84 EXPORTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



would probably never have been shaken ; and 

 California would have proved a most convenient 

 support for the claims of the mother country 

 on the revolutionized colonies, especially on 

 Mexico, formerly the fertile source of Spanish 

 wealth. The Philippines have not rebelled, 

 and these rich islands could have afforded all 

 the assistance the missions required. The neg 

 lect of California by Spain would almost seem 

 to have been appointed by Providence, that the 

 prosperity of the new States might suffer no in 

 terruption. 



One immediate result of the independence of 

 this colony is the opening of her ports to all na 

 tions, and the consequent impetus given to com 

 merce. The North American States have been 

 the first to make use of the privilege. 



The exports of California now consist of corn, 

 ox-hides, tallow, and the costly skins of the sea- 

 otter. Some speculators have attempted a trade 

 with China, but hitherto without success. A 

 richly laden ship was entrusted to a North Ame 

 rican captain for this purpose, who disposed of 

 the cargo in China ; but found it more conve- 



