The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-01
EUROPE.
HOUSE CT LORDS, EsaauAnr IL.
AMERICA.

Lord Hawkesbury presented number of
papers that lid been moved for, respecting
the relative situation of this country and A.
merira; among others, the message OF the
PRESIDENT to the House of Congress, and CO.
pies OF tlfe correspondence that took place
between the American and the British pleni-
potcntiaries, since the signing of the treaty
Concluded in Dec. 1896. His Lordship mo
we'd that these papers be printed, which was
ordered.
Lord Grenville then rose, pursuant to no
tee, to move for papers, which would tend to
throw some light on the nature of the relati-
ons as they now existed between this country
aid America, and on the terms and tenden-
cy of the treaty, which, in Dec. 1906, was
concluded between the two nations 1t had
fallen to his lot to be engaged more than
once in discussions with the Ministers of the
United States, and had bestowed on what re-
g'rdcd the connection and mutual interests
of the two states, all the attention, labor and
diligence, of which he was master, s which
the high Importance OF that matter so seri
ouSy imposed on him.-Indeed the cutiva-
ting and maintaining of Il good understand
ing with America, an understanding that in
Guided and promoted the reciprocal Interests
OF the two countries, was, in his mind, the
most material and important consider ration
that could possibly engage the attention of
u,
next to the care of conciliating and uniting,
In one bond of union all descriptions of his
Majcsty's subjects in these kingdoms. He
had OF late taken occasion, more than once,
to express this opinion, and he now wished
to repeat it in the most serious and solemn
manner This disposition powerfully ami
mated his views and his conduct, whenever
any thing occurred that threatened to en-
barrass or interrupt the friendly intercourse
md, IS T., a.,
year 1884. in consequence of events to which
the war that broke out in the preceding year
gave rise, he had to discuss and adjust some
differences which then occurred with the u
hlted STATES. 1t was his good fortune to nave
TO &C.,, III that transaction, with man (Mr.
Jay) whose talents and disposition eminent
ly qualified him for the office he had under
taken. Never in the course OF his public life
had he met with a person OH whose probity,
candor and sincerity, he felt he could so CON
hdently rely. Mr.. Jay fell the value and the
necessity of close and amicable connection
between the two nations, and he labored most
impartially duly to weigh and 90 ascertain
the real interests of both. ihcSe unquest-
onably are qualifications indispensably neces-
sary to negociator; and no negotiation can
be fairly carried, except in mutual spirit Of
justice and impartiality. He trusted that
such was the spirit which aCtuated the nego-
citation at that time, and which brought it to
successful termination : sure he was, that
Mr.. Jay acted on these principles yet when
he returned to his own country, he was accu-
sed, very unJustly indeed of having sacrifi-
ced her interests, o. yielded too far in favor
ofthose of England. Mr.. Jay has long since re-
tired from public life bat he fey. happy in ha-
wing this opportunity of paying due tribute
ofpraise to his character. Ever since he retir-
ed the same sentiments respecting the propri
ETY. of continuing to maintain the best under
standing with the United States and of inn
pressing on the mind of both countries, how
essential 1t was 20 the independence and well
fare of both, to cultivate the most cordial 8,
close connection. Under the influence of this
disposition were the latet discussions with A
merca carried OH, and brought to what was
expected to be, happy termination, when
circumstances arose, that may quito hazard
the final issue Of that negociation--He had
much to complain of the false light in which
ignorance OF Malice had endeavorcd to re-
present it. His noble friends who conducted
that negotiation. with talents of which he
eould not now speak as he ought, because they
were present, had been reproached as having
made unwarrantable and dangerous conces-
sions TO AmerTca--conccssion which have
been tause!esSIy and mischievously held out
to the public as the bane o. the interests of G.
Britain; yet While these reproaches were ven
ted against the administration at home, no
sooner had the treaty reached America,
than the government of the United States
was accused Of having yielded too muck to
the British Plenipotentiarfes. Even the
speech BY which the session was opened, con-
tanned assertions respecting this treaty
which were not correct 1t said the treaty
had not taken effect by the refusal of the
President to ratily it. Now the President
had not refused to ratify it but deferred the
ratification, as far as the ratification Deepen
ded upon him, because the treaty contained
certain articles, which, though they were a
greed upon between the respective Plenipo-
tcntiaries, were not however signed by them,
because some further explanation upon the
points they contained, was to be previously
had with the American Government.
As to the concessions that were said to be
made to America III essential points, and
which were reprobated as the bane of the
interests of England, no assertion could be
more unfounded 1t was, no doubt difficult
to say, what were or were not the points
which might be conceded, in balancing the
interest Of the two countries. Since Ame-
RIGA Igas declared an independent state in
1782, many points had arisen in discussions,
which had Before been brought into agitati-
on. Most OF them might have been adjusted
b. taking fer rule, the mutual advantages
resulting from aE amica5le Convention be-
tween the two Countries but in points that
could be considered as essential never had