gun their work by teaching some of those useful arts which are the inlets of knowledge, and which lead the mind by ' egrees to objects of higher com- prehension. Agriculture, so formed to fix and com- bine society, and so preparatory to objects of supe- rior consideration, should have been the first thing introduced among a savage people j it attaches the wandering tribe to that spot where it adds so much to their comforts, while it gives them a sense of property and of lasting possession, instead of the uncertain hopes of the chace, and the fugitive pro- duce of uncultivated wilds. Such were the means by which the forests of Paraguay were converted into a scene of abundant cultivation, and its savage inhabitants introduced to all the advantages of ci- vilized life. «* The Canadian Missionaries should have been contented, in the first place, to improve the morals of their own countrymen, so that by meliorating their character and conduct, they would have given I a m 1^ 338 a striking example of the effect of religion in pro- moting the comforts of life to the surrounding sa- vages ; and might, by degrees, have extended its benign influence to the remotest regions of that country, which was the object, and intended to be -the scene of their Evangelical labours. But by bearing the light of the Gospel at once to the dis- tance of 2500 milr*? from the civilized part of the colonies, it was soon obscured by the cloud of ig- norance that darkened the human mind in those distant regions. " The whole of their long route I have often travelled, and the recollection of such a people as the Missionaries having been there was confined to a few superannuated Canadians who had not left that country since the cession to England in 1763, and who particularly mentioned the death of some, and the distressing situation of them all," &c. &c. Such was the fate of desultory preaching in Up- per Canada, and such, were I disposed to multi- ply examples of an almost incontestible fact, such has been its fate wherever it has been attempted in modern times, in the interior of America and of In- dostan, as in the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. But I hasten rather to select a happy il- lustration of the contrary effects of permanent i^et- tlement and minute commercial intercourse, an il- lustration peculiarly apposite, as being drawn from ■ f 'fl, , <'A' > 33t the narrative of the first establishment of almost the only European settlement aitiong the islands of the Eastern Pacific, as published in Mr. Coxe's Russian Discoveries, 4th edition, pages 280, 281. The contrast is the more striking, as the happy ef- fect detailed was produced by the labours of a lay- man, a merchant whose mind was otherwise occu- pied by that train of speculation which subsequent- ly constituted him the father of the present Russian American Company, and who consequently enter- tained this object only by the way, only as a means towards attaining his further pui*poses, not as the ultimate end of his expedition. " I laboured to persuade them,*' says, then, She- JekofF, in his simple but most interesting narrative of the settlement of Kodiak, now the chief empo- rium of the Russian fur trade in the Pacific Ocean, "I laboured to persuade them to quit their savage life, which was a perpetual scene of massacre and warfare, for a better and more happy state. I shewed them the comforts and advantages of our houses, clothes, and provisions ; I explained to them the method of digging, sowing, and planting gardens, and I distributed fruit and vegetables, and some of our provisions amongst them, with which they were highly delighted." — " I endeavoured to con- vey to them intelligible notions of Christianity, and before my departure converted about 40, and bap- li fe s I 335 r I 5es, the P tizcd them with such ceremonies as a lavmaii is permitted to use. I soon observed that these jier- sons conceived a higher opinion of themselves, they decried their countrymen as tlieir inferiors, readily adopted our nianners and customs, and expressed a great curiosity to be informed of many things which struck them with astonishment," &c. &c. I have said, that on this subject I shall not in- dulge in the expression of my own sentiments ; it is politic indeed not to do so, for the contrast which I have now placed before the reader might be weakened, but could not possibly be strengthened by any observations which I could offer. I here therefore close the whole argument, finally remark- ing only, that the observations of Sir A. Mackenzie on the effect of agriculture in eliciting moral prin- ciple, and in conveying a true sense of property and possession, apply equally to permanent, as contrast- ed with desultory commerce. The first principle of desultory commerce is to circumvent and en- snare ; the illustration of the remark is to be found in the complaints of the natives of the Sandwich and other islands in the Pacific, respecting the dis- ingenuous conduct of the petty American traders who visit them ; and the pernicious effects of these practices again on the minds of these poor savages; indisposing them towards a religion common alike to preacher and to trader, may be traced in every I III. ) .... ; i;i. ! 1 ' 336 page of the Missionary publications. The very life and soiil of permanent trade, on the contrary, are the rules of honour and good faith, and the reputa- tion of British merchants for both qualities is the most effectual guarantee, that here too they would not be wanting, were a proper sphere p;ovided for their exhibition. 337 7 life , are )uta- the ould ifor CHAPTER IV. III!' .1. CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WOULD SKEM TO DICTATE Om CHOICE OF POINTS ON WHICH TO ESTABLISH THE FREE PORTS IN THE PACIFIC AND ATLANTIC OCEANS, OF WHICH THE ADVANTAGES HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATED IN THE TWO PRECEDING CHAPTERS— SUBSIDIARY CONSIDERA- TION IN SUPPORT, AND RECAPITULATION OF THE WHOLE ARGUMENT— CONCLUSION. AVe have now briefly and summarily considered the advantages, political and commercial, which would seem connected with the judicous applica- tion of a system of free trade, first, to the cir- cumstances of the Pacific, and next, to those of the Atlantic Oceans ; and ahhough we have by no means penetrated into all the recesses to whicli a minute consideration of the whole subject would carry us, yet, if there be any foundation whatever for the reasonings adduced in support of the pro- posed measures, enough, and more than enough, has been said to excite the most lively solicitude in behalf of the experiment. The principal subject i,.5 viewed, I shall now only further observe in their recommendation, that, situate as they are on the extreme southern and northern verges of the trade winds, the whole volume of these, and the whole medium of communication between Spanish Ame- rica and India which they afford, are included be- tween them, and are subject, accordingly, to their influence and command. As bulwarks to India, they become, accordingly, still further interesting, than if they wanted this recommendation j but on this topic I shall not now enlarge, and shall finally quit the subject with reminding the reader, that I stake no portion of the principal argument on the local details which may or may not make them ap- pear, on furtlier examination, the most eligible points of selection. That argument I have most studiously kept apart from these details, to avoid this very snare ; and it must be tried and weigh- ed, as it has been advanced, only on general prin- ciples, not on minute topics regarding merely the locality with which it is thus subsidiarily connect- ed. Atlantic Ocean. — In the Pacific Ocean, the only embarrassment was a ground for selection from among the many points which seemed to present themselves nearly equally recommended : in the Atlantic, on the contrary, there seems to be but one point in any degree calculated to suit our pur- I"" h'li '». •• .1 ■ ">»fc* , 4J» l! 3U) -u. pose. There are no islands of any extent in tlie Southern Atlantic, none possessed of any port suit- ed for our present purposes : we must accordingly approach the continent, and that too only on that point which is our own property. The only re- maining question is, then, to what extent is this point calculated to suit our views ? The principal qualities, it will be remembered, which were considered necessary to be combined in the several points destined for our free ports, were, central position with reference to the mar- kets with which they would be placed in correspond- ence, convenient accommodation for shipping, sus- ceptibility of external defence, together with those facilities of approach and departure, which are al- ways advantageous, and to a certain degree even indispensable, for the maintenance o: a lucrative trade. Let us, then, try the territory ot" the Cape of Good Hope by the rules suggested by these re- quisitions. And, first, as regards central position, and con- venience of approach and departure, in these points it is quite unexceptionable. It lies in the direct track to and from every European and every Ame- rican, as well as every Indian market, being near- ly half way between them all ; its ports may be ap- proached, besides, without any material difficulty, on every side, soundings being found both south «K«,#V»tx/ 1^ Au Cm^ C^'C'M-.'XHi. ^^"i m, f 347 I ¥ and west, at a very considerable distance from the shore, the weather also, though sometimes tem- pestuous, being generally clear. Thus far, then, I do not anticipate any objection, but still the most essential points remain behind ; and on these I now proceed to speak at somcwiuit greater length. The grand physical feature characteristic of the Continent of Africa is the very small number of its navigable rivers anil ports fit for the reception of fleets ; and this feature, which is alike common to its Mediterranean, Indian, and Red Sea shores, is in a degree equally descriptive of that which forms the eastern limit of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, from the Straits of Gibraltar to Senegal there is not a single river of consequence, and not one port ; and although the coast of Guinea discharges a con- siderable ■ inber of small rivers, they are all, I believe, witiiout exception, barred and inaccessi- ble to shipping, while the ports formed by the few islands which here skirt tJie coast, are alike small and incon\ enient. Further soi.th, it is true, the Zaire or Congo, lately rendered but too conspicu- ous by the misfortunes of our expedition to trace its course, discharges a vast volume of water into the Ocean ; but this very circumstance renders it ineligible as a port of resort, tliere being here no tides to counteract the perpetual current setting out, and the approach to it, accordingly, being /5V< I IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) v.- ^ ^O ^.^.% A %. % Ua ^ 1.0 I.I l id all, it must be that of willing and even thankful acquiescence in a measure which must essentially benefit themselves also, if they carry their trading views to these seas. And as for the Cape of Good Hope, if any nation presumed even to think of in- terfering with our administration of that, I should be inclined to say, that that circumstance alope would almost justify our acting counter to its de- sires. The second subsidiary argument which I would now offer in behalf of my whole scheme, is derived from its extreme simplicity. Here are no complex details, no restrictive regulations, no minute points to consider, the smallest excess in the application of which might threaten the whole fabric. The whole consists in affording certain opportunities to particular points of our dominions, and leaving these to be improved as their real value shall sug- gest. The improvement would undoubtedly be gradual, and even that is in fact another recom- mendation ; violent changes being equally danger- ous in all public matters, whether of policy or of commerce. In the third place, this whole scheme may be recommended from its respect to existing rights and institutions. The first part of it, that, name- ly, which relates to the Pacific Ocean, trenches on no vested right or privilege whatsoever, the nomi- I 355 nal privileges of the South Sea Company merely requiring a license to evade, a requisition which trctUt- ? has long been a mere formality, licenses being- granted as of course, on application. The second only asks that for one British colony, which but the last session of Parliament was granted to ano- ther, and speculates subsequently merely on the more efficient means possessed by that one, of im- proving the talent committed to its charge. It does not even wish that the similar privileges ac- corded to the other should be withdrawn, satisfied that they will gradually become a dead letter, if the conclusions drawn from the whole argument be indeed well founded ; and if they are not, then willing to acknowledge that this particular point has no claim whatever for support from exclusive legislative enactment, at best but a cobbling expe- dient, but which, on such an occasion as the pre- sent, would be not less unjust than unwise. The last consideration which I shall now in- trude on the reader*s attention, in support of my scheme, I shall derive from the universality of its application within the sphere allotted to it — an universality which alone I should be inclined to consider an unanswerable argument in its behalf. For be it remarked, that the body politic is not one undivided whole, but a whole composed of many parts j and that measure is not accordingly 356 the best, which accumulates a mass of benefit up- on one point, but, on the contrary, that which, at the least sacrifice, disseminates it among many. This, as we have seen, is without expense, with- out risk in the experiment, is simple in its details, trenches on no vested right or privilege, is mode- rate, in a word, in all its requisitions. There can be nothing very absurd in any proposal which, how- ever narrow its promise, could thus prima Jacie be characterized. But, with these recommendations, 1 trust I have already succeeded in proving, that it combines also the most magnificent, the most varied promises ; and of these I now then finally proceed to the recapitulation, with a feeling of dif- fidence, it is true, but of diffidence springing from my fear of making out too strong, not too weak a case J for so entirely disproportioned appear the promised advantages to the means by which, it seems to me, they might be attained, I almost fear for the Hnks by which they are connected, how- ever carefully I appear, to myself at least, to have considered them. First, then, as regards the Pacific Ocean, my scheme would seem to offer a lucrative and improv- ing trade with the Spanish colonies, together with the means of curbing their ambition should they become young, independent, and enterprizing states, and of checking the piracy of their marine, should ii57 i that be made desperate through their rcvluction and defeat. With respect to New Albion, the next tract of country to the Spanish colonies, the prospect afforded by it is that of a lucrative and convenient market to the fur traders, who have now only one port to which they can repair, (Can- ton,) while even that they enter under peculiar dis- advantages, owing to the exclusive privileges en- joyed there by the East India Company ; as also the hope of being able to confer on Canada a new and lucrative branch of commerce altogether de- pendent on our will, and which would consequent- ly still further bind it to our side. Passing on in the review of the resources of the Pacific, it would now further promise, or seem at least to promise, the opportunity of acquiring an important share in the speculations of the Russians alike in America and in Asia ; of opening the out ports of China and Japan to our trade ; of improving the morals and encouraging the industry of our fellow subjects in New South Wales, should we still continue that settlement on its present footing, and of develop- ing its various commercial resources, should we be induced to alter its destination, and to confer on it the usual privileges and constitution of a British colony ; of civilizing and most essentially benefit- ing the islanders of the Pacific ; of encouraging the whale fisheries ; promoting the interests of science ; 7 358 and, finally, for why follow it through all its minor points, of conferring on us an ample revenue, the produce of the transit duty which would most na- turally be imposed on all merchandise alike pass- ing through the warehouses of our free port, and which levied on foreign as well as domestic specula- tion, and neither subject to any very heavy expenses of collection, uor to drawback, would necessarily be even from the first considerable, while the pro- gressive improvement of the whole trade would un- questionably in time give it a very great import- ance in our calculations, an importance to which Jiow perhaps it cannot altogether pretend. Thus far, then, in the Pacific, and certainly even the most cursory review of these several topics must satisfy the reader, that the list contains nearly all that can be devised of most interesting, as yet, in that sea, and that a measure bearing accordingly beneficially on all of them, may be said to be even of universal application within its sphere. The view, however, in the Atlantic is even still more bril- liant and seducing. The first step of our progress there is to improve most essentially the means of communication with India, and generally the whole southern hemisphere ; and an immediate but minor consequence of this improvement is then coupled under the same head with it, that special encou- ragement, namely, which it is calculated to bestow 359 m^ on our manufactures, by facilitating their exchange against the crude produce of these remote coun- tries. Certainly, few objects of a domestic nature can possibly be more interesting than this antici- pated encouragement; but important and interest- ing as it may be, it is yet eclipsed by those which almost immediately dawn on our contemplation, when we, in the next place, consider the general resort of all merchants to this our medium of com- munication, which its striking improvement and su- periority over all others, together with the freedom and security of trade which, if organized in all res- pects as proposed it would enjoy, necessarily and inevitably entail. On this general resort, indeed, hinge now further all the anticipated consequences of the proposed measure, and to tlie recapitula- tion of these then I now finally proceed. The first is the acquisition of an even immense re- venue, levied, as in the Pacific, alike on foreign and domestic speculation, and further, illustrathig the operation of a new principle in financial adminis- tration, which I presume to think might advan- tageously be extended to many more of its details. Next follow in succession, the power acquired through its medium, of guiding the whole course of trade as may suit our purposes, by means of mere financial regulations, a power which I acknowledge to be of difficult and delicate administration, but IV> 360 of which I endeavour to illustrate the application, by pointing out the support which we might con- fer, through its exercise, on our East India Com- pany's Chinese trade ; the means, further, which it would bestow on us of encouraging Continental shipping to the exclusion and proscription of that Carrying Trade which once made the Dutch so powerful, and to which the Americans now again openly aspire ; of interrupting, without violence and without oifence, that direct communication with India, which we were desirous, it was under- stood, to refuse these latter at the late peace, which they would not however resign, but which they abuse as much as lies in their power, by the acrimonious and malignant representations which they every where make of us, where the opportu- nity presents ; of giving thus additional security to India, whether we choose to colonize it or not j and, finally, of acquiring a general power and in- fluence in both hemispheres, exactly proportioned to the approach which our particular channel or medium may make to the monopoly of the w^hole communication between both, and to the value of the thing monopolized, that is to say, of the whole trade, by whomsoever conducted. At this point, accordingly, I endeavour to illustrate the operation of the proposed measure, in diminishing the occa- sions of hostile feeling between nations, and also of 361 mitigating the inflictions with which war, when it is excited, is necessarily surcharged ; and having thus connected it, as it appeared to me, with every thing most interesting in policy, with wealth, with commercial prosperity, with political aggrandize- ment, and thus, too, finally, with the feelings of humanity and benevolence, which will ever I trust beat high in the British bosom, I have been sen- sible that to multiply much further images and il- lustrations, would but weaken, not strengthen my argument j and I have sought, therefore, to give it but one more association, that, viz. with the propa- gation of our religious faith among the as yet ido- latrous nations of the southern world. That ob- ject has long been even the exclusive purpose of numerous Societies, whose zeal has been constant- ly kept alive, it is true, by some partial success, but with whose means, if left entirely to themselves, it would almost appear ridiculous — I speak it in perfect respect for their conduct and motives — ^to associate any idea of its final or complete attain- ment. Conn* cted, however, with a minute and permanent commercial intercourse, such as this proposed measure would seem calculated to pro- ducej and increased, too, as these particular re- sources would tlien undoubtedly be, by the liberal contributions of many who now only deride the exertions which they are devoted to sustain, they 36^ would, in truth, assume an entirely new character, and might most reasonably be anticipated as be- coming, in time, commensurate, in some degree at least, in magnitude with the object which they would pursue. In descanting on this particular por- tion of my subject, I have refrained, as much as pos- sible, in the body at least of this work, from using my own words, fearful as I have been of betraying either enthusiasm or apathy in my reasonings concerning a point which is so differently appreciated by dif- ferent readers — appre -ated too by them all on such different grounds — it is scarcely possible so to speak of it at all, as to avoid offence. I cannot consent to part with it here, however, with an expression altogether so subdued ; for who so cold in heart as not, on some principle or other, to warm at its contemplation ? I will say then, that these two last associations, in my own estimation, give a grace and dignity to the whole, of which the ex- clusive political aggrandisement which it otherwise contemplates would seem in some measure to de- prive it ; and that it is their consideration alone which harmonizes the darker shades of that, and gives uniform beauty and softness to the whole pros- pect on which they are thus brought to act. For be it remarked, that inordinate power is in itself but a dangerous acquisition — an acquisition which almost always excites bitterness and repining on 363 the part of those exchided from its participa* tion, while it is but too often also the fruitful source of weakness and degeneracy in those who attain its height, and who thus, from being the agents of its decrees, become themselves, in turn, but the victims of its caprice. But if our power, my countrymen, is to be thus crovmed, if these are even to be the concluding tasks of our high ca-^ rear, then let us even immolate ourselves, I will say, if need be, in their pursuit and discharge ; and let us deem the anticipated memory of such functions in after times, equivalent, aye more than equivalent, with even the highest pit^^ of success consequent on a dark and blood-stained ambition such as that, the sun of which we have just extin- guished, and caused to set in the darkness and in the night of disappointment and of remorse. Such ought to be our conduct, I say, if assured that these were to be even the concluding tasks in our high destiny, preparatory, accordingly, for our de- cline and fall : I will not allow, however, that our alternative is so strongly couched ; on the con- trary, I will most strenuously maintain, that in the very elements of a system such as that we have now contemplated, in even the political part of which, a due regard for the individual interests of our competitors is mixed up and blended with our pursuit of our own, and which is further S64> crowned by religious considerations, in the very elements of such a syst^, I say, a consistency and stability will be found, which, with the further blessing of the Being who has most graciously vouchsafed us the opportunity of applying it, may be deemed even assured pledges of the durability of the power which it would build up. Let us seize, then, I would rather now finally say, friends and fellow countrjntnen, let us seize this proud, this per- manent pre-eminence, and with that azure scep- tre by which alone it can be maintained, and around which we have hitherto entwined only the lair els of conquest and of defiance, let us thus also asso- ciate every idea of beneficence and of peace. Let us thus seize, I say again, this pre-eminence ; let us thus jewel that sceptre ; and then, if it be indeed still too much to hope, in this sublunary state of be- ing, that the ancient rivals of our power, whom we shall have cast at our feet, should regard the lustre thus reflected on our Imperial Diadem with un- mingled sentiments of reverence and love, let this be our proud, our consoling thought, that to the administration at least of the high authority con- fided to us they can attach no blame ; that it might be dearer to them certainlv were it entrusted to themselves, but that even then it could not, by their own confession, be more beneficently, more right- eously exercised. i T ^- h S^5 May the future destinies of this country, by whomsoever they may be guided, prove no worse than what are here delineated ! Long, very long, may she reign the arbitress of a world pacified through her generous exertions; and when the hour shall come, as come it must, when her rulers shall be successively called to their last and great account, may the means by which they may have earned their success, prove to have been as guile- less as these, which are thus earnestly, but most respectfully, submitted to their dispassionate con- sideration. f^NN/// ^^■'- FINIS. .^„.-'''- Printed by B' /