Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/201

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the kind ever made. It was as a matter of course, received by the assembly, laid on the table, and speedily forgotten. Since then things have moved on amidst the most inextricable confusion; each individual connected with the government securing to himself whatever may come within his grasp. The local revenue of the different states arises from the proceeds of the alcavala, a tax imposed on provisions, and on the transmission of goods, from one state to another; from the sums paid by the keepers of spirit-shops for their license to sell chicha and agua-diente, varying according to the consumption of the house, from ten to one hundred dollars monthly; and from the produce of stamps. The receipts of the state of Guatimala from these sources averages about $6000 monthly, and the united duties of the other states will probably amount to an equal sum—making the monthly revenue of the five states about twelve thousand dollars.

But to return to political affairs. The calm which succeeded after the accession of the aristocracy to power, was not of long continuance. Old jealousies were revived between the capital and San Salvador, and a dissatisfied feeling began to manifest itself through all the republic. The supplies for the support of the federation were either irregularly sent or omitted altogether; and Guatimala, finding herself burdened