Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-05-16

to which it is proposed 10 annex SO extra.
ordinary and improper condition.
Had the minister Of Spain offered an
unqualified pledge that the treaty should
be ratified by his sovereign, on being
made acquainted with the explanations
which had been given by this government,
there would have been strong motive ZOE
accepting aud submitting it to the Senate
for their ADVICE and consent, rather than
to resort to other measures Tor redress,
however justifiable and proper. But ne
gives no such pledge. On the contrary,
he declares explicitly that the refusal OF
this Government to relinquish the right Of
Judging and acting Tor itself hereafter,
according to circumstances, IN regard 10
the Spanish colonies right common to
ali nations; has rendered il impossible for
him, under his Instructions, to make such
engagement. He thinks that his sovereign
will be induced, by his communications,
to ratify the treaty; but still ne leaves
him free either to adopt that measure, or
TO decline ii. He admits that the other
objections are essentially removed, and
viii not, II, themselves. prevent the ratiil-
Gallon, provided the difficulty on the third
point is surmounted. The result, there
fore, is, that the treaty is declared TO have
no obligation whatever; that its ratification
is made to depend, not on the considera-
lions which led to its adoption, and the
new conditions which it contains, but on
a new article unconnected with it, re-
speeding which, new negotiation must
be opened, of indefinite duration, and
doubtful issue.
Under this view of the subject, the
course to be pursued would appear to be
direct and obvious, if the affairs OF Spain
had remained 10 the state ia which they
were when this minister sailed. But it is
known that an important change has taken
place ia the government Of that country,
which cannot fail TO be sensibly felt, in
its intercourse with other nations. The
minister Of Spain has essentially declared
his inability to ACT in consequence of that
change. With him, however, under his
present powers, nothing could be done.
The attitude of the United States must be
now assumed, on full consideration OF what
is due to their rights, their interests, and
honour, with regard to The power or incl
dents of the late mission. We may at
pleasure occupy the territory which was
intended aud provided by the late treaty
as an indemnity for losses SO long since
sustained by our citizens, but still nothing
could be settled defnitiveIy without
treaty between the two nations. Is this
The time to make the pressure? II the
United States were governed by views Of
ambition and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, many strong
reasons might be given 10 its favor. But
they have no objects of that kind TO ac-
complish; none which are not founded in
Justice, and which can be injured by for
bearance. Great hope is entertained that
this change will promote the happiness Of
the Spanish nation. The good order,
moderation and humanity, which have
characterized the movement, are the best
guarantees of its success The United
States would not be justified in their own
estimation should they take any step to
disturb its harmony. When the Spanish
government is completely organized on
the principles of this change, as it is ex-
pected it soon will be, there is just ground
TO presume that our differences with Spain
will be speedily and satisfactorily settled.
With these remarks, | submit it to the wis
dom of Congress, whether il will not still
be advisable to postpone any decision on
this subject until the next session.
JAMES MONROE.
Washington, 9th May, 1920.