Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-12-08

teen thousand citizens, it would be nume-
rous if all the provinces had sent delegates
in that ratio of population.
| With some exceptions, and particularly
of that palladium of our rights, which is
unknown TO the civil law the trial by jury,
the provisional constitution will be founds
on an attentive perusal, TO contain dis
tinct recognition of many of the vital
principles OF free government. A church
establishment also, that of the catholic
faith, is contrary TO our ideas OF religious
freedom though measure, adopted from
necessity, perhaps, by them.
1t declares, that all power, legislative,
judicial, and executive, resides in the ma
ton. The congress are to be chosen by
electors, who are to be voted for by the
people in the primary assemblies. The
cabildos, or municipalities, are TO be elect
ed Immediately by the citizens. Ii recog-
nizes the independence of the Judiciary,
and declares the tenure of office, with re-
spect to the Superior judges, to be during
good behaviour. 1t provides for the cleo
ton of chief magistrate by congress, re-
movable when they choose TO appoint
successor, and responsible for the execu-
ton of the duties OF his office, which are
defined and limited. La the oath of office,
be is sworn to preserve the integrity aud
independence of the country.
The three great departments of state,
of the treasury, and of war, are distinctly
marked out, and their respective powers
and duties assigned.
On some subjects it enters more into de-
tail than is usual with US, particularly in
those os their army, navy, and militia.
But this, perhaps, in their situation, was
necessary.
1t provides that no citizen shall accept
title of nobility, without FORGETTING the
character of citizenship.
II provides also, against general war
rants, aud the arrest OF individuals, unless
on probable proof Of guilt.
1t contains sslutary provision that
judge, having original jurisdiction, before
taking cognizance of the cause, shall use
all possible means of reconciling the par
ties. This constitution is but temporary.
The Congress are engaged in the task of
forming a permanent one. III the mean
time, no alteration can be made in the
lpresent, unless with the consent Of two
thirds OF the members. In this manner
Some alterations have been adopted. The
subject of permanent constitution was
before committee of sixteen members of
ICongress. There was difference Of
opinion prevailing among them, on the
point OF confederated or consolidated
government. If they should adopt the
former, they will frame the constitution,
in all probability, nearly after the model
of that of the United States. Should they
decide on the latter, it is highly probable
they will incorporate the leading features
Eof our system into their form of govern
ment. They seen to concur 10 the prop
osition TO have chief magistrate elected
for term of years, and representative
legislature, TO consist of TWO branches. A
Senate, TO constitute the most permanent
body, aud House of Representatives,
whose term of service shall be of shorter
duration.
Perhaps it would be better for them 10
delay the completion of this all important
task after the example of the United States,
until period of peace. Their present
provisional statute is an Improvement on
those which preceded it; aud We may
expect their proposed constitution will be
still more perfect, as they advance in the
knowledge of those principles on which
republican governments are constituted.
But, however free in theory this pro-
visional statute may be, it is undoubtedly
true, that, unless administered agreeably
to its letter and spirit, it will not afford
security to the citizen. Whether any in
fractions have occurred since the date OF
Il its existence, cannot pretend to deter
mine, not being in full possession of the
facts.
When we recollect that they have the
benefit of our example, it may reasonably
be expected that they will, in general adj
here to the constitution. They have also
the fatal result of the French revolutions
warning them Of the dangers of its excess
es, of which they appear to be sensible.
The productions and the manufactures
of the different provinces, will be found in
Appendix d; but was unable to procure
any satisfactory estimates OF the probable
value or amount in each province. There
is. however, considerable internal trade
carried on in the interchange OF various
articles between the several provinces;
cattle. horses and mules, furnish consid-
cradle source Of barter with the latter,
Peru is supplied; the Paraguay tea is
great article of trade throughout the coun-
ltry. The brandy, wine, raisins, and figs
of Mendoza aud San Juan, are becoming
important; the hides of oxen, the skins of