270 



PERSONAL WORTH 



the argument of the Spaniards was not strength- 

 ened : since, whenever a native did rise to wealth 

 or consequence, he became, from that instant, 

 virtually a Spaniard ; and derived his riches by 

 means of monopolies, at the expence of the coun- 

 try ; and as he obtained power, solely by becom- 

 ing a servant of the government, he merely assist- 

 ed in oppressing his countrymen, without the 

 possibility of serving them. 



Much however in fairness, is to be said in ex- 

 cuse for the sinking race of Spaniards in those 

 countries. They undoubtedly are far better in- 

 formed men, more industrious, and more highly 

 bred than the natives are in general. As mer- 

 chants they are active, enterprising, and honour- 

 able in all their dealings. It is only on the na- 

 tional question between them and the natives 

 that they are illiberal. Towards those with whom 

 they are acquainted personally, or with whom they 

 have business to transact, they are always fair and 

 reasonable. They are much less tainted with bi- 

 gotry than the natives ; they are men taken ge- 

 nerally of pleasing conversation and manners, 

 and habitually obliging ; and when not pressed by 



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