Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-06-25

itST on Tie size CT New IsSXiCO COuiu
not have been given TO Spain under that
restriction, for the waters Of some of the
branches Of the Mississippi inteilock with
those on which stands the capital of that
province, at TO great distance from which
some OF the sources of The Red river and
OF the Yellow Stone branch ofthe Missouri
are known TO exist. The principle of ex-
change too was in direct opposition to the
spirit of some of the arguments most
warmly urged by the opponents of pur-
chase. ls as they said, the national no.
nor vas concerned in the support of the
claim, what difference could they show be
tween giving one half Of the country in
dispute to secure the other, and paying q
small part of the value of The whole To OBJ
tain REIMBURSEMENT oil the whole? On
the score ct interest ihe,e is manifest
difference in favor of the latter. But il
was never contemplated, by part at least
OF the favorers OF the proposition, 10 pur-
chase. They considered themselves as
holding tie following language TO Spain
We will not take the purchase OF Louisi-
ana from France as the standard whereby
to Tx The price of East Florida. We will
pay Tor 1t. all that we can make OUT Of il,
or save by its possession. The value OF
It's lands, the convenience oil its harbors,
The advantage oil holding SO important a
line ot coast the revenue OF imports we
shall derive from it, The benefit of having
in our own hands the outlet TO the sea OF
the Apalcchicola, even The additional com
mand The possession OF the proyi2ce will
give us over the Greek nation of Indians,
all shall be fairly taken into the estimate,
but we must have West Florida in the bar
gain, and q just arrangement according 10
treaty, in the south west. This is our b.
nal proposal. We do not think ourselves
dishonored by making another attempt e.,
accommodation, although that recently
made in your own capital through one OF
cur citizens whom we honor most, was
met by you with such disrespecttui indif
irrence. Tranquility is not our interest
only, but the prevalent desire of our PEG
pie. We shall not sacrifice it 10 punch
Ito. We entreat you. however, 10 gtflcGl,
ihat'from the nature OF Our political sys
tenn, insults given to our government
touch every breast in The nation, and that
q terment excited in q large mass is not
easily alIayed. We shall make no appli-
cation TO you this time through your ally,
for two reasons. First, because the init
macy of your connection necessarily in
wolves bins in the consequence of failure
TO accommodate our differences, aud we
believe that although he has the least rea
son of any power on earth to dread war,
that he sincerely ptefers peace. Next,
plicaled in the decision Of the question be-
tween US, upon principles such as we pro-
pose. If the secret explanation between
you of the descriptive words oil your trea-
~ of 800, was promise on his part that
you should continue in possession of West
Florida, surely IL was equivalent TO al &C
acknowledgement that West Florida was in.
cluded by the expressions Of his treaty
with us, and that it has been fairly convey
ed 10 us, since we were not informed of
bis secret promise ~ you. Ifthat exp'a
nation was an impartial CONSTRUCTION made
between you, Of The terms of the treaty,
he will not hesitate to acknowledge that il
is not binding Oh US, as he made no pro
vision for its adoption in his treaty with us,
and that he cannot be fair arbiter be.
tween us, III es!abiisbing construction,
since he has gwen bis opinion against Us
already.--But where can we fed an atbi-
ter If he is Thus excluded What would
be his feelings if upon agreeing on one,
another construction contrary to his should
be rendered, and Spain be deprive dof what
he has assured To hei ia either case an
accommodation of the kind We propose
must be desirable to him.
# was during the debate ON this ques-
ton, that extraordinary impulauon was
cast on the Executive branch OF our go
vernment, by an eminent member in MS
place, which must have reached your ears,
and cannot fail 10 have given serious dis
turbaace TO youT mind. lie stated, that
he had received information from I'm
doubted authority, Of design having been
conceived by the Executive TO draw a sum
of money from the treasury, for the pur.
pose Of commencing negotiation Tor
the purchase Of the Floridas, previous 10
the appropriation by law; and thai the
intention had been regularly intimated 10
the head OF The treasury department.
An eager and anxious inquiry was Of
course the immediate effecl OF such en- as
ser,ion. The Information Obtained was,
that at meeting of the heads OF depart-