- tion of his privileges; for he can enjoy {178} the same rights
all over the Union. The mechanic and the labourer do not remain unemployed in their native township, to establish their right to the poor's rates; for industry is not taxed in paying bounties to idleness. The landholders of England may quietly enjoy the obeisances of their pauper dependents, and pay in return their poor's rates. They may be assured, that the more equalized citizens of America are not ambitious of this interchange of benefits; and that the excess of public burdens has not yet rendered it customary for Americans to desert their own country, and to resort to France, on account of the cheapness of provisions.
The present state of North America affords the most conclusive testimony of the sound policy of a free and unrestricted trade. The United States allow commerce to regulate itself, according to its own interests, except in cases where the conduct of other nations imposes the necessity of following another course. Under legislative forbearance on this subject, the country has made unexampled progress in improvements and population. Under the jealous and illiberal government of Spain, Florida remains a contemptible province, that has scarcely a name amongst colonies. Under the fostering care and restrictions of England, Canada continues to be but a mere remnant of this great continent.
{179} LETTER XV
Outline of the American Constitution—From the frequency
of Revolutions in Europe, the instability of the
American Republic is not to be inferred.
Jeffersonville, (Indiana,) Feb. 27, 1820.
The constitution of the United States is not that ephemeral erection, which the enemies of free government
