Elizabeth-Town gazette., 1819-05-25
From the Trenton True American.
TREATY WITH SPAIN.


We perceive that it is generally con-
sidered as unquestionable, that the govern
ment Of Spain will promptly ratify the
treaty concluded by its Minister here
yet, we acknowledge this point appears to
us very doubtful. That government has
not evinced much disposition to do us jus
tice, nor great anxiety to secure our good
will, The Convention formed at Madrid
in 1902, was not ratified by that court
until 1918. As substantial reasons may
be assigned for refusing or. neelecting to
ratify the treaty, as the convention; and
if her statesmen are at any loss for argu-
ments to Justify such refusal or neglect
they may possibly derive assistance from
the speeches, reports, and publications of
some of ours. That government may also
disavow the authority of Don Onis to
form the treaty, as the British government
once did the authority Of Erskine to make
the arrangement by which the embargo
was raised, and the mouths of starving
millions filed ia England. The Don
himself has gone home, and whether to
advise the ratification or rejection OF the
treaty, is subject of conjecture. The
British government, too, if We may Judge
from the tenor and temper of their papers,
or indulge an opinion as to the extent OF
their apprehensions for the safety of their
colonies and commerce, should the Flori-
das pass into our hands, OF the height OF
their jealousy of the incre asjng wealth
strength, and consequence OF the United
States the British government, we say,
may not yield their assent TO the cession
of the Floridas TO us, unless Cuba is sur
rendered to them. This, Spain justly
deems the brightest jewel iu her crown,
and will part with only in the last extrem
ity. Yet Spain would greatly dread a
rupture with Britain, whose interest al
ready prompts her to the aid OF the PatrI-
OTIS, and whose arms could, in one cam
paign, effect their independence, and as
sure their gratitude. On the whole, We
shall not be surprised should the rstifica-
ton of the treaty be suspended until the
result of the pending enterprise is known;
and, should that prove even partially sue
cessful. we shall as little wonder at its
total rejection.
In publishing the above articles, the
Boston Centinel subioins the following:
HINTS.
IL is hinted, that the Cabinet in Wash
ington have hopes that the treaty will not
he ratified by King Ferdinand ;-That
since its signature, aud ratification, dis
coyery has been made, that during the
oegotIation, the Spanish King had sold
Eight Millions of acres of the public
lands OF the Floridas-which sale is guar
anteed by the Treaty, being made prior
to Jan. |, 1918! 1t has been further
hinted, that on the discovery of the above
fact, Don Onis, the crafty negotiator, had
been called upon by Mr.. Adams, for an
explanation of such conduct; and that
the Don had evaded all explanation by
remarking, that bargain was bargain;
that the Treaty was intended TO cover all
sales previous to the above date, known
or unknown; and that the purchasers OF
the lands did not make him a confidant
Of their secrets. And, 3dly, 1t as hinted'
that the Messenger that has been sent 10
Spain since the treaty-bearar embarked
has dispatches which relate 10 this I'M
portant discovery.
Notice addressed to the French Refugees
from ST. Domingo.
His most Christian Majesty having
taken into consideration the hard coDdi-