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Show TAXES- PROSPERITY 09 THE COLONY. 188 • which one- half of the price at which they are sold is demanded: the object of this last impost being avowedly to discourage the introduction of that article among them. It has, indeed, operated to a great extent as a prohibition, the importer, to save himself from loss, having to double the price at which he could otherwise have afforded to sell. The result of this policy was, when we were there, to bring up the price of brandy to twelve dollars per gallon, of which the authorities took six; and of whisky to eight dollars, of which they collected four dollars. The circulating medium is principally gold of their own coinage, and such foreign gold as is brought in by converts from Europe. Notwithstanding this heavy, and as it would be to us, insupportable burden upon industry and enterprise, nothing can exceed the appearance of prosperity, peaceful harmony, and cheerful contentment that pervaded the whole community. Ever since the first year of privation, provisions have been abundant, and want of the necessaries and even comforts of life is a thing unknown. A design was at one time entertained ( more, I believe, as a prospective measure than any thing else) to set apart a fund for the purpose of erecting a poorhouse; but after strict inquiry, it was found that there were in the whole population but two persons who could be considered as objects of public charity, and the plan was consequently abandoned. This happy external state, of universally diffused prosperity, is commented on by themselves, as an evidence of the smiles of Heaven and of the special favour of the Deity: but I think it may be most clearly accounted for in the admirable discipline and ready obedience of a large body of industrious and intelligent men, and in the wise councils of prudent and sagacious leaders, producing a oneness and concentration of action, the result of which has astonished even those by whom it has been effected. The happy consequences of this system of united and well- directed action, under one leading and controlling mind, is most prominently apparent in the erection of public buildings, opening of roads, the construction of bridges, and the preparation of the country for the speedy occupation of a large and rapidly growing population, shortly to be still further augmented by an immigration even now on their way, from almost every country in Europe. Upon the personal character of the leader of this singular people, it may not, perhaps, be proper for me to comment in a communication like the present. I may nevertheless be pardoned for saying, |
