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118 practised, may have been momentarily benefited by the cheapness of the merchandizes, they have been deprived of the constant advantages of the competition.

If this criminal procedure cannot be suspected in the companies of which we have spoken, on account of the patriotic zeal with which they have concurred towards the national felicity, their having entered into the common traffic of the kingdom without any distinct privileges, and without any variation either of the cargoes or duties, is a security against any apprehension of their fatal preponderance.

SECTION III.

"Those by whom we are governed," observes a profound politician, "have merely the time to govern us:" thus implying, that their attention being drawn to the immense and complicated objects of rule and authority, it is not possible that it should be extended to the different relations and circumstances which enter into the organization of each particular province. Notwithstanding, therefore, the destructive principles which have hastened the decline of Peru, may be confidently disclosed, and pointed out with certainty it is not surprizing that, having been introduced under the description of public benefits, they have, on that specious pretext, been continued without remission.

As a meet remedy for the present abject state of Peru, and as the true source of an infallible prosperity, the encouragement of agriculture, and the most vigilant endeavours to augment the productions of the soil, have been strenuously recommended. This proposition, repeated by inexperience, and