[clxvii. 139]

1821 March 7

Rid Yourselves

Ult. [...?]

'.6. Constitution paralysesthe Discourse.

In Spain any such patron is to send so much money to Ultramaria. If not, [...?] justice to Ultramaria.

Now, my friends, observe what chance there is that under the Constitutional Code when matters are settled a maravedi should ever reach Spain from any part of Ultramaria.

How should it? Under Article 335 it can not be levied in any Province without the consent of the Provincial Deputation of the Province, the Members elected seven of them out of nine. Art. 326 328 by the inhabitants of the Province.

I say not without the consent of that somebody. For of the functions nine in number attached to that body by this Article, the first is - to interview and approve /interview and approve/ the division made by the Cortes of the taxes required for the province.

Now for every such approbation what can be inducement? For when the taxes are levied see what it is that is to be done with them?

In the first place, whatsoever portion the constituted authorities in Spain are pleased to receive there is to be sent thither. So says Article 346 The provincial treasures shall correspond with the National Treasury, and held at its disposal the whole of their receipts, and it is by these same peninsular Constituted authorities that the question of its money to be levied for the purpose, is to be determined. So says Article 131, clauses 13 and 15. To the Ultramarian provinces respectively belongs nothing but the negation: the negation which you have just been shown. In the exercise of it is it likely they should be very reserved?

That of the many so levied in Ultramaria supposing any money based there the peninsular should draw to Spain the whole, I have not any apprehension: never will the Ultramarians have any. One reason is - be the country what it may - that unless regular government be maintained in a Country /it/ no regular supply of money can be had from it. Another reason is that of the population of Ultramaria a portion and that an considerable one is always to be composed of peninsulars sent thither as above to fatten: and that for that portion at any rate of the population neither the matter of subistence nor that of abundance which be altogether wanting, will be the case of their relations and other connecting issues among the [...?] for the Provinciales.