Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-04-17

20 obtain the FloIidas, his catholic majesty has
condescended TO accede thereto, as proof of
his friendship and high consideration for the
United States, and has authorized ne TO stipu-
late the cession of those two provinces for an
equivalent of territory westward OF the Mis-
si-sippi. Having proved, en the part OF his
majesty's government, by the most complete
evidence of which neral facts are susceptible,
and by a conviction in no wise Inferior 10 that
of mathematical truths, that the proper bour-
diaries ct Louisiana, eastward of the MISSISSIPPI
pi, are defined by the course of that river,
and thence by the Ihcrville and tile lakes
Maurepas and Pontchartran and that To the
westward, they never did, nor could extend
beyond the rivers Carcasu and Marmentas or
Marmentco, running between Satchitoches
and Adaes, across Red River, and thence
northward to a line not yet fixed, and to I've
settled by commissioners to he appointed by
both governments, il is clear, that the propo.
sails offered IN my note for the final settlement
OF the question of boundaries, cannot fail to
appear advantageous To you, government, and
satisfactory to the just wishes of the United
States. But if, for their greater satisfaction,
you can point out an eXpedient by which the
said proposals may be still further modified.
without detracting from the acknowledged
principles of common Justice and reciprocal
convenience, L am ready to attend to- and
stipuate II Immediately, If il comes within the
sphere of my powers and instructions; and in
case II should not, by presenting, perchance,
combinations which could not be forc seen Nv
his catholic majesty, l will immediately des.
patch courier TO Madrid to inform my go
vermment of the demands of yours, and re
quest more ample powers adapted to them.
The question OF indemnties can he attendcd
with no difficulty. The Spanish government,
has always beenwilling to give due satisfaction
for the losses and injuries sustained by citizens
OF this republic, and committed by Spaniards
contrary to the law OF nations and the existing
treaty, but IT cannot relnquish its claim 10
comprehend, in like manner in the adiustp,ent
of those losses and injuries, such rs have been
committed by citizens and authorities of this
republic, oil the crown and subjects of Spain.
IN violation OF the same right and treaty
Your government, sensible of the Justice of
TINS demand, cannot fail to accede TO il thus.
by ratifying the convention agreed on i'm 1902
as have already proposed to you, the question
OF mdemnities VIII be easily settled and deter
mined.
The king. my master, being DESTROYS of Civ.
ing the Uuited States and the whole world
incontestable proofs of the rectitude and sim
cerl'y OF his dispositions, and of his love of
justice aud good faith. is ready To submit all
the questions embraced by the pending differ
ences, TO the arbitration OF one or more OF the
powers OF Europe, in whom the United States
may nave The greatest confidence, they and
MS majesty respectively enga ing TO abide ir
Ievocably the decision OF such arbitration
In cases where justice alone is sought for this
reference must be particularly desirable, and
mas Deen frequently resorted 10, as well by in
dividuals as by the most respectable nn,ions
on controverted questions.
Inc BRITISH government, on being informed
OF the difficulties attending the negotiation.
pending between Spain and the United States.
made an offer of its mediation for the nurpose
OF reconciing them, and the President has
not been pleased 10 accept il, asI have been
lately informed by the minister of England TO
these States. From this refusal, am to infer.
that the President is willing, on his part. TO
remove all the obstacles which oppose the
prompt and happy termination Of the negoc.
alton pending, and under this impression, which
rs due to the uprightness. rectitude, ana good
faith. OF the American government, L fiatter
myself, that IT will not be necessary to have
recourse to the mediation or arbitration of
friendly neutral powers, TO settle and ter.
inmate ON principles of Justice, the existing
differences between the United States and
Spain and if unfortunately this should not be
the case, also natter myself, that YOUR 20.
vernment will approve of one of those modes
as being dictated by Il sincere love of peace
aud justice due to such occasions
therefore hepe, sir, that you will reply. as
soon as possible, TO the proposals made in my
last note, and communicate TO me whatever
you may think most conducive To- the happy
termination OF the pending negotiation and
still further to strengthen the bonds of friend.
ship and good understanding between the two
nations.
In the mean while, | have the IIonsr to re-
new to you, the assui ances OF my respect, asd
L pray God TO preserve you many years.
(Slgned LUIS DE ONIS.
Hashingfoa, 10th February, 1915.
ltJr The only remaining Document is the
long and elaborate letter of MIR. Adams, in
reply 10 the three long letters of Don Onis-
MI. Adams's reply in our next