Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-12-08

the commencement Of the second session
| Of the fifteenth Congress.
MR.. RODNEY TO THE SECRETARY OF
STATE. -(Continued.)
| The wretched state to which Spain wa
reduced, by the policy, the power, and th'
arts of Napoleon, the resignation o
Charles the 4th in favour of Ferdinand The
7th, aud the Remuneration Of both in favour
of Napoleon, were productive of the mos
important results. They threw the king
dom into the greatest confusion. The al
lternate success aud disasters of the French
armies produced new era in Spain
The people generally, revolted at the ide;
of being governed by the brother of Napo
leon, to whom he administered the crown
lJuntas were established, who acted in The
name of Ferdinand, then confined ii
France. These were substituted for the an
cient Cortes, and the regular council OF the
nation, to which, in times of imminent dan.
ger, they ought to have REQUIRED agreea
bly, to their usages. Conflicting authori-
ties produced distracted state Of affairs.
In the scenes that ensued, the proper atten-
ton was not paid to the American provin.
ces. Their conduct towards them was
versatile and inconsistent: they were lost
sight of or neglected until it was too late.
Conceiving they were abandoned by the
parent state, they thought it justifable to
act for themselves. 1t was not very long
before the inhabitants of Buenos Ayres
lembraciug The example OF their DretnreI
lin Spain, established junta, which as
sumed the reins of government and final
H. in the year 1910, sent off the vice-roy
Cisneros, and his principal adherents
For summary of events subsequent tc
this period, until the time of my departure
beg leave 10 refer to the outline subjoin'
ed, (Appendix Al from the pen of DR.
Fumes, drawn up, in part, at my request.
Without vouching for the perfect accura-
cy of the work, think, from the inior.
nation received, it will probably be found
to contain, in general, correct and i'm
partial sketch of the prominent transac-
lions and occurrences.
In perusing this interesting document, ]
have to lament, that its pages are marked
with some cases of severity and cruelty
which seem almost inseparable from great
revolutions. Unjust however be consoiins
to observe, that they appear to have pass
ed through the state, which might possibly
have rendered examples necessary, and tc
have arrived, perhaps, at that stage, when
the passions becoming less turbulent and
the people more enlightened, mildei
system may be expected to prevail.
Their dissensions have produced mos
of their caIamities. In such seasons they
we're naturally to be expected. But theil
disputes have been principally healed, by
the prudent and energetic measures OF thu
Congress, which commenced its sitting
in Tucuman in the year 1915, and adj
liourned in the year following from Themes
to Buenos Ayres, where it remained il
session, occupied with the task OF formin!
a permanent constitution. This respecta
Bile body, besides acting as convention
or constituent assembly, exercises tenn
porarily legislative powers. Their sitting
are public, with gallery of audience, 70
citizens and strangers. The debates ar
Frequently interesting, and are conducted
with ability and decorum; they are pub
lished every month for the information o
the people.
The dispute with Artigas, the chief O
the Orientals, has not been adjusted. This
with certain jealousy of the superio
influence of the city of Buenos Ayres OF
the general affairs Of the provinces; thu
conduct of the government of Bueno
Ayres towards the Portuguese, and tn
high tariff Of duties, which understau,
have been since reduced, appeared to con
stitute the principal causes Of dissatisiac
ton at the time of my departure.
The declaration by Congress of tha
independence, which they had for man,
wears previously maintained in fact, wa
measure of the highest Importance, ant
has beer productive Of an unanimity ant
/ decision before unknown. This summit 0
f their wishes, was only to be reached b.