Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-01-08

proceedings OF the courts. here beng
cause, however, to apprehend, in the
course OF the last summer, that some
Adventures entertained views of the kind
suggested, the attention of the constr
tuted authorities in that quarter, was
Immediately drawn to them, and it is
known mat the project, whatever it
might be, has utterly failed.
These facts, it is presumed, satisfy
every impartial mind, that the govern
ment of Spain had no iustifable cause
tor declining to ratify the treaty. A
treaty concluded in conformity with in
structions, is obligatory, in good faith, in
all its stipulations, according to the true
intent and meaning of the parties Each
party is bound to ratify it. If either
could set it aside, without the consent Of
the other, there would be no longer any
rules applicable to such transactions be-
tween nations. BY this proceeding, the
government of Spain has rcnde'ed to the
United States new and very s.rious in
Jury. 1t has been stated, that a minister
would be sent, to ask certain explana
tons OF this government, Blu, if such
were desired, why were they MT asked,
within the time limited for the ratifca-
ton! Is 1t contemplated to open a new
negotiation respecting any of the articles
or conditions of the treaty? If that were
done, to what consequences might it not
lead At what time and in what manner
would new negotiation terminate By
this proceeding, Spain has formed re-
iatlon between the two countries which
wlll justify any measures on the part Of
the United States, which strong sense
OF injury, and a proper regard for the
rights and interests of the nation, may die
tate. 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 distinguished proof be at
forded OF that regard for Justice and
moderation, which has invariably gov
erned the councils of this free people.
1t must be obvious to all, that if the
United States had been DESTROYS of ma
king conquests, or had been even willing
to aggrandlze themselves in that way,
they could have had no inducement to
form this treaty. They would have
much cause for graduation, at the course
which has been pursued by Spain. An
ample field for ambition is open before
them. But such a career is not con-
sistent with the principles Of their gov
crnncnt, nor the interests IL ple nation.
From a full view of all circumstances,
1t is submitted to the consideration of
congress, whether it will not be proper
Tor the United States to carry the condi-
tons of the treaty into effect, in the same
manner as if it had been ratified BY
Spain; claiming, on their part, all its adj
vantagcs, and yielding to Spain those Sc
cured TO her. By pursuing this course,
we shall rest on the sacred ground of
right, sanctioned, in the most solemn
manner, by Spain herself, by treaty
which she was bound to ratify, for refus-
ing to do which she must incur the CEN
sure of other nations, even those most
friendly to her; while, by confirming our
selves within that limit, We cannot fail
to obtain their well merited appreciation.
We must have peace on frontier where
we have been SO long disturbed our citi-
zens must be indemnihed for losses so
long since sustained, and for which in
delnnity has been SO long unjustly with
held from them. Accomplishing these
great objects, we obtain all that is desir-
able.
But his Catholic Majesty has twice de-
clared his determination to send minis
ter to the United States, to ask explana-
tons on certain points, and to give them
respecting his delay to ratify the treaty.
Shall we act, by taking the coded terri
tory, and proceeding to execute the other
conditions of the treaty, before this min
lister arrives and is heard? This is a
case which forms strong appeal to the
candor, the magnanimity, and honor of
this people. Much is due to courtesy
between nations. BY short delay we
shall lose nothing; for, resting on the
ground of immutable truth and Justice,
we cannot be diverted from our purpose.
thought to be presumed that the explana-
tons which may be given to the minister
of Spain, will be satisfactory, and pro-
duce the desired result. In any event,
the delay, for the purpose mentioned, be-
ing further manifestation of the sincere
desire to terminate in the most friendly
manner all differences with Spain, can
not fail to be duly appreciated by his
Catholic Majesty, as we'll as by other,
powers. lis submitted, therefore, whe-