The characters of the several nations are formed of virtues and vices, of good and bad
qualities. From the happy mixture of these, great advantages result, and
frequently where it would be least expected; there are others whence
great evils arise — evils which one would not suspect.
The Spaniards have been in all ages famous for their honesty.
Justin
[12]
mentions their fidelity in keeping whatever was entrusted to
their care; they have frequently suffered death rather than reveal a
secret. They have still the same fidelity for which they were formerly
distinguished. All the nations who trade at Cadiz trust their fortunes
to the Spaniards, and have never yet repented it. But this admirable
quality, joined to their indolence, forms a mixture whence such effects
result as to them are most pernicious. The rest of the European nations
carry on in their very sight all the commerce of their monarchy.
The character of the Chinese is formed of another mixture, directly
opposite to that of the Spaniards; the precariousness of their
subsistence
[13]
inspires them with a prodigious activity, and such an
excessive desire of gain, that no trading nation can confide in
them.
[14]
This acknowledged infidelity has secured them the possession
of the trade to Japan. No European merchant has ever dared to undertake
it in their name, how easy soever it might be for them to do it from
their maritime provinces in the north.
