STATE OF SOCFETY. \\5 



I am far from asserting this as without ex- 

 ception, for there are many highly respect- 

 able, virtuous, and honourable families; but 

 I fear, speaking of morality in general, that 

 of Colombia is at a low ebb : this I attri- 

 bute to their vile oppressors, the Spaniards, 

 who left no means untried to debase their 

 minds, and divest them of the nobler feel- 

 ings of human nature. I am convinced, how- 

 ever, that the time will come, and that it is 

 not very far distant, when education will be 

 generally diffused throughout this extensive 

 country, awaken them to a knowledge of 

 their present errors, and inculcate a system 

 replete with moral virtue ; for they are a 

 mild and docile people, with the germ of 

 virtue in their hearts, which needs but cul- 

 tivation and care to ripen. They are desir- 

 ous of information, and open to conviction. 

 — Want of money has been the great cause of 

 tbe wretched appearance of the interior of 

 most of the houses ; ajid indeed where the 



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