Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/426

396 of Convents, and the Inquisition, may be set against the Media Anata and Mesada; and although the Alcavalas, (which alone produced 3,000,000 dollars,) together with the minor branches of Cards, Stamps, Licenses for cockpits, and a portion of the Tithes, have been made over to the States, the Contingent to be paid by them in return, (3,136,875 dollars), will more than cover the deficiency.

There is, therefore, no reason to suppose that the revenue of the Federal Government will be less, ultimately, than that formerly derived from the country by Spain. But time and tranquillity are necessary in order to repair the devastation occasioned by the late struggle, and even if the mines prosper in no ordinary degree early in the ensuing year, I should think that 1835 would be the earliest period at which it may reasonably be expected that the receipts of the Mexican Treasury can again equal those of 1803.

In the mean time, however, some progress has been made.

Of the produce of the Revenue from 1810 to 1821, nothing certain is known; it is, however, generally supposed not to have exceeded fourteen millions of dollars.