Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-12-01


Interfere with those OF Spain, were not
lpermitted. They were prevented, under
severe penalties, from raising flax, hemp,
or saffron. In climates most congenlai
TO them, the culture oil the grape and the
olive was prohibited. On account oil the
distance OF Peru and Chill, and the diff
Guilty of transporting oil aud wine TO these
remote regions, they were permitted 10
plant vines and olives, but were prohibited
the culture OF tobacco. At Buenos Ayres,
by special indulgence OF the vice-roys,
they were allowed to cultivate grapes and
oliv6s, merely for the use OF the table.
They were compelled TO procure from
| the mother country articles of the first
necessity and were thus rendered de-
pendent on her for the conveniencies OF
| life, as we'll as Injuries. The crown
possessed the monopoly OF tobacco, salt,
aud gunpowder.
To these oppressive regulations and re-
strictions was added an odious system OF
taxation. From the indians was exacted
tribute in the shape OF poll tax, or
certain servilude IN the mines, called the
mita. A tenth part of the produce of cut
tvated lands was taken, under the de-
nomination of tithes. The alcayala, tax
varying from two and a half to five per
cent, on every sale and release 0. all things
movable and immoveable, was rigidly
exacted, though, in some cases a commu-
tation was allowed. Roy al aud municipal
duties were laid OIL imports aud on the
tonnage, entrance and clearance of vessels,
under the different expectations of almo
xarilasgo, sea, alcavalla, cerso, consulate,
amarda, and arm adilla. To these may be
added the royal ffths of the precious
metals, the most important tax in the
mining districts. Besides all these, there
were stamp taxes, tavern licences, aud
sums paid for the sale Of offices, of titles
of nobility, papal bulls, the composition
and confirmation of lands, with number
OF others OF al Inferior grade.
Under the Spanish monarchs, who had
early Obtained from the pope the eccles-
astical dominion, and thus had united in
their royal persons all civil and religious
authority, most oppressive hierarchy
was established, aud its numerous train Of
offices and orders succeeded by the in
QUESTION.
The posts of honour and profit, from
the highest to the lowest, were filled al
most exclusively by natives Of old Spain.
The principal code on law, thus main
tanning the supremacy Of Spain over those
distant regions, almost locked up from the
rest of the world, emanated from the
council Of the Indies established by the
king, 10 which he was supposed to be
always present The royal rescripts, the
recopitationes of the Indies, and the parti-
das, furnished the general rules of deci-
sion; and when these were silent or doubt
Iful. recourse was had to the opinions of
professional men.
This system was generally executed by
the vice roys, captains general, and by
The tribunals of justice, with spirit cor
responding with the rigorous policy that
produced it. To this form Of government,
the country had for centuries submitted
with implicit obedience, and probably
would have continued to submit much long
INIs Dul iOf tlIC CfCtto III tflto SOufltIN djNi
the changes in Europe. The sagacious
minds Of many able writers, penetrating
into the future, had predicted, at some dis
tant date, revolution in South America,
before that in North America had com
menced. From the period Of the success
iul termination OF our own struggle for in
dependence, that of the inhabitants of the
south has been with more confidence fore
| told and there is reason TO believe ii has
been fastened by this fortunate event.
The conduct Of Spain, during the war of
our revolution, was calculated to make
lasting impression on her colonies. This
result was then loreseen by intelligent poll
,icians; many were surprised that she
could be so blind TO her interests, after
she had, on one occasion, manifested the
strongest suspicion of Paraguay for to her
serapuIous jealousy of this power the ex-
pulsion of the Jesuits from that country, in
$50, is to be attributed.
The wars that arose from the French
revolution, have produced in Europe,
changes Of the greatest magnitude, which
have had an immense influence on the
affairs OF South America When Spain
Joined France against the combined prin-
ces, she exposed her distant possessions to
British hostiIities. The great naval pow
er Of England gave her ready access to
the American colonies Engaged in an
arduous contest, she was prompted by her
feelings and interest, to retaliate 90 Spain
the conduct she experienced from her dn-
ring the war of our independence. En-
couraged, perhaps, by the counseis OF her
enemies, the first symptoms Of insurrection,
in the continental possessions of Spain,