AND NAVIGATION. 



339 



is not of sufficient moment to be taken notice of, 

 and ma] -practices are too widely diffused to be 

 punished. 



The change of policy which would lead to 

 the general advancement of the country, con- 

 sists in the abolition of the slave-trade, in the 

 toleration of all religions, in the naturalisation 

 of foreigners, and perhaps ultimately in the 

 establishment of legislative assemblies, and of 

 a general Cortes. 



If my limits would allow, and this was a 

 proper place for the purpose, I think I could 

 show that the reformation which is proposed is 

 perfectly within the power of the Court, and is 

 absolutely necessary for the security of the pre- 

 sent dynasty. The change of policy must be en- 

 tered into gradually. The government will not 

 go so far at present; — neither are the people 

 fit for the reception of the whole of these inno- 

 vations, nor would they accord with their ideas. 

 They are steps to which all countries which are 

 in a state of improvement must advance ; and if 

 those persons who are placed at the head of 

 their affairs are aware of what is due to them, 

 revolutions may be prevented by keeping pace 

 with the ideas of the people, and attending to 

 their progressive state. 



I look forwards with hope to a continuance 

 of peace in Brazil ; I trust that the devastations 

 of revolution, that the misfortunes which poli- 



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