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

, ne million and an half consisted of an
article which might come into competi-
ton with us, and that was cotton. The
tobacco which Spain derived from herco-
lonies was chiefly produced i'm her islands.
Bread stuffs could no where be, raised
and brought TO market in any amonnt ma
ferially affecting us. The fable lands OF
Mexico, owing TO their elevation, were, it
was true, well adapted 10 the culture OF
grain but the expence and difficulty OF
getting ii to the gulf of Mexico, and the
action of the intense heat AT La Vera
Cruz, the only port of expectation, must
always prevent Mexico from being an "a
farming competitor. Spanish America
was capable OF producing articles so much
more valuable than those which we raised
that ii was not probable they would a
bandon more profitable for less advan-
tageous culture. 10 come into competition
with us. The West India Islands were
well adapted TO the raising cotton; and
yet the more valuable culture of coffee
and sugar was constantly preferred. A
gain providence had so ordered il, that
with regard to countries producing arti-
cles apparently similar, there was some
peculiarly, resulting from climate, from
soil, or from some other cause, that gave
to each an appropriate place ia the gene
raj wants and consumption Of mankind.
The southern part of the continent, La
Plata and Chill, Was too remote to rival
us.
The immense country, watered by the
Mississippi, and its branches, had a Pc
culiar interest, which he trusted he should
be excused for noticing. Having but the
single vent of New Orleans, for all The
surplus produce of their industry, it was
quite evident that they -sould have a
greater security for enjoying the advanta-
ges of that outlet, if the independence of
Mexico upon any European power were
effected. Such power owning al The
same time Cuba, the great key of the gulf
of Mexico, and all the shores of that gull,
with the exception of the portion between
the Perdido and the Rio del Nord, must
have powerful command over our iRte-
rests. Spain, II was true, was not dan,
gerous neighbor at present, but in the vi
cissitudes Of states, her power might be
again resuscitated.
Mr.. G. continued. Having shown that
the cause of the Patriots was just, and that
we had great interest in its successful
issue, he would next enquire what course
OF policy II became us TO adopt. He had
already declared that 10 be one of strict
and impartial neutrality. 1t was not me-
cessary for their interests, it was not ex-
pedient for our own, that we should take
part in the war. All they demanded of
us was Il just neutrality. 1t was compati-
BILE with this pacific policy-it was requr-
ed by it, that we should recognise any es
tablised government, if there were any
established government in Spanish Ame-
RIGA. Recognition alone, without aid, was
just cause of war. With aid it was, no,
because of the recognition, but because
of the aid, as aid without recognition was
no cause of war. The truth oithese propo-
sitions he could maintain upon principle,
by the practice of otherstates, and by the
usage of our own. There was no com
mon tribunal, among the nations, TO pro-
nounce upon the fact of the sovereignty
of a new state. Each power must and
of sovereignty so to judge. A nation, in
exerting this incontestible right in pro-
nounciug upon the independence in fact
OF a new state, takes 10 part in the war.
Ii gives neither men, nor ships, nor mo-
ney. 1t merely pronounces that in so far
as 1t may be necessary to institute any
relations TO support any intercourse,
with the power, that power is capable of
thOoC anu
Zing that intercourse and other
publicists lay down these principles.
When the United Provinces formerly
severed themselves from Spain, il was a
bout eighty years before their indepen-
dence was finally recognised by Spain.
Before that recognition, the United Pro-
vinces had been received by all the rest of
Europe iAto the family Of nations. 1t is
true that a war broke out between Philip
and Elizabeth, but ii proceeded from the
aid which she determined to give and did
give 10 Holland. In no instance he believ-
ed could il be shown, from authentic his
tory, that Spain made war upon any pow
er on the sole ground that such power
had acknowledged the independence oil
the United Provinces.
In the sase OF our own revolution, II
was not until after France had given us
aid, and had determined to enter into a
treaty of alliance with us-a treaty by
which she guaranteed our Independence
that England declared war. Holland also
was charged by England with lavoring oui
cause, and deviatIn9 from the line of stric'
neutrality. And, when il was perceived tina
she was moreover aboutto enterinto trea
ty with us, England declared wa.. Even i
it we're shown that proud, haught,
and powerful nation, like England, hal
made war, upon other provinces, OH lllt
ground of mere recognition, the singl,
example could not alter the public law, OF
shake the strength of clear principle.
But what had been our uniform prac
tee Z We had constantly proceeded or
the principle, that the government de fac
to was that which we could alone notice
Whatever form of government any socie
~ Of people adopts whoever they &C
knowledge as their sovereign, we consi
der that government Or that sovereign al
the one To- be Acknowledged bY Us. w,