Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1823-12-10

and maintained it, and whose independence
we have, on great consideration, and on just
principles, acknowledged, we could not view
any interposition for the purpose OF expressing
them, or controlling, in any other manner.
Eheir destiny by any European power IN any
other light than as the manifestation of an I'M
friendly disposition towards the United States.
In the war between these new governments
and Spain, we declared our neutrality at the
time of their recognition, and to this we have
adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provid-
ed no change shall occur, which in the judg-
ment Of the competent authorities OF this gov
eminent shallmake a corresponding change on
1he part of the United States, indispensable to
their security.
The late events in Spain and Portugal, shew
that Europe is still unsettled. OF this impor-
liant fact, no stronger proof can be adduced,
than that the allied powers should have
Thought itproper, on any principle satisfactory
to themselves, to have interposed, by force,
in the internal concerns of Spain. To what
extent such interposition may be carried, on
the same principle, is question, in which all
independent powers, whose governments differ
from theirs, are interested; even those most
remote, and surely none more Sc than the Uni
ted States. Our policy, in regard to Europe,
which was adopted at an early stage of the
wars which have so long agtated that quar-
ter Of the globe, nevertheless remains the
same, which is, not to interfere in the internal
concerns of any of its powers; to consider
the government de ,cto as the legitimate gov
eminent for US; to cultivate friendly relations
with it, and to preserve those relations by
frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting, in all
instances, the just claims of every power sub
hitting to injuries from none. But, in regard
to these continents, circumstances are emf
nently and conspicuously different 1t is i'm
possible that the allied powers should extend
their political system to any portion Of either
continent, without endangering our peace and
happiness; nor can any one believe that our
Southern Brethren, ifleft to themselves, would
adopt it of their own accord. 1t is equally
impossible, therefore, that we should behold
such interposition, in any form, with indifter-
ence. If we look to the comparative strength
and resources of Spain and those new govern
rnents, and their distance from each other, it
must be obvious that she IAN never subdue
them. 1t is still the true policy of the United
States, to leave the parties to themselves in
the hope that other powers, will pursue the
same course.
If we compare the present condition of our
Union with its actual state at the close OF our
Revolution, the history of the world furnishes
no example Of progress, in improvement in
all the important circumstances which consti-
tute the happiness of nation, which bears any
resemblance to it. At the first epoch, our pop
ulation did not exceed three millions. By the
last census it amounted to about ten millions,
and, what is more extraordinary, it is almost
altogether native-for the emigration from 9TH
er countries has en- inconsiderable. At the
first epoch. half the territory within our ac-
knowledged limits was uninhabited and a will
derness Since then, new territory has been
acquired, of vast extent, comprising within it
many rivers, particularly the Mississippi, the
navigation of which to the ocean was OF the
highest Importance to the original states. Over
this territory our population has expanded in
every direction, and new states have been es-
,tablished, almost equal in number, to those
which formed the first bond of our Union.
This expansion Of our population, and access
sion OF new states to our Union, have had the
happiest effect on all its highest interests.
That it has eminenty augmented our resour
-ces, and added to our strength and respectable
ity as power, is admitted by all. But, it is
not in these important circumstances only,
that this happy effect is felt. 1t is manifest
that, by enlarging the basis of our system ano
increasing the number OF States, the system it.
self has been greatly strengthened in both its
branches. Consolidation and disunion have
thereby been rendered equally impracticable.
Each government, con6ding in its own
strength, has less to apprehend from the other,
and, in consequence, each enjoying greater
freedom of action, is rendered more efficient
for all the purposes for which it was institu-
ted. 1t is unnecessary to treat, here, of the
vast improvement made in the system itself,
by the adoption of this constitution and of its
happy effect in elevating the character and in
protecting the rights OF the nation, as we'll as
.ofindividuals. Towhat then do we owe these
blessings? 1t is known to all, that we derive
them from the excellence of our institutions.
Ought we not then to adopt every measure,
which may be necessary to perpetuate them?
JAMES MONROE.
WASHINGTON, December 2, 1928.