Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Education, Christianity

    Welcomes on religious grounds the recognition of Mexico, Buenos Ayres, and Colombia as independent states by the British government. Considers that, while the 'constitutions of the new American Republics are unfriendly to toleration, in the sense in which we understand and enjoy it [...] they are, at least, separated from that systematic plot which has been formed among the Catholic powers of Europe, for resisting the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and putting down the education of the poor, and all other institutions which have any tendency to raise the minds of men above the dominion of superstition'. Observes that while the governments may not be very liberal with regard to religion, they are with regard to literature: 'To become acquainted with European science, arts, and literature in general, is felt to be essential to their strength and internal improvement; as well as demanded by the national character which they have now assumed'. Notes the encouragement of education, and observes that it will 'tend to break the fetters which have restrained the mind, and kept it subject to puerile superstitions' and be a harbinger of a 'brighter illumination'. (114)