Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1822-02-14

NEW SPAIN.
Proclamation addressed 10 The Inhabitants Of
.Itrico, u Gea. DON linguistic Hutiiie
Transacted for Me National Lateiiigencey.l
He vino by the tacit or expressed viii OF
constituent, undertakes to represent biai, can
not prescribe to himself better rule for ms
conduct than the lawful interest of his prin-
cipal because it is natural TO presume that
he desires every advantage that is not repug-
nant to justice. This alone proposed to
myself when proclaimed, at isuaa, the In
dem,udence of the Mexican nation of old
Spain, and ofevery other power even of this
continent: hcing ultimately convinced of the
pubic opinion, aud public spirit of the Mexi-
can people. After this declaration, the first
'dea that did and ought To occur to me, was
the form of government which was most suit
able To Il nation, called to take its stand in the
lrst rank amongst those who inhabit this
globe.
This desired form, and to be as durable as
The morbid fate of human affairs will permit,
has been for some problem, difficult and te-
dious 10 solve; but for me, it was neither the
one nor the other: the moment was come,
and easily discovered from whence the light
was 10 proceed, on which depended the hap
piness of the New Empire
The public opinion, which sighed for the
emancipation of this country from the old me-
tropolis, desired it with the other two requi-
sites which We're to constitute also the guar
antee OF the imperial army, and united they
formed this glorious device, Religion, indie
pendence, and Union. This is what has con-
Quoted the enterprize 50 harIniy to IFS desired
end, aud what has given rise 10 SD many dis
CUSHIONS relative to the advantage offered by
the various forms OF government known, and
ever, have not induced me- To hesitate, as to
that which was most suitable to the nation,
when she declared her independence.
The Government, said, in the third article
OF the drauSht of lgiala. shall be Il iiG,iteI mo-
hGrchy, regulated bya constitution peculiar and
dddpted to the Kingdom /: next in the second ar
ucie OF the acts celebrated in the city of Cor
dova: the government Of The empire shall be q
constitutional, limited monarchy. fixed this
basis, not becauseI was convinced that a mo-
narciy was that form OF government which
was most honorable 10 society; but because
no one doubts, that when limited cunsiitu-
tioh;iiy, IT Is the most suitable, taking into
consideration the imperfectons and the pas
sl0ns of man; thus alone can be avoided the
frequent aud ruinous conflicts between people
contenf'ing for liberty, mobiles Tor power, and
kings for arbitrary dominion.
This basis being fixed, the necessary consc-
gnence was 10 designate the person, and the
dynasty which were to occupy the throne.
hnowniS the pacific disposition of the nation
III whose name spoke, did nat believe my
sen authorized 10 proclaim more than the
hri;i defence of her indisputable rights, nor
therein to exceed the limits of moderation ;
much less to tarnish this glorious work by
sowing the seeds OF arist0cratic factions or
the principles popular fernont which appcr-
tain5 10 democracy.
How then could leave IL door open to the
more serious Inconvenience, and confusion,
which are wont to accompany the election of
Il King, III an elective monarcIiy2 designated
then, in the first place, the person of the same
prince who had thus tlrreisnedin New Spain {;
and 10 obyiate all difficulty, and not to pro-
coed any further than was necessary in ex-
planning the presumed will of the nation, |
limited myseiIto showing IL preference for
tam persons ut the dynasty Of Ferdinand VII.
OF Spain, not by hereditary order, bat success
rye, with reservation to the nation, that the
Cortcs should determine the conditions of
the coming CT that person and, in default
thereof, they should call whonisoevcr they
might see fit.
have tuun,! myself under the necessity TO
publish these brief guides, to guard against
that exalted enthusiasm which is SO apt 10
give wrong direction To patriotic affections.
have noticed with feeling in various pub
ilcations that gratitude has induced some
writers to invite me To the diaden of this en-
pire, arguing at the same time, that was in
vested by the nation with any power that con-
siItuied the her attorney, land this to support
the in'Iailon,l that the plan sworn Ia at Igua-
Ia, was not obligatory on the nation, as she
dld not make it, and that was then ignorant
OF her will. l acknowledge that all those
VINO at that time We're silent, and more
over, that all WIN will, ought now to speak
frankly the truth. 1t is true that have acted
under the presumed opinion aud will of the
nation. IacknowIesr that nothing limits the
right recognized by public acts, and civilized
nations, in people to form, maintain, perfect
and change their constitution, as it may APP
pear exPedient to them, and for their happi-
ness and prosperity; and that this was The
sole oiJrct OF all my cndGavorj; and particu-
larry IN The important basis Of the government,
which was TO succeed the ancient Spanish
Finally, it is not only truth, but fact no
toiious and incontcsi6le, that The nation has
ratified with the most energetic dcmonstra-
iions, and with the most solemn acclainatiuns,
what have done in her name, and as her re-
representatives. at Iguaa aud Cordova.
How then can the nation impusn, (circun1-
stances remaining the samc,) that which She
has solemnly authorized by her public vote /?
What can ever be considered stable in the faith
of nations, itnd their representatives, what
guarantees, what Onths will be considered
pledge of security?
am aware, aud well satisfied that the prin-
clplesare acknowledged which Justify the
change ofgovernmcnt; that in fact belongs cx-
cluslvely TO the nation, 81 it is notwitin the pro-
vince ola few individuals TO throw the state into
confusion. | must now cndeavor to undo some
eqmvocatlons of trancendlnt consequences, in
order to legitimate my acts, & must expose,
also, that which touches me personally, in re-
gard to the lnsinnations and the proclamatons