SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 573 



Tlie unbeliever, the weak mind and the strong, 



Might, if it had so pleased him, have created men of one opinion, 



Or have converted them at one word 



To one and the same religion." 



The first step to be taken for the security of what has been 

 already acquired by the British government in Guyana is cer- 

 tainly to occupy Cayenne. The value of the acquisition is 

 less to be considered, than the expediency of displacing from 

 the continent a powerful neighbour every way dangerous to 

 the internal tranquillity and prosperity. In proportion to the 

 progress of settlement and of purchase, a British interest grows 

 up in the several administrative bodies. This interest insensibly 

 becomes a party opposed to the old Dutch landed interest, and 

 is its competitor for the distribution of patronage, for the favor 

 of the sovereign, and for the direction of those various public 

 undertakings, which so materially affect the local value of nas- 

 cent properties. While the ascendency remains in the old hands, 

 or in fair equipoise, people are easy ; but it may be expected 

 that the British party will ere long, through the indirect aid of 

 the governors and public officers, become every where the do- 

 mineering influence. In such case discontent may arise ; 

 and the ancient proprietors, especially if irritated by inconve- 

 nient changes in the system of vassalage, may, through their 

 connexions in Holland, concert with Bonaparte to have the 

 settlements in Guyana re-Jemanded for the subsisting subordi- 

 nate government in Holland, at the next negotiation of a peace. 



