Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-05-01
pDRE1aN NEWS

rid dates to the 9th, and of Cadlz to the |
9th of March inclusive.
The King of Spain received from the
Cortes on the 5th, reply to his Speech,
which re.echoes the sentiments express
ed by him to that body.
Gentlemen Deputies. extraordina-
ny circumstances under which the legila-
tive body opens its session, present a
very extensive field to the patriotism of
Che Representatives of the Spanish
people, and will render it celebrated in
the annals of the nation.
Spain, at this moment the object Ell
general attention, is about to solve the
great problem which interests monarchs
and people. Therein are found united
the hopes, fears and interests of hu-
mainly. the capricous Of ambition and OF
pride.
The continental powers of the Holy
Alliance have already raised their voices
against the political institutions Of this
nation. which has gained her indepen-
dence and her liberty at the price of her
blood. Spain in her answers to the insl-
dious accusations of these POtentates, has
solemnly manifested to the world that
her fundamental laws can alone be dicta-
ted to her by herself.
This clear and luminous principle can
only be attacked by sophisms enforced
by dint of bayonets, and those who
have recourse to such means as these in
the 10th century, give the most evident
proofs of the injustice of their cause.
His most christian majesty has said,
that 100000 Frenchmen should march to
regulate the domestic affairs of Spain,
and correct the vices OF her institutions.
Since what period has it belonged to
soldiers to meddle with the reformation
OF laws z in what code is it written that
military inyasions are the forerunners of
the felicity of a people
1t were unworthy OF reason to refuse
such anti-social errors, audit by no means
belongs to the Constitutional King of
both SPANS, to apologize for the national
system, in order to defend it against the
attacks of those who screen themselves
|. beneath to mask of the most detestable
Hypocrisy, for the purpose of trampling
on every sentiment of justice.
trust that the energy and persever-
ance of the Cortes will afford the best
reply to the speech of the most chris
tian monarch that, firm in their princi-
pies, they will continue to march I'M
dauntedly in the path prescribed by their
duty; and that they will ever be the same
Cortes as they were on the 9th and | It'll
OfJanuary, in every respect so worthy
of the nation which confided their des-
TIMES to them I'm word, hope that
reason and justice will not be less power
full than the genlous of oppression and
slavery. A nation which listens to the
terms of an enemy, whose want Of good
faith is but TOO well known, is an Already
subiugated nation; and to receive those
laws which she dares to establish by
force ofarms is the height of ignominy.
ifwar should be forced upon us it will
be an eyilwithout remedy The nation
is maguanimOus, she will fight second
time former independence and her rights
The path to glory is already known to
her; and the sacrifices required will be
rendered light to her. Energy and pa
triotism will present a thousand re-
sources which in the hands of Spanards
will always produce the most happy re.
suits.
For my part, offer once more to the
National Congress, to cooperate with all
my efforts, to revive the hopes of the
friends Ofiibcral institutions, in employ
ing every means which the laws place
within my reach, to repulse our enemies
by force.
The removal ofmy person and the Ma
tional Cortes to place less exposed to
the influence of military operations
might battle the designs of our enemies
and prevent the suspension of the acts Of
government. which ought to be made
known to all parts ofthe monarchy.
The army which has rendered mani
fold services to the national cause, i:
organizing agreeably to the DEGREES o
the Cortes. The victories obtained over
the factious are presages Of still greater
successes against our exterior enemies.
The best spirit reigns throughout al
the provinces. The evils which many
have suffered from those who call them
selves the Defenders of Religion, have
dissipated the illusions of the ignorant
and have convinced them that the cause
of the Constitution is the only one they
should entrance.
The changes which have taken place
in our diplomatic relations have no
shaken the national courage The Gmid
Al =