are at variance, not only with those of the Convents, but also with those of the Cathedral Chapters; and this circumstance is particularly favourable to moderate reform. Beyond this point, I sincerely hope that no innovations will be attempted; for a National Church ought to be respectably supported; and if this be done, the Clergy will gain, in real and beneficial influence, all that they lose in an unnatural political importance, which they ought not to wish to retain.
I shall close this Section with a few observations upon the important subject of religious Toleration, which, in theory, at least, cannot be said to exist at present in Mexico. No sects of religion differing from the dominant religion, are tolerated; nor is the private, or public exercise of any other allowed. To be a Mexican Citizen, an outward conformity, at least, with the practices of the Roman Catholic faith, is required; although the facility with which letters of Naturalization have been conceded to American settlers, in the North, proves, that no very strict enquiry upon the subject is instituted. But there are no rights, or privileges, either civil or military, to which any Mexican subject, publicly professing any but the Catholic religion, could legally be entitled.
With regard to Foreigners, residing as such in the Mexican territory, but few concessions have yet been made; nor has it been found possible to establish, as a right, the public or private exercise of the Pro-
