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and agreeable anticipation of the advantages which the Nation will derive from its labours.

The subjects which I propose to submit to the consideration of the present Cortes, principally relate to the more effectual consolidation of the Constitutional System; such as the division of the Territory, and the measures necessary for establishing the Political Government, in conformity with that division; the Codes; the Military Regulations; the Project of Decree for the organization of the Naval Force; and the Decree for the organization of the active Militia.

It is extremely necessary that every thing should be placed in harmony with the fundamental Law of the Kingdom, thus leaving the Administration free from those heavy embarrassments to which it is often exposed from the absence of this harmony; and which it is not in the power of Government to remove.

I have also thought it necessary that other matters should be considered, which, although not exactly comprehended in the Constitution, yet have considerable influence upon the national prosperity; such as; the steps necessary to be taken to ensure the tranquillity, and promote the prosperity of the American Provinces; the examination, revision, and modification of the Customs; the liquidation of the demands for Supplies; the means necessary for securing the Nation against losses from the circulation of false or adulterated foreign Coin; the measures relative to the supplementary Credits; and the Decree for Charitable Establishments.

Although every thing is of importance which is about to be the subject of deliberation in these Extraordinary Cortes, yet their convocation is the most important of all. This new demonstration, and guarantee, of the union which prevails between the high Orders of the State, cannot fail to convince all the Enemies of our Institutions, that their efforts against them will be abortive.

I shall avail myself of the period during which the Cortes shall remain assembled, to propose to them such measures as may appear to my Government urgent or necessary, and also to require their cooperation, should circumstances demand it.

Vast indeed is the field, Gentlemen Deputies, which presents itself to your zeal, and enlightened understandings; and the talents by which you are so eminently distinguished, united to the prudence and circumspection which have hitherto characterized all your deliberations, ensure to the Nation the completion of those benefits for which it is already so much your debtor.

I am fully convinced that you will, in every respect, render yourselves entitled to the admiration of the Nation, and of Europe; strengthening every day your claim to the particular esteem of your Sovereign, who will always consider you the chief support of his Con

stitutional Throne.

FERDINAND.

ADDRESS of the House of Representatives to the People of Hayti, on the Close of the Session.-16th November, 1821.

CITIZENS,

(Translation.)

THE term of our Commission has expired. In delegating to your Representatives a portion of your Sovereign Power, you expected, from their efforts, their zeal, and their patriotism, to obtain the recompence of your sacrifices, in the establishment of an order of things which ought to assure your happiness: your expectation will be fulfilled.

If we cannot, at present, exhibit to you the interesting view of that perfection which ought to distinguish our legislative labours, we can at least announce to you, with the greatest satisfaction, that a new era is beginning to shine upon Hayti, and is about to fix for ever her happy destiny. After a division, the consequence of which was so deplorable, liberal principles have triumphed over a tyrannical system, and the Republic has reconquered the hearts of all its Children, who now form only a Nation of Brothers, indissolubly united for the defence of their liberty and independence.

Behold, Citizens, the reward which Divine Providence has reserved for your constancy and your virtues! Hereafter the Republic, powerful and respectable, freed from all the obstacles which opposed its progress to that elevation which it must attain, will present to its Enemies that imposing attitude, which belongs only to a Nation which feels all the value of its liberty, and which prefers death to an ignominious dependence.

Your Representatives have never lost sight of the maintenance of your rights: a firm, but temperate discussion, has always prevailed, in the consideration of the Laws which they have enacted.

The invaluable harmony which subsists between the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the President of Hayti, is the guarantee of the happiness which you enjoy under the enlightened protection of the Government you have created.

In this 5th Session, after mature deliberation, several of our Civil Laws have been passed.

The Senate has received the completion of its Members; virtuous Citizens have been called upon to co-operate in the labours of those respectable Agents of the Nation.

The conflagration of the 15th August, 1820, which was so injurious to some of the Inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, required the Law of the 5th October, and, by exempting them from the duty of Patents during 5 years, they will find a means of repairing the losses which they have sustained.

The Haytian Territory, in its present situation, required a new division, which the Law of the 24th October has effected.

The Law of the 14th November has fixed the precise distances of all the Communes of the Republic from the Capital.

The Law respecting Patents, for the year 1822, has undergone certain modifications, in consequence of the flourishing condition of the public Treasury.

The Accounts of the Secretary of State have been examined, and the House has discharged that Minister from accountability for the year 1820.

The Finances of the Republic, which are in the most prosperous state, admit of our assuring you, that our engagements have been faithfully discharged, and the demands of the public Administration fully satisfied.

Commerce, under our protecting Laws, flourishes in every direction; and our barbours receive the Vessels of different Nations, whom our amenity attracts with eagerness, and whose useful competition benefits the sale of our territorial productions.

The administration of Justice, wisely distributed according to our necessities, is sufficient for the adjustment of our differences, whilst it repels with vigour, that hideous chicanery which always produces ruinous and interminable Law Suits.

Agriculture, under the auspices of a discreet liberty and a legal division of lands, cannot fail to increase and prosper. Every year it acquires new force.

Public instruction receives all the encouragement which such an institution merits; it is making rapid progress, and extending its benefits over Hayti.

The Army, whose courage and civic character are unchanged, is kept in the most admirable order; union and fraternity bind the hearts of all the brave Men who compose it. Merited recompenses have been awarded for the service of the Veterans of the Revolution, who are so worthy of our admiration.

Our Arsenals are abundantly provided with all the means of defence, which our political situation requires; but it is our resolution to live in peace with all the Nations of the Earth.

Your Representatives have had it in their power to appreciate the judicious choice of the Senate, which has invested President Boyer with the Chief Magistracy of the Republic. His experience, his wisdom, and his active co-operation with the Legislative Power, afford to your Representatives the flattering expectation of seeing the public affairs more and more perfected, and the glory of the Nation permanently established. Your Representatives experience a very agreeable satisfaction in having an opportunity of rendering a solemn and signal homage to the rare merit of the First Magistrate of the Republic, so worthy of your affection.

Such is, Citizens, the detail which the present state of the Republic has suggested to us to present to you; it is conformable to the wish which every Haytian ought to entertain.

The experience which we have acquired in this first Legislature of the House of the Communes, leads us, Citizens, to inform you, that more imperious circumstances never invited the Haytians to unite themselves, in the same spirit, around the Constitution, in order to chuse, at the approaching Election, Representatives actuated by the most enlightened patriotism, possessing wisdom, and the intelligence indispensable to Legislators.

Respect to the Laws, and obedience to the Authorities, who are their organs; such are the sentiments which the House never will neglect to inspire you with, for your welfare and felicity.

Given at Port-au-Prince, in the House of Representatives of the Communes, 16th November, 1821; 18th year of Independence.

[Signatures of the Deputies.]

DECREE of the Supreme Director of Chili, declaring the Blockade of the Ports of Peru.--20th August, 1820.

THE SUPREME DIRECTOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHILI.

(Translation.)

THE Continuance of the Blockade formerly declared against the Ports of the Vice Royalty of Peru, being a necessary consequence of the military operations about to commence in those Countries by the Army and Navy, which this day quit our shores with the lofty design of placing that Territory on an equality with the Independent Towns of America, by freeing them from the infamous Spanish Yoke : I declare by the present Decree, that;

From the 25th of the present month of August, all the Ports and anchorages of the Pacific, situated between 21°. 48". and 2° 12". south latitude, that is to say, along the line of Coast, from Iquique to Guayaquil, inclusive, shall be considered in a state of rigorous Blockade by the Chilian Squadron, and which they actually are, in virtue of orders given to the Commander in Chief thereof, Vice Admiral Lord Cochrane ;-consequently, every Vessel, of whatever Nation, or proceeding from whatever place, is prohibited from entering the said Ports.

The present Declaration of Blockade shall be considered as duly published and notified, to all and each of the Allied and Neutral Nations, from the day, respectively, on which the term, to be computed from this day, shall be completed, which is appointed by the present Decree; that is to say: The term of 7 months is allowed to all Neutral Vessels, of whatever Nation, arriving from the Ports of Europe, the United States of North America, or any European Colony on the

American Continent and its Islands; 5 months for those from the Ports of Brazil; 6 months from the Ports of Africa and its Islands; and 1 year from European Colonies in Asia; and 3 months for every Friendly and Neutral Vessel from the River Plate.

The term stated in the preceding Article being considered sufficient for the Blockade to be known by the Neutral and Friendly Powers comprehended in it;-every Neutral and Friendly Vessel, under whatever Flag she may be, who shall appear off any of the said Blockaded Ports, after the expiration of the period prescribed for the place of her departure, shall be sent into Valparaiso, to be tried by the Law of Nations.

All Neutral Vessels, having on board articles, Contraband of War, Enemies property, or Officers, Troops, Supercargoes, or Merchants, of any of the Countries subject to the King of Spain, shall be sent to Valparaiso, to be tried according to the Law of Nations. Articles of Contraband are understood to be: Arms and Ammunition, of all classes and uses; every description of Military Stores, without distinction; Provisions of all kinds; Naval Stores, calculated for the equipment and arming of Vessels; and, finally, all articles or things which may afford to the Enemy the means of making War, by land or by sea, defensively or offensively.

Every Neutral Vessel, navigating under false or double Papers, or not having the Documents necessary to prove the property, shall suffer the penalties applicable to Enemy's Ships, and Merchandize.

The Government of Chili, desirous that property belonging to the Subjects of Neutral Powers shall not be prejudiced, and that they may be afforded an opportunity of exporting it from the Territory of the Vice-Roy of Peru, has granted to the Vice Admiral, Commander in Chief of the Squadron, the necessary authority, in order that, agreeably to the instructions given to him, he may name any Port or anchorage he pleases, for the purpose of their embarking on board Neutral Vessels, the property or effects belonging to Neutrals.

All Ports or Coasts, which may be under the immediate influence or protection of the Arms of the liberating Army of Peru, which this day left the Port of Valparaiso, are also declared free and exempt from this Blockade, in consequence of their not being under the dominion of Spain, but under that of the Independence of America, whereby all prohibition ceases.

If any Captain of a Neutral Vessel shall receive on board property or effects, belonging to the Subjects of the King of Spain, under whatsoever pretext, the said Vessel shall be seized and sent into Valparaiso, to be tried, and sentenced to those penalties established in such cases, by the Maritime Law of Nations.

The present Decree shall be transmitted to the Commanders of

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