The Sun.
London, England, 1818-08-11 00:00:00

RETROSPECT.

" The state of affairs in Spanish America be-
comes every day more interesting, and will, we
think, as the plot thickens, exercise no incon-
siderable influence upon the politics, of Europe.
The aggression of the United States upon Spain,
in the capture of Pensacola, cannot be regarded
with indifference by the great Powers of the 'Old
World; for it has too evidently arisen not from
that regard to liberty, with which the Northern
Republicans might have been expected to look
upon the struggling Patriots of the South, hot
front a selfish spirit of aggrandisement, that con-
templates the distresses of others solely as the
means of gratifying its own ambition,-or of en-
larging its possessions. We do not love ambition

in- any Prince or People, but it is particularly
odious in a Republic ; and never has a ntote glaring
instance of this destrtictiVe passion be4n exhibited

than in the conduct of the United States towards
Spain in her present difficulties; At an early pe-
tiod of the contest between Spain and her Colo-

it was anticipated by many persons in
Europe that the struggle of the Colonies for in-
dependence would have excited the kindliest sym-
pathies of he United States in their favOur, and hive
tbcncedravvn the mo•t strenuous assistance. Adven-

:mous individuals did indeed embark in the con-

test, but the Government and Legislature adopted
and enforced the strictest neutrality, prohibiting;
by The severest laws, their citizens from inter,
feting in the quarrels or internal affairs of an-
other country In this determination they at
least entrenched themselves within the strict

limits'of propriety,• and the recognised principles
of international law, and did not suffer them-
selves to be hurried away by any enthusiasm in
favour of general liberty ; but they had then no
private objects -to pursue, and they prudently
thought proper to appear just, where they were
conscisus of feeling-no interest. An opportu-
nity, however, h►is since presented itselff-favour
able to their views on the Floridas, and the lire-;
sent circumstances of Spain are calculated to en-
courage a spirit less adventurous and ambi►ious

han that of the United States of America.

" Statesmen, influenced by the principles of
political expediency; seldom find much difficulty
in giving some colour of justification to. their ag,
gressions, and we entertain no doubt that some
more plausible excuse than that urged by General
Jackson will be very ingeniously'advanced by the
United States, in the present instatlee, to cover
[hex invasion of the Flori:las;- but it is•the pro-
bable success of the invasion, and the influence it
may be supposed to exercise upon the. present
contest between the Royalists and Independents
of Spanish America, that should principal); en-
gage our attention. The aggressors have un-
doubtedly many great advantages over the Go'-
vernment of Spain, but they may possibly find
that they had counted too confidently upon the
depressed condition of the Spanish finances and
marineein their project of connuest. The coun-
try of the Floridan is in itself well suited for de.,
fence ; hitt,• we believe, the Spaniards are hot ill
prepared to meet the invader,- In Europe,•we
tear, the effects of rho- measure will be chiefly
discernible.-•'The King of Spain must still enjoy
a very great influence in the 'Political system, anal
front the sentiments hitherto very tinennivocally
expressed in favour of all legitimate Govern-
ments, by the Sovereigns of Europe, and purti:•
cularly from the 'terms of the Treaty of Madrid,:
concluded-under the auspices of Sir IL ‘VelleS-
ley, whereby the King of Great Britain bound
himself to maintain the integrity of the Spanish
Empire, we cannot but anticipate the immediate
interference oldie Allied Sovereigns in defence
of spill, against the aggression of the United
States. Whether; if this interference be once ac-
tively exerted, it will be confined to the mere 'de-
fence of the Floridas, it would be vain to.
conjecture, for this must .be determined by
events. At all events, we do not think:
that the British Cabinet will silently suffer
the Floridas to be torn front Spain, and by.
increasing the strength and force of the Northern
Union, give the command 'of the Guff of Mexico,l
-
and of the trade in those wealthy regions, to a
Power which is not our friend, and may be our
enemy.

"It is Oistres3ing to think that a possibility
exkis at 'this country's being again involvi:(l in
a war,-after a period of repose so short, acid while
~1r wounds are still re:king from recces