The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1819-12-15


subject admitted of was though. 10 have
justified this conclusion. Great losses
had been sustained by citizens Of the U.
States, from Spanish cruisers, more llian
twcty years before, which had not been
redressed These losses had been sc-
knowledged and provided for by a treaty,
as far back as the year 1902, which, al
though concluded at Madrid, was not
then ratified by the government OF Spain,
nor since, until the last year, when it was
suspended bv the late Treaty, more sat-
islactory provision to both parties, as was
presumed, having been made Tor them.
Other differences hsa arisen in this long
interval, affecting their highest interests,
nhIch were likewise provided for by this
last treaty. The treaty itself was formed
on great consideration, and thorough
knowledge sf all circumstances, the sub
jec. matter of every article having been
for gears under discussion, and repeated
references having been made by' the Mnl-
lister OF Spain to his government, on the
points respecting which the greatest dif-
ference OF opinion prevailed. 1t was
formed by Minister duly authorized
Tor the purpose, who had represented his
government in the United States, and
been employed in dhis long protracted
negotiation several years, and who, it is
not denied, kept strictly within the letter
of his Instructions. The faith Of Spain
was therefore pledged, under circum-
stances of peculiar force and solemnlty,
for its ratification. On the part OF the
United States this treaty was evidently
accedcd 10 in spirit Of conciliation and
concession. The indemnity for injuries
and losses SO long before sustained, and
now again acknowledged and provided
for, was to be paid by them. without be-
coming charge OH the treasury of Spain.
For territory ccded by Spain. other
territory, oil great value, to which our
claim " as believed to be well founded,
was ceded by the United S,:nes, and ina
quarter more interesting to her. This
ccssion was nevertheless received, as the
means Of indemniiying our citizens in a
considerable sum, the presumed amount
OF their losses. Other considerations, OF
great weight, urged the cession OF this
territory by SPAN. 1t was surrounded
by the territories of the United ota,es on
every side, except on that OF the ocean.
Spain had lost her authority over it, and,
falling into the hands Of adyenturers con-
nected with the savages. IL was made
the means of unceasing annoyance and
injury to our Union, IN many OF its most
essential intcre SITS. By TINS ccssion then,
Slain ccded !. territory, in reality, Of no
value to her, and obtained concessions OF
the highest importance, by the settlement
of long standing differences with the U.
States, affecting their respective claims
and limits, and likewise relieved herself
from the oIligaiien Of a treaty relating to
it, which she had failed to fulfil, and also
from the responsibility incident to tic
most Aagrant ard psrnicious abuses OF
her rights where she could not support
h,r authority.
1t being known that the treaty was
formed under these circumstances not a
doubt was entertained that his Catholic
Majesty would have ratified it, without
delay. regret to have to state that this
reasonable expectation Eas been disap.
pointed; tina, the treaty was not ratlhed
within the time stipulated, and has not
since been ratified. AS it is important
that tho nature and character of this un.
expected occurrence should be distinctly
understood, think it my duty to COM
muicatc to you all the facts and circdm.
stances in my possession, relating tot.
Anxious to prevent all future disa-
greement .ilh Spain, by giving. the.
most prov, It effect to the treaty, which
had been thus concluded, and particu-
larry by the establishment Of govern
mcnt in Florida, WHICH should preserve
order there, the minister Of the United
States, who Ind been recently appointed