Polynesian., 1844-08-03

nnanCcS, anu THAT OHc Indn, ny Tic loTCc
Of his genius, energy and fortitude, in less
than two years dispelled the prejudices that
beclouded the minds of his countrymen, gave
fresh life to the mining, agricultural and
commercial interests, filled the treasury, paid
the troops and other servants of Govern
mcnt, committed and arranged for the claims
Of retired and supernumerary officers
revived public credit, and totally extin-
guished contraband, in every part of the
Republic. These great and really wonder
full changes were effected through an i'm
mense reduction Of duties, by removing
all the restrictions and shackles that pressed
upon trade, and by encouraging the influx
Of foreigners, with their wares and goods,
by declaring Valparaiso a free port.
What has been the consequence Chill
has increased in population, industry, wealth
and civilization, with a rapidity which leaves
all her sister Republics far behind. The
stranger of all nations finds there his home,
and full scope for the e~xertion of his talents
and industry; and is enthusiastic in the sup
port of the government which so cordially
receives and so generously protects him;
public credit is fully restored both at home
and abroad; the treasury overfows; the
army and navy are reduced, but well paid
and effective; corruption is unknown in any
department Of government, and the revenues
are everywhere honestly paid, and faithfully
collected.
Ii one man could do so much in Chill,
there is no reason why one man should not
do as much in Mexico. The present presi-
dent-Santa Anna-has a power and a
"prestige," far greater than Don Manuel
II onOtfo n ~ ony nthor (Nh;Eon QUO hol.
and nothing could be more worthy of his
renown as chief of the nation, than to guide
it in the right path, as to matters of finance,
and OF Irrational industry.
The Chilians are not more dOcilc than the
Mexicans, and the natural resources Of their
country are far inferior. Under the Spanish
Government, Chill could not pay its own
expenses; now, it is as solvent as Great
Britain or France; the police is admirable;
the administration is powerful, energetic, and
and respectable; a national spirit has been
formed; morality has assumed a high tone;
civilization and a certain degree Of refine
ment have extended themselves through all
classes, and as regards foreigners, their
political system is attractive not rtpulsire, as
that Of this government has recently be-
come.
l have dwelt the longer upon this subject
OF contraband, because until that is put an
end to, the Republic will never prosper, nor
will her creditors ever be paid. To destroy
1t, and that forever, is a matter of the great
est care, but there is only one way of doing
1t, and that is by following the example
OF Chill and Venezuela, in the reduction
OF duties to an extent that leaves 10 compen-
sating profit to the risks of contraband, and
by adhering to a rational system of duties
once established.
Don .Antonio Garay, in his remarks, states
his belief, that under such a system, foreign
merchants would discourage contraband.1
That he is right, / am fully persuaded; for,
having an extensive acquaintance with the
merchants In both cOasts-especially nv own
countrymen-l know that there is not one
OF them who does not deprccate contraband
as the bane of a sound and healthy business
In this country, nor one who does not de-
plore as the greatest humiliation and debase-
ment, the necessity Of giving his hand to,
ana perhaps admitting to the social inter-
course of his wife and children, and seating
at ms table, those p%erjured villains amongst
the employees of the custom-houses, who.
having sworn fidelity to the laws of their
country, infringe those laws, betray its inte-
rests, and rob, for their own advantage.
a large share of its revenue.
1t is no less ridiculous than disgusting to
see those worms, fattened, bloated and over
grown through their own corruption-those
public Robbers-those vile and infamous be-
trayers of their country's trust, arrogate to
themselves and families, airs of gentility, SUI
periority and refinement, contend for the
chief places at public festivals, chief honors
IN society, and chief rank in religious pro-
cesslons, just as if they were not the mere