1366. COLONIES, Ancient and Modern.
—Ancient nations considered colonies principally
as receptacles for a too numerous population,
and as natural and useful allies in
time of war; but modern nations, viewing
commerce as an object of first importance,
value colonies chiefly as instruments for the
increase of that. This is principally effected
by their taking commodities from the mother
State, whether raised within herself, or obtained
elsewhere in the course of her trade,
and furnishing in return colonial productions
necessary for her consumption or for her
commerce of exchange with other nations.
In this way the colonies of Spain, Protugal,
France and England, have been chiefly subservient
to the advantages of their mother
country. In this way, too, in a smaller degree
has Denmark derived utility from her
American colonies, and so, also, has Holland,
except as to the island of St. Eustatius.—
To Baron Stahe.
Ford ed., iv, 238.
(P.
1786)
