The regency is compoſed of the great council, in which the legiſlative authority reſides, conſiſting of forty members; and of the little council, compoſed of twenty-four, who have the executive.
Each of theſe councils elect their own members, from the ſix confraternities of the city.
The burgomaſter is choſen by the two councils, preſides at their meetings, and is the chief of the regency; he continues in office for life, although he goes through the form of an annual confirmation by the two councils, when the other magiſtrates ſubmit to the ſame ceremony. The burgomaſter keeps the ſeal, and, with the banneret, the treaſurers, and the ſecretary, forms the œconomical chamber, and the chamber of orphans.
This town ſends deputies to the general diets, ordinary and extraordinary.
LETTER XVII.
THE REPUBLIC OF ST. GALL.
My dear Sir,
THE republic of St. Gall is a league and a half in circumference, and contains nine thouſand fouls. The inhabitants are very induſtrious in manufactures of linen, muſlin, and embroidery, have an extenſive commerce, and arts, ſciences, and literature, are eſteemed and culti-
