oath to preserve the national independence, nobly fulfil their high and important mission. With persevering energy they show themselves determined to effect the utter extermination of the remains of the gang of ferocious Unitarians, and to maintain the sacred rights of sovereignty, both of the Confederation and of America.

The Government has felt much satisfaction in receiving as its guest the Governor and Captain-General of Salta, upon whom it has conferred distinguished marks of its consideration: this eminent personage fully merits your highest respect and regard.

The Government of Paraguay having solicited from that of the Confederation the acknowledgment of the independence of that province, the latter expressed its regret at not being able to give its assent, pointing out at the same time, in a spirit of friendly candour, the very serious inconveniences which would result from such a recognition, and offering to send, as soon as the urgent cares which pressed upon it would permit, an accredited confidential agent commissioned to give the explanations required for this important object.

As a proof of its sincere and friendly feelings, as well as of its anxious wishes for the prosperity of the people of Paraguay, the Government felt much pleasure in assuring it, that whatever might be the effect produced on the Government of Paraguay by an exposition of the powerful motives which justify the resolution adopted by that of the Confederation, the arms of the latter should never disturb that country's peace and tranquillity, both of which were dearly cherished by the Confederation, and in the lasting preservation of which it took a particular interest.

At the expense of immense sacrifices, the province of Entre Rios maintains an heroic army which is incorporated with that of the Confederation now engaged in a ctive operations. This meritorious province has the pleasing satisfaction of receiving as its guests the worthy lawful Governor of Corrientes and other distinguished personages belonging to that Government.

The province of Corrientes desolated by a horde of ferocious Unitarians is suffering the greatest miseries, but the Government is preparing means for rescuing them from their misfortunes, and for restoring them to the liberty which is enjoyed by the other inhabitants of the Republic.

Such, Honourable Representatives, is the sketch of the state of the foreign relations and of the Provinces of the Confederation. The Omnipotent has been the defence of the Republic in its glorious dangers, and the same Almighty Power, by enlightening your councils and animating the courage of your defenders, is preparing a peace worthy of the Argentine honour, and of the lofty achievements recorded for the history of liberty.

Government.

The province of Buenos Ayres, faithful to its renowned and heroic glory, is immortalizing its virtues, and, full of joy is celebrating the splendid victories obtained by the Confederation and by those faithful defenders of liberty, the Orientals.

Every moment of the Government has been absorbed in the urgent attentions required by the war and by important state affairs, added to which other public matters of the greatest urgency, have imposed upon it continued mental exertion and interminable labours. It is, therefore, with satisfaction, it informs you that, amid this constant solicitude for the successful termination of the contest on which the fate of the Republic depends, it has not, in the least possible degree, neglected the internal system of the province. By the blessings of order and security, the Republic prospers and increases.

Its foresight and virtue have united in establishing the solid foundations of its civil liberty.

It offers to the world the eloquent lessons which the misfortunes attending anarchy had rendered necessary; and you, Honourable Representatives, have done me the greatest honour, in considering me capable of presiding over this work of reparation and safety.

The long and deep discussions you have devoted to the preservation of the national independence, and the conservative principles of society, offer the surest guarantee that, with the like ability, loyalty, and wisdom, you will, when the opportunity presents itself, accomplish other glorious tasks.

The improvement in the social condition of the people is shown by the disappearance of crime in town and country. The population has increased amazingly, while good morals and industrious habits become more and more confirmed and afford well-grounded hopes for the liberty and future prosperity of the country.

Divine worship is solemnized with becoming splendour.

Charitable, benevolent, and educational institutions for both sexes, satisfactorily fulfil their object, being assisted by the piety of a virtuous and enlightened population. At a fit opportunity they will receive the special attention of the Government.

A new and important Institution of Public Education has been founded, the progress of which is satisfactory, presenting, as it does, very favourable results.

The Tribunal established for hearing appeals of nullity and notorious injustice, the Tribunals of Justice, the Police Department, the Tribunal of Commerce, the Protectorship-General of Paupers and Minors, the Justiceships of Peace in town and country, the Society of Benevolence, the Academy of Jurisprudence, the Inspectorship

General of Schools, the Administration of the Public Library, that of the Posts, the Topographical Department, that of the Night-Watch, the Administrative Commissions of the Hospital for men and women, that of vaccination, and the public employés in the various branches of the Government, all worthily fulfil their duties.

I feel much pleasure in expressing to you, Honourable Representatives, my conviction that they, as well as their magistrates, presidents, directors, and other public functionaries, fully deserve your distinguished approbation, as well as that of the Government and of their fellow-citizens.

You have been pleased to dedicate to the 5th of October, 1820, an illustrious distinction. I return you my deep acknowledgments for this honour conferred upon those valiant and virtuous citizens, who by my side achieved the triumph of the law. Most earnestly I entreat you, to let this be the last expression of your favour. They and I have done no more, as citizen sons of this land, than fulfil one of our first duties.

To you, Honourable Representatives, to my fellow-countrymen, and to the friends of Republican liberty, I am indebted for the abrogation I decreed of the titles, honours, and distinctions, some of which were lavished upon and others continued to, me, by the profuse kindness of my fellow-citizens. I have obliterated from my mind every feeling of vanity which the recollection of those dignities might awaken. The glory with which the Confederation shines resplendent belongs alone to you and to Argentines. Obedient to your sovereign will, and a citizen soldier of liberty, I cherish in my heart, no other pride than that of gratitude to God, my country, and my fellow-citizens; nor do I desire any other reward than your enlightened, honourable, and distinguished approbation.

Contemplate now, Honourable Representatives, the eminent valour and exalted glory of the army.

War.

The soldiers who, at various times, had been pensioned off or dismissed, as well as those who took part in the successful campaign in the desert, in the years 1833 and 1834 still continue to serve, full of enthusiasm and military ardour.

The army has been augmented by volunteer and reserve corps, who all perform their duty with valour and determined resolution.

The militia in active service fights valiantly in the field of honour, and immortalizes itself by its achievements; the militia in reserve renders honourable services of fervent patriotism.

Land proprietors assist the public cause by generous and patriotic donations, and deserve thereby the distinguished approbation of the Government.

The Commission for the purchase of horses, the park of artillery, the commandership of the port, that of the inhabitants of the frontier and of Martin-Garcia satisfactorily, zealously, and honourably fulfil their respective duties.

The frontier army to which belong the numerous tribes of faithful Indian friends, support with resolute fortitude the severities and inclemency of the desert; and have, in several glorious actions, defeated the hostile Indians whom hunger had compelled to attack the frontiers.

Gentlemen Representatives! The troops of the line and of the militia, and the fleet of the Confederation, all resplendent with the most illustrious valour and virtuous fortitude, have given indubitable proofs of their love for the liberty of the country. Their magnanimous loyalty, heroic obedience, and glorious courage harmonize with their renown, and fulfil the wishes of all free men ; and Heaven has rewarded their noble gallantry and heroic sacrifices with imperishable victories. When deprived by the pertinacious injustice of fortune, of the successful results of their toils, their fortitude was not depressed nor their intrepidity daunted. But immortal conflicts radiant with brilliant glory now declare in their favour, and the American renegado declining the contest with the conquerors in so many fields of honour, has, in his flight, felt the weight of their victorious lances. The forts of Monte Video afford a shelter to these ignoble enemies. The ardent valour of the army has alone been suspended by the voice of humanity and the hopes of the civilized world.

Honourable Representatives! the generals, chiefs, officers and troops deserve alike your congratulations, your august gratitude, and the distinguished regard of the Confederation. Deeply impressed with the happiness and honour of commanding them, I earnestly recommend to you all their glorious services, as well as their virtues and fervent American ardour.

The President of the Oriental State, the illustrious Brigadier D. Manuel Oribe, under whose command a series of splendid triumphs has been obtained, has again distinguished himself in the fields where he obtained the first-fruits of his pre-eminent valour and lofty renown. He has, with the greatest honour to himself, fulfilled the wishes of his country and realized the hopes of the Confederation.

The renowned Governor of Entre Rios, General D. Justo José de Urquiza, at the head of a valiant army belonging to the province, over which he so worthily presides, is gathering upon the battle-field the laurels of heroic valour.

The distinguished General D. Angel Pachecho has surpassed his former well-known valour, fame, and renown.

The worthy Brigadier D. Guillermo Brown is one among the illustrious defenders of liberty.

Contemplate, Honourable Representatives, with satisfaction and delight, so immense an accession of glory, which posterity will record in imperishable characters.

It is now my pleasing duty to render you an account of the public

revenue.

Public Revenue.

It is owing to your patriotism and wisdom that the public revenue may be classed among the achievements of the country. By long and profound discussions you have surmounted every difficulty, and the power of virtue and of order has produced the most satisfactory results. For these services the Government offers you its unbounded gratitude.

The important discussion upon the arranging and settlement of the English loan is still pending, nor will the Government lose sight of it. The circumstances which have hitherto retarded such settlement are well-known and insuperable, but an opportunity of effecting it in such a manner that it shall itself furnish the guarantee of its punctual fulfilment is still earnestly hoped for.

The duties collected upon foreign and home articles have, with a trifling difference, realized the amount calculated upon.

In consequence of not having been able to accomplish their task within the term assigned by law, some of the Committees of Collection in different capitals have deferred, until the end of the year, the collection of the direct tax.

The public funds and the sinking fund are distinguished by that uniform and satisfactory progress which sustains their credit.

The cares incidental to the war have not prevented the Government from devoting its best attention to the encouragement of agriculture.

The fertility of our fields, the placing of garrisons on the frontiers, and the tranquillity of the province have, by the favour of Divine Providence, increased the number of our flocks and herds, while the capitals invested in rural undertakings have produced a profitable

return.

The Government is awaiting an opportunity for paying off the classified debt.

The general report of the savings-bank will give you every information as to the annual progress of that so useful an establishment.

The Accountant's office, and those of Collection and Disbursement, as well as the Mint, satisfactorily fulfil their duties. The heads of them, as well as the employés under them, deserve your approval and also that of the Government and the public.

Equally praiseworthy is the patriotism of the sworn brokers who