A propósito de uma carta de lei

Abstract

D. Maria I subiu ao trono em 1777, deu grande apoio a cultura desenvolvendo algumas actividades, fundou várias Academias, a Biblioteca Pública, a Real Casa Pia, criou ainda a lotaria, cujos lucros revertiam a favor da Santa Casa da Misericordia. Mandou iluminar Lisboa e juntou a todas estas inovações a criação de um Porto Franco no lugar da Junqueira, que viria a ser de grande utilidade para a navegacção e economia, por este novo porto entrariam no país produtos de diferentes proveniências com principal incidência as riquezas das colónias, ouro, açúcar, madeira, tabaco e outras fazendas. A Carta foi publicada na Chancelaria-mor em 24 de Maio de 1796 e o Porto Franco teve início em 1 de Janeiro de 1797.

D. Maria I, who ascended the throne in 1777, gave tremendous impetus to the advancement of culture and the public welfare in several areas. She was responsable for founding several Academies, the National Public Library, the Royal Orphanage and Youth Shelter (Real Casa Pia), the National Lottery, the profits of which go toward the funding of the National Charity Foundation (Santa Casa da Misericórdia), and even public street lighting was ins tigated at her bidding. In addition to these innovative projects implemented in the public interest, she established a duty-free port in Junqueira (an area now incorporated within modern Lisbon) - a development that proved to be of great benefit to shipping and the economy. Through this new port a variety of imports entered the country from diverse points of origin, principally from the colonies - including gold, sugar, tobacco, exotic woods and manufactures. The Decree was promulgated in the Chancelaria-mor on 24 May 1796, and the duty-free status of the port went into effect on 1 January 1797.