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354 formerly contributed so largely to the prosperity of the republic.

By the overthrow of the old government, the nation is exonerated from a vast mass of corruption, feebleness, and abuses; and however defective the present system may be, it is, for most useful purposes, less faulty than the subverted constitution. The abolition of the aristocracy of Holland, though that body was neither numerous nor powerful, ought to be regarded as an event fortunate for the republic; and still more must its deliverance from the authority of the stadholder, as it was increased and established in 1787, be considered as a change favourable to the interests of Holland.

At no distant period, the faults of the present government of Holland may be obviated, and a salutary system established, which shall conduct the republic to its former prosperity and greatness. The principal objection to the present system is, that the commercial part of the republic has not an influence, in the deliberations and proceedings of the legislature, equal to its importance.