Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/739

Rh upon a still surer basis, the passions and interests of the most influential classes of the inhabitants.

To the mass of the people all forms of government are indifferent, and many do not yet know under which they live; but amongst those who alone possess a political character, the resident landholders, the merchants, the military, the lawyers, and the parochial clergy, considerations of local and personal advantage have created a decided feeling in favour of the Federal system.

In each State, a field is opened by it to every citizen, upon which few think themselves too obscure to venture, although they might not have aspired to political honours beyond the limits of their own provinces. In a small circle every thing is a source of distinction; and thus the multiplicity of petty offices created by the State Legislatures, though disadvantageous in one sense, by increasing the expences of the country, is of use in another, by bringing home to all classes the advantages of a change, which places employment, and a sort of rank in the world, within the reach of the humblest individual.

It was natural that, in a country where the natives had been excluded for three centuries from any share in the management of their own affairs, these considerations should have great weight; but I confess that I was not prepared to see State interests, and State feelings become so universally predominant as they have done during the last two years.

Another advantage with which the subdivision of