chap, hi.] WEST INDIES. 
217 
CHAPTER Hi. 
Principles on which the Nations of Europe settled Colonies 
in America.—Commercial Regulations of Great Bri¬ 
tain.—Remarks on the Acts of Navigation. — Admis¬ 
sion of foreign built Vessels eventually beneficial.— 
Exports,from Great Britain to the Sugar Islands, and 
their Value.—The same from Ireland.—Wines from 
Madeira and the Azores.—Other Profits.—Summary 
of the whole.—Imports from the West Indies to Great 
Britain and Ireland , and their Value according to the 
London Prices.—Amount of British Capital vested in 
the Sugar Islands.—Shipping and Seamen.—General 
Observations. — Appendix. 
T HE establishment of colonies in America by 
the nations of Europe (says Montesquieu) was 
contrived, not in the view of building cities and 
extending empires; but for the purpose of carry¬ 
ing on trade to greater advantage than could be 
done with rival states. Commercial monopoly 
therefore, and with great reason, is the leading 
principle of colonial intercourse. 
This account, with some little qualification, may 
be admitted; and a very slight inquiry will demon¬ 
strate that it applies as pointedly to the English, as 
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