Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-12-08

: must have peace on ifontlEr "hSiC We
have been so long disturbed; our citizens
must be Undermined for losses solong since
sustained, and for which indemnity has been
so uniustly withheld from them. Accom-,
plishing these great objects, we obtain all
that is desirable.
But his catholic majesty has twice dec!a-
red his determination TO send minister 10
the United States, to ask explanations on GER
| tain points, and 10 give them, respecting his
delay 10 ratity the treaty. snail we act, py
taking the ceded territory, and proceeding to
execute the other conditions OF the treaty,
| before this minister arrives, and is heard ?
| This is case which forms strong appeal
10 the candor, the magnanlmity, and honor
| of this people. Much is due to courtesy be,
tween nations. By a short delay we shall
loose nothing for, resting on the ground OF
immutable truth and justice, we cannot De
| diverted from our purpose. 1t ought TO be
presumed, that the explanations, which may
be given to the minisrer of Spain, will be sa-
tisfactory, and produce the desired result
In any event. the delay for the purpose
mentioned, being a further manifestation OF
the sincere desire TO terminate, in the most
friendly manner, all differences with Spain,
cannot fail to be duly appreciated by his Ca
lholic majesty, as well as by other powers.
1t is submitted, therefore, whether 1t will not
be proper TO make the law, proposed Tor car
rying the conditions OF the treaty into effect,
should it be adopted, contingent; 10 suspend
its operation upon the responsibility OF the
executive. in such manner as to afford an OPP
portunty for such friendly explanations as
may be desired, during the present session
of congress
communicate to Congressa copy OF the
treaty and of the instructions to the minister
of the United States, a, Madrid, respecting
it: of his correspondence with the Minis er
of Spain, and of such other documents as
may be necessary to i've full view OF the
subject.
In the course which the Spanish govern
menl have, on this occasion thought proper TO
pursue, it is satisfactory to know, that they
have not been COuntenanced by any other
European power. On the contrary, the OPT
mon and wishes, both Of France and Great
Britain, have not been withheld either from
the United States or from Spain, and have
been uneqnivocal in favor OF the ratification.
There is also reason TO believe, that the SEN
timents of the imperial Government OF Rus
sia, have been the same, and that they have
also been made known 10 the Cabinet Di
Madrid
In the civil war existing between Spain
and the Spanish provinces in this hemisphere,
the greatest care has been taken TO enforce
the laws inteRded TO preserve an impartial
neutrality. Our ports have continued to be
equally open 10 both parties. and on the same
CONDITIONS and our citizens have been equal
ly restrained from interfering in favor OF e.
Their, to the prejudice of the other. The
progreas of the war, however, has operated
manifestiy in favor of the Colonies. Buenos
Ayres sllil maintains, dnshaken, the indepen-
dcnce which it declared in rs i6, and has en-.
joyed since 1910. Like success has also late
~ attended Chill and the provinces north OF
the La Plata, bordering on it aud likewise
Venezuela.
This contest has. from its commencement,
been very interesting TO other powers, and TO
none more so than TO the United States. a
virtuous people may and will conine them
selves within the limits of strict neutrality;
but i, is not in their power 10 behold con
fliCt SO vitality important to their neighbors,
without the sensibiIty and sympathy which
naturally belong to such case. 1t has been
the steady purpose of this Government, 10
prevent that feeling leading to excess; and
l
to state. that so strong has hccn the sense,
throughout the whole community, of what
was due to the character and obligations ot
the nation, that few examples of contrary
kind have occurred.
The distance of the colonies from the pa
rent country, and the great extent OF their po-
rulaton and resources, gave them adyanla-
ges which, II was anticipated, at a very early
period, it would be difficult tor Spain to sur
mount The steadiness, consistency and sue
cess. with which they have pursued their
object, as evinced more particularly BY The
undisturbed sovereignty which Buenos Ayres
has so long enjoyed, evidently give them a
strong claim to the favorable consideration OF
other nations. These sentiments en- The part
of tic United States, have not been withheld
from other powers, with. whom il is desirable
to act in concert Should itbecomc manifest
to the world that tie efforts of Spain to SUBJ
due those provinces, ,eii. be fuiiess, it nay
be presumed that the Spanish government
itself Will give up the contest. In producing
such determination, il cannot be doubted
that the opinion Of friendly powers, who hav C
taken no part in the controversy, VIII nave
their merted influence.
Iii of the highest importance TO our ma
tionai character. and Indispensable to the
morality OF our citizens, that all violations OF
our neutrality shoud be prevented. No door
should be let, open for the evasion OF our laws;
ne orpogtunty afforded 10 any who may be
disposed to take advantage of it, TO compro-
mil he inleres, or honor of the nation. 1t IS
submitted. therefore. to tie consideration OF
Congress, whether it may not he advisable 10
revise The laws, with view 10 this desirable
result.