Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-03-27
sIoa,pA DOCUMENTS.

FLORIDA DOSOmcNAS'
We have a copy Of the papers lately sub
,,i,ted to Congress, touching the Florida
treaty, and shall lay them as soon as pos
s,ble before our readers. They are very
reaere OF information, and will loose little
III their interes, by a little delay. We see
tut two facts oftbe least consequence. lst-
that Mr.. Forsyth handed ina remonstrance
ca the 18th Oct. against the non ratihca-
,,on of the treaty, which the Spanish Mi
,.i.ter returned 10 him on the 18TH Nov
The Minister stating in a cool and rather
,,5stemptuous manner that it was expressed
IN terms equally unprecedented and repug-
nan, to the deiicacy and attention which
are peculiar to. and are invariably observed
in al diplomatic communications that
be would not lay it before bis majesty as it
attacks his honor, without tending in the
east TO eluci1ate the subject in question"
lie would be happy to submit any commu'
nications " which are conceived in TT and
l,scoming terms" or TO receive any " which
are conformabie to the received usage aud
custom of European diplomacy" Mr.. +.
demonstrates against this proceeding-Vin-
iicates his offensive note offers to have 1t
translated by " person attached TO his le-
CATION - promises 10 withhold it altoge-
;her, il his excellency will give some for
NAL and satisfactory assurances on the sub
=. II a.. l;ok -, oo.nionod 80
but" if on the REORGANIZATION of the DO
cumenl, your cxcellency's determination
should remain the same, you will DO your
duty, and | shall do mine" The latest
news from Mr.. Forsyth is his dispatch tc
the Secretary of State of the eth Nov. IN
which he expresses lis determination, If
his remonstfance is still refused TO leave
Madrid'-bu, net before the FIRST of Janu-
ary-to remain IN France until the begin
ming ofMarcd, &c. &c.
The I'd fact is communicated by the
Charge d Ahaires Of the u. States al tie
Hague, on the 93d DeC.-Siz. that he king
of Spain has appointed the Marshal de Camp
Vivas successor TO Mr., Onis, and be is now
in Paris or on his way to bis destination"
Whether the Marcchal is still il. Paris, %loiler-
ing in London, or clsaving the seas. we are
unable TO say ; but DIR, Lowndes seems TO
consider him rather too tardy in his move
ments that il is best for us TO act without
him and take immediate possession of Flo
rida.
We cannot Pause heTe-there is one
thing in these documents which strike us as
interesting, We have no satisfaction ii
censuring the conduct of Mr.. Forsyth. He
is a gentleman whom we have borne in re-
spect-and the court with which he has
had some collision, is the most odious and
contemplate one in Europe. But he con
duct of Mr.. F. towards that Cabinet is such
as can reflect 40 honor upon his country
Why throw taunts at the " royal dignity
a dignity so refined and ETHEREAL, as to be
above the comprehension of an American
Minister 2" Why put forth in such broad
relief, in such insulting and uncourteous
terms, the perhdy of Spain-" a conduc ct to-
wards the Uuited States injurious, unjust,
and deceptious, and which canno fail. when
made known, to excite the resentment OF all
nations, who prize honorable dealing and
love ofgood faith ?" Why should all Ame-
riean Minister, however proud he ought to
be OF the ree institutions OF his country, 10
taunt a Spanish courtier with the degrade
ton OF bis pr'neiples ; and say TO him with
all my respect for your excellency, and
s"o"'e9ss " your excellent character, /
cAnho, suppose You sufficiently acquainted
VAN the principles Of free government, to
''as ''''ssuy upon This subject, since il