1821 Jan 2

Rid Yourselves

Lett. 5 Under Code, profit none

'. Deputation [...?] tax

So far from a net profit upon the balance, and by virtue of under the Constitution

as it stands, how so much as a single maravedi should ever make any such voyage in

the first instance; is more than I can see.

By Art. 335, to the body established by the Constitution, in every Province,

Ultramarian as well as Spanish under the style of the Provincial Deputation, composed

(see Art 325 and 326) nine Members are assigned ten

functions distinguished and numbered. Of these the first is to intervene (a) and approve the division made among the people of the taxes

that have fallen to the share of (b) the province.

To this authority is this most vital of all functions committed - not to any other:

therefore, under the Constitution, if not by this body it can not be performed at all

Now what appears to me is - that, considering what it to be done with the money if

levied, namely to be sent, (as will be seen) to Spain (per Art. 346) in any quantity

required by Spanish rulers ruling in Spain no such approbation will any such

Ultramarian deputation ever give.

The Members of which this body is composed who are they? Of the nine, (not to

mention the two that will be noticed[?] precisely) [...?] (per Art. 328) are to be

eleven by the District Electors, on the day following that of appointing Deputies to

the Cortes. And these District Electors by whom are they chosen? On the present canon

it may be perceived with a degree of prudence and correctness, sufficient for the

purpose,- in the first stage of Election by all persons born in any part of the

Spanish dominions, and not excluded by any one of a number of special causes, among

which no such thing as the absence of a determinate pecuniary qualification is to be

found. (c)

(a) " Examine" says the Translation.

(b) "Required form" says the Translation.

(c) [...?...?] country [...?...?] see origen de los dominios Españoles de [...?]

hemisferios.