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

public ship, subject to bis order Tor the pur-
pose. Unexpected delay occur. ing IN the
ratification by Spain, he requested to be IN
formed of the cause. Itwas stated, in reply,
that the great importance of the subject, and
desire 10 obtain explanations on certain
points which were not specified, had produ-
duced the delay. and that an envoy would
be dispatched to the United States, TO obtain
such explanations of this government. The
minister of the United States offered to give
tui explanation on any point, on which it
might be. desired (which proposal was de-
clined Having communicated this result to
the department of state, in August last, he
wa, instructed Notwithstanding the disap-
poinment and surprize which it produced,
10 inform the government of Spain, that it
the treaty should be ratified, and transmit
ted here st any time before the meeting OF
congress, il would be received, and have the
same effect as it it had been ratified in due
time. This order was executed. the autho-
rised communication was made to The 60.
vernmen, of Spain, and by lis answer which
has been lust received, we are officially
made acquainted, for the first time, with the
causes which have prevented the ratification
Of the treaty by bis catholic majesty. 1t is
alleged by the minister of Spain, that this
government had attempted TO alter one Of
the principal articles of the treaty, by de-
claration which the minister of the United
States had been ordered to present when he
should deliver the ratification by his govern
ment in exchange for that of Spain; and of
which he gave notice, explanatory OF the
sense in which that article was understood.
|, is further alleged, that this government
had recently tolerated or protected, an ex-
pedition fran the T. S. against Texas. These
two imputed acts are stated as the reasons
which have induced his catholic majesty TO
withhold his ratification from the treaty, TO
obtain explanations respecting which it is
repeated that an envoy would be forthwith
despatched to the United States How far
these allegations will justify the conduct Of
the government of Spain, will appear on a
view of the following facts, and the evidence
which supports them.
II will be seen by the documents transmit
ted herewith, that the declaration mention
ed. relates to a clause IN the eighth article,
concerning certain grants of land, recently
made by his catholic majesty, in Florida,
which it was understood had conveyed all
the lands, which till then had been migrant.
ed. II was the intention of the parties to an
drawn for that express purpose, ard for none
but it was understood to lie posterior TO that
inserted in the article : indeed il must be
Obvious 10 all, that, if that provision in the
treaty had not the effect of annuiling these
grants, il would be altogether nugatory. I'm
rnediately after the treaty was concluded and
ratified by this government, an intmation
was received that these grants were of ante
rior date 10 that fixed on by the treaty, and
that they would not, of course be affected by
II. The mere possibility of such case, SO
inconsistent with the intention of the parties,
and the meaning of the article, induced this
government to demand an explanation on the
subject. which was Immediately granted,
and which corresponds with this statement.
With respect TO the other act alleged, that
this government had tolerated or protected
an expedition against Texas, il is utterly
without foundation. Every discountenance
has inyariably been given TO every such at
tempt " thin the limits of the United States,
as is fully evinced by the acts of the govern
ment, and the proceedings OF the courts
There being cause however, 10 apprehend,
in the course Of III last summer, that some
adyeniurers entertained views of the KIND
suggested, the attention OF the constituted
authorities in that quarter was Immediately
drawn {" them, and it is known that the pro-
jcct. whatever i; mi ut be, has utterly failed.
These facts will. it is presumed, satisfy e.
very impartial mind. that The government
OF Spain had no jus;fabIe cause for decli-
ming TO raiify the treaty. 4 treaty conclu-
obligatory, in good faith. in all liz stipu!a-
., - H., I'D
ing of The parties Each party is bound TO
rat;;y it. II either could set aside, without
the consent of the other, there woulC be no
longer any rules applicable To such tran
.actiOnS between nations BY this proceed
the United States new and very serious
injury /. has bcea stated that Minister
would &c sent to ask certain explanations OF
this government. But, surh were desired
Why were they not asked within the time H.
mitCd for the ratification :? Is il contempla
ted to open new negotiation respecting a.
ny of the articles or conditions OF the treaty?
Ii that were done, 10 what consequence
might il not lead At what time, anu in
what manner, would new negotiation ter
inmate? BY this proceeding, Spain has
formed relation between he two countries
which will justify any measures Oh the part
Of the United States, which strong sense Of
injury, and prorer regard Tor the rights
and interests ct the n1tion, may dictate. I'm
the course to be pursued, these objects
should be constantly held in view, aud have
their due weight. Our national honor must
be maintained. and new aud a Distinguish
ed proof be afforded, of that regard for jus
lice and moderation, which has invariably
governed the councils OF this free people. II