BOOK II, CHAP. VIII. 117 



tlie walk of trade for party and political wianglings. The crcx'ling 

 of building., which are really appurtenant to trade, would encou- 

 rage that fpirit, and confer that importance. We may illuftrate 

 the argument, by fuppoilng what would be the cafe, if no houfe 

 of reiidence was provided for the governor, and no fenate-'ioufe for 

 the aflembly. If the former dwelt in a private lodging, and the 

 latter met to tranfaft all their weip-htv affairs in a tavern, or under 

 a large tree ; fuch degradauon would be apt to bring contempt 

 upon the governmental powers, and leflen, the reverence and efH- 

 mation with which they ought to be regarded. But the flrongell 

 argument is, that, by bringing the commercial offices together 

 into one certain ipot, and aihgning a certain convenient place 

 where traders and men of bufinels can regularly meet, to carry on 

 their negociations with each other, all the fprings and movements 

 of the commercial machine are kept in conftant exa6t order, con- 

 fufion and delay are avoided, every thing goes on with difpatch and 

 facility. Trade muft have a livelier current, where the clogs and 

 impediments to its free circulation are rem.oved ; and a great annual 

 faving made in point of time ; an article upon which merchaiits 

 necellarily fet the highefl: value. In the lower part of tlie town is 

 a very pretty theatre, exceedingly well contrived, and neatly fi- 

 iiifhed. Dramatical performances were exhibited here during the 

 laft war ; at vihich time there was a confiderahle quantity of prize 

 money in circulation ; but in time of peace, the town is not able, 

 or not difpofed, to fupport fo coflly an amufement. The taverns 

 here are large and well fupplied. in the two principal ones, called 

 Ranelagh and Vauxhall, are long rooms for concerts, balls, and 

 public entertainments. A new governor is generally feafted for 

 three days fucceflively in Spanifli Town. Soon after which, he 

 makes a kind of publick entry into Kingfton ; where he is again 

 regaled by the cuftos, or chief magiftrate of the tow-n, and the rell 

 of the inhabitants, who ulually make a fubfcription-purfe for the 

 purpofe. In thefe feafons of fefVivity there feems an emulation be- 

 tween the two towns, as if they contended which fliould treat hinv 

 with themoft Iplendid entert'ainments. The tavern called Ranelagh 

 is a large, lofty building, commanding a fine view of the town, 

 harbour, and (liipping. Here the balls and concerts are ufually ex- 



hibitsd ; 



