The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-12-14

Ii mas D6SU SldtCQ ttldt lNIIiotSH WOuio
be sent, to ask certain explanations Of
this government. But, if such were
desired, why were they not asked within
the time limited for the ratification Is
il contemplated to open new negotiation
respecting any of the articles or con-
dirions of the treaty If that were done,
to what consequences might it not lead |!
AT what time, and in what manner, would
a new negotiation terminate BY this
proceeding, Spain has formed a relation
between the two countries which will
Justify any measures on the part of the
u. States, which strong sense OF injury,
and proper regard for the rights and
interests of the nation, may dictate. In
the course to be pursued. these objects
should be constantly held in view, and
have their due weight. Our national
honor must be maintained, and new
and disting uished proof be afforded, Of
that regard for justice and moderation
which has invariably governed the coun
ellis of this tree people. Il must be 90
yious TO all, that, ii the United States lad
been desirous of making conquests, or
had been even willing to aggrandlze
themselves in that way, they could have
had no inducement 70 form this treaty
hey would have much cause Tor gratu
lation at the course which has been pur
SUED by Spain. : An ample field for am
b,tiop IS open before them. But such a
carcar is not conGtent with the principles
of their government nor the interests OF
the nation.
From full view of all circumstances,
it is submitted TO the consideration OF
Congress ~hether it will not be proper
for the United States to carry the con
dirions of the treaty into effect, in the
same manner as If it had been ratified by
Spain, claiming on their part all its ad
vantages, and yielding to Spain those
secured to her BY pursuing this course
we shall reit on the (sered ground of
right, ianctiyned in the mott iolemn man.
ner by Spain herfelf, by treaty which
she was bound to ratify; for refusing to
do which she must incur the ceDfure of
other nations, even hofe most friendly to
her; while, by conhning ourielves within
that limit, we cannot fail TO obtain their
well merited appreciation We must
have peace on frontier where we have
been 70 long disturbed our citizens mutt
be unidentified for losses SO long since
sustained, and for which indemnify has
been SO VI ustiy withheld from them.
accomplishing these great objects, We
obtain all that is deirable.
But his Catholic Msjel1y has twice
declared his deterioration TO scnd MIN
liter TO the United States, to ask expia
nations on Certain points and to give
them, respecting his delay to ratiiy the
treaty. Shall We act, BY taking the ceded
territory, and proceeding 10 execute the
other conditions of the treaty, before this
Minilter arrives and is heard = his is
a case which forms ftrong appeal to
the candor, the magnanimity, a honor
of this people. Much is due to courtesy
between nations BY short delay we
shall lose nothing for, retting on the
ground of immutable truth and juitice,
we cannot be diverted from our purpose
1t ought to Be presumed, that the expIa
nations which may be given to the Min
liter OF spain will be satisfactory, and
produce the de6red refult In any event,
the delay for the purpofe mentioned,
being further manifestation of the sin.
ce,e deiire to terminate, in The mott
friendly manner, all differences with Spain,
cannot fail to be duly appreciated by his
Catholic Nifty as well as by other
powers. 1t is submitted, therefore
whether it will not be proper to make
the law, proposed for carrying the CON
dtions OF the treaty into effect. should /
BE- adopted, contingent; to suspend its
operation upon the responsibility of the
Executive, in such manner as to affird
an opportunity for such friendly expana
tions az may be desired, during the
present session of Congress-
communicate to Congress copy of
the treaty, and If the instructions to the
M,nilter of the United States. ar Mad i'd,
respecting it; of lis correspondence with
he Miniiter of Spain, and of such other
documents as may give full view of the
subject.
In the course which the Spanish govern
ment have. on this occasion rhonoht