Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-12-15

! larry English, American and French.-
Great prejudices prevail against whatever
| is Spanish. 1t is even offensive to them
to be called by this name; they prefer to
be identified with the aboFigines of the
country. The appellation which they
have assumed, and in which they take
pride, is that of South-Americans.
A powerful stimulus must necessarily
have been given to their industry, by two
important circumstances, the diminntion ia.
prices Of foreign merchandise, and the
great increase in value of the products of
the country, with the consequent rise Of
property. Though the grounds in the
neigtbourhood OF cities are highly inl-
proved, as have already stated, agricul-
ture. comparatively speaking, is 10 low
condition. In general, the lands are badly
titled. The plough is rarely used, and the
substitute is very indifferent one. But,
Notwithstanding the disadvantages of the
present method Of culture, was informed
by reputable persons that the average crop
of wheat is not less than SO bushels per
acre 10 good seasons.
On the subject Of religion, especially,
the change in the public mind has been
very great. The catholic faith is estab-
lisfied as that of the state, but there are
many advocates, both in conversation and
in writing, Of universal federation. Some
members of Congress are strongly in fa-
your of il, but the ignorant and supersti-
tious part of the people, together with the
regular clergy, would not be satisfied with
such measure-while the liberality pre-
vaiIing among the better informed classes
is such as TO secure virtual federation
for the present. Besides, from the cir
cumstance of there being no sects in the
country, such provision may wait the
progress Of liberaiity in public opinion.
10 fact, the human mind has been set free,
on all matters of a general abstract nature,
although the liberty of the press is cir
cumscribed In some degree with respect
10 structures on public measures and men.
aud the established religion; but there is
neither inquisition nor previous licence.
They acknowledge the pope as spiritual
head merely, and do not think him enti-
tied to any authority TO interfere in their
temporal concerns. His bull in favour of
the king of Spain against the coIonists,
which may be almost regarded as an ex-
communication, produced little or no sem
sation.
The number Of monks aud nuns never
were very great in Buenos Ayres, when
compared with other portions of the Span
ish domiuions. They have diminished
since the revolution. There was at one
time a positive law passed, forbidding
any one to become monk or nun but
they were obliged to repeal it, and it was
afterwards passed with some notifications.
The restrictions substituted, aided by
public opinion, have nearly produced the
desired effect. Few of the youth of the
country apply themselves to the study Of
theology, since other occupations, much
more tempting to their ambition, have
been opened TO their choice. Formerly
the priesthood was the chief aim of young
men of the best families, who were de-
sirous of distinction as, ia fact, it con-
stituted almost the only profession, to
(which those who had received a liberal
education could devote themselves which
will readily account for the circumstance
of so many of the secular clergy directing
their attention, at present, almost exclu-
sively to politics. The regular clergy,
who are not permitted, by the nature Of
their profession, to take part in the busi-
ness OF the world, or TO hold secular Off
ces, are many of them Europeans but
those Of them who are natives, take the
same lively interest in passing events, with
the other classes Of the community.
They have gone cautiously to work in
reforms in the different branches Of lheiE
municipal laws, and the administration Of
them. The number Of offices has been
considerably diminished, and responsible
ty rendered more direct and severe. The
judiciary system has undergone many im-
provements, and nearly all the leading
features Of the law, which did not har-
mouize with the principles of free govern
ment, have been expunged, though some
of the former evils still remain. The bar
barous impositions on the aborigines have
been abolished. The odious alcavalla, and
other obnoxious taxes, modified, so as to,
be no longer vexatious--slavery and the
slave trade, forbidden in future-and all
titles of nobility prohibited, under the
pain of the loss Of citizenship. The law
Of primogeniture is also expuuged from
their system. In the provisional statute,
as has already been stated, nearly all the
principles Of free representative govern
ment are recognized, accompanied, it rs
true, with certain drawbacks, for which
they plead the necessity of the times, but
which they profess their intention 10 do