GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 483 



from the interior with the ocean, or with na- 

 vigable rivers, for the most part practicable. 

 This tract of country is ])ut thinly populat- 

 ed in proportion to its size. An extent of 

 territory, capable of maintaining a hundred 

 million souls, comprehends little more than 

 two millions and a half It is divided into 

 twelve departments, which are sub-divided 

 into thirty-one provinces. The government 

 consists of a senate, or upper chamber, of fifty 

 members, elected for eight years; and a house 

 of representatives, or lower chamber, of ninety- 

 five members elected for four years. 



Here we have a country rich in every natu- 

 ral advantage of soil, climate, and situation; 

 abounding in scenery of indescribable beauty ; 

 and these possessions further enhanced by the 

 liberty and independence secured to it. But 

 these rare and precious gifts are but too often 

 bestowed on a population deficient in every 

 moral energy, and devoid of that laudable am- 

 bition, which urges man to seek to better his 

 condition in this world. The richness of this 

 fine country affords a continual and striking 

 contrast with the poverty of the inhabitants. 

 A strenuous effort must be made by the go- 



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