Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser

BOSTON, NOV. 26.

Paraguay.––The important political
events, that have taken place in South
America, have given a new impulse to
inquiries into its resources and history.
We have accordingly daily some new
accounts of regions, till recently, hardly
known even in name, which the light of
liberty has revealed to us, rich in re-
sources and in the enjoyment of Repub-
lican Independence. Such a country is
Paraguay, of which an account has re-
cently been published in Paris, contain.
ing, as the English newspapers say, the
following facts :––

Paraguay is situated on the rivers
Paragua and Parana, east of Brazil, and
extends west almost to the Andes. It
was formerly a province of Buenos
Avres, or La Plata, and became memo-
rable by the efforts of the Jesuits, who
by the religious conversion of its na-
tive Indians were able to introduce a-
mong them the arts and improvements
of civilized life. In 1810 the Province
by its deputies declared for indepen-
dence, and elected as its chief magistrate
Dr. Francia, distinguished for his learn-
ing and virtues. Since that period he
has executed the duties of his station
with ability and success. A council of
State has also been appointed, which is
consulted by the chief of the govern-
ment in all matters of importance. It is
composed of seven persons––one from
each of the departments––who are cho-
sen by electors. The electors are cho-
sen in the parishes by married men,
widowers and widows, unmarried men
not being allowed to vote.––All the pub-
lic functionaries perform their duties
without the smallest remuneration.
The population in 1822 amounted to
upwards of 500,000 souls, mostly civil-
ized Indians. The army consists of
8000 men, besides 30,000 armed militia.
The inhabitants are said to be industri-
ous and upright. The country is fertile,
its productions various and valuable, and
is well stocked with cattle. The city
of Assumption, on the River Paraguay,
about 1000 miles from the ocean, is its
seat of government. Large vessels nav-
igate the Paraguay as far as this city,
and a commerce has already been com-
menced between it and England.
The administration of justice is well
established, and an equality of rights
maintained, all persons being subject to
the operation of the laws, and slavery
having been abolished at the institution
of the present government. The tithes
and property, that formerly belonged to
the Church, have been appropriated for
the public benefit, and the revenue of
the country is in a prosperous condi-
tion.