Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/16

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PREFACE.

for it is upon the duration of the new order of things that the prospects of the rising States depend. The Revolution has affected not only their political, but their commercial relations with the rest of the world; its influence has extended to their agriculture and mines, to both of which, after threatening them with total annihilation, it has given a fresh impulse, and opened a new and more extensive field. But liberty can alone repair the evils which the struggle for liberty has caused; and to ascertain the probability of its permanency is consequently a first step towards the consideration of its effects.

I have endeavoured to trace their operation in Mexico upon each branch of the great interests of the State, but more particularly upon the Mines; the importance of which, both to New Spain and to Europe, it has been one of my principal objects to develope.

As my views upon this subject differ materially from those generally entertained, I think it right to state, most distinctly and unreservedly, that the situation which I had the honour of filling in Mexico, rendered it impossible for me to take any other interest in the issue of the enterprises, by which