4 26 
JOURNAL OF AN EMBASSY 
vertheless, as we are friends, we will permit the 
exportation of silver on the following condi¬ 
tions :—When English merchants come to the 
country, let them sell their goods, and with the 
proceeds purchase the produce of the country, 
as long as there is any produce to buy. When 
they cannot procure produce, they will have per¬ 
mission to export silver, on making application 
to the public authorities to the amount of the 
balance.— E. It is a maxim with us, that all in¬ 
terference of public officers in the concerns of 
merchants is hurtful. Merchants dislike it, and 
trade never thrives when Governments meddle. 
The plan you have just proposed is full of in¬ 
convenience and difficulty, and will never an¬ 
swer. I have already said as much upon this 
subject as was proper, and it is not fitting that 
I should insist farther upon it. Let the subject, 
therefore, be dropped. 
JB. In the first article of the treaty, it is pro¬ 
vided that both Governments shall look after 
the concerns of merchants ; what you now ad¬ 
vance is inconsistent with this.— E. Merchants 
desire no protection from Government, except 
a fair administration of justice. The first article 
of the proposed treaty to which you have allud¬ 
ed, provides that the two Governments shall 
afford protection and security to merchants. 
