3S6 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



perity. They are adapted to consume works of the fine arts, 

 engravings of religious pictures, candelabres, altar-pieces, and 

 costly vestments for the priesthood. They are adapted to civi- 

 lize the servile population, which, if lazier, is certainly gentler 

 and less disposed to revolt, in the Spanish possessions. Even in 

 San Domingo the Spanish portion has been comparatively free 

 from insurrection. 



It is therefore greatly to be desired, that the English govern- 

 ment should bend its attention toward protecting, according to 

 their own wishes, the Spanish colonists. Those situate on the 

 Orinoko could immediately be provided, under British protec- 

 tion, with every thing which renders an European connexion 

 desirable to them; with better stores of supply, with wider 

 markets of vent, and with Irish merchants of their own faith, 

 to conduct their intercourse, and to amalgamate with their po- 

 pulation. 



In case a transfer of dominion should allow open intercourse 

 between the West Indies and the provinces up the Orinoko, a 

 vast many new settlers would domesticate there. The natural 

 influence of the neighbourhood would pour into these colonies 

 a truly British spirit. The additional planters, and the removed 

 slaves, would soon bring in much of our habits and our dialect, 

 would soon teach our activity and our wants. Thus the mass 

 of public force would shortly be distinguished for British sym- 

 pathies and willing allegiance. But on the Plata, the creole 



