The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-04-29
THE SPEECH

" Me AitS U=cP"t" ~ "te NoeS'
" DEpuTIEs-The extraordinary cir
cumstances under which the session of the
legislative body is opened, affords IA wide
field for the patriotism of the representa-
tyes Of the Spanish people, and will cause
Them to be celebrated On the records Of the
nation.
"Span, at this moment the object OF gen.
eral attention, is about to solve the great
problem which now occupies the attention
Of monarchs and the people. In it are
found united the hopes, the fears, the in
terests Of humanity, the capr.ces oil ambl-
lion aud pride.
"The continental powers of the Holy
Alliance have already raised their voices
against the political institutions OF this ia
ton, which has achieved her Independence
and liberty at the price of her blood
Spain, in answering the insidious accusa-
tons Of these potentatcs, has given So
lemn manifestation To the world that her
fundamental laws cannot be d.ctated 10
her, but by h rself-
This clear and luminous principle can
only be attacked by sophisms supported
By the force of arms, and those who have
recourse to such means in the 18th centu-
ry, give the most complete proef of the
Injustice of their cause. The Most Chris
tan King has said that 100000 French
men were about coming 10 regulate the
internal affairs of Spain, aud correct the
vices Of her institutions. How long is it
since the power of reforming laws bias been
vested in the military ? In what code is it
written that military iuvasions arc the pre-
cursors Of the happiness ofthe people
1t would be disgrace to common
sense to refute such antIsocial errors, and
it is not betting the Unconstitutional King Of
Spain TO make an apology for the national
cause, to the end that il may be defended
against those who cover themselves with
rhe mantle Of the most detestablc hypocr-
ay, 10 trample under foot every sentiment
OF virtue.
hope that the energy and rrrseve-
rance Of the Cortes will be the best rply 10
the speech of his most Christian Majesty :;
Ihope, that firm in their principles, tEey
viii continue to follow the path of their
duty, and that they win ever be the Cortes
Of the 9th and nth OF january, worthy in
every respect of the nation that has conf
ied her destinies to them hope, in line,
that reason and justice will not be less pow
erfal than the genius of oppression and
slavery. A nation which compounds with
enemies whose bad fdith is already well
known to her, is Il nation already subluga-
ted to accept of laws which she intends
imposing by force of arms, is the greatest
ignominy.
"if war be an evil without remedy, the
nation is masnanimous, and will contend
second time for their independence and
rights.-The path o., glory is already
known To her, and the sacrifices it will cX
act will be easy for her, Energy aud pat
rutism Offer thousand rest lrces, which,
in the hands of the Spaniards, will always
produce the happieot results.
For my part, renew the offer to the
H., stionai Congress to GO operate by every
di)rt reaisng the hopes OF the friends of
liberal Institutions, by employing all the
means which the laws a,iCw me, in repcI-
has force by force.
The removal of my person and the
Cortes to a place less exposed 10 the lmilu.
cnce of military operations, may battle the
plans of the enemy, and prevent the sus-
pension of the acts OF government, which
should be known in every part THE king
dom.
"The army which has rendered US many
services in the national cause, Is organised
conlormably to recent DEGREES of the Cor
les The victories obtained over the fac
ilous are pFesages Of the stil more impor-
tagt successes which viii be obtained over
Our foreign enemies.
The best feeling reigns generally in the
provinces. The evils that many have suf-
tered from those whom they call the de-
lenders Of religion, have dissipated the
Illusions of the ignorant and convinced
them that the constitution is the true and
only path they should follow.
F" The change that haze taken place III
oH diplomatic relations, has not danped
lhf courage Of the nation. The tinld. who
never count on their strength, and the evil
disposed, who seek 10 profit by their weak
mesa, can never alter the sentiments OF q
nation alive to her hoDnr, and which is not
n The habit OF acting with injustice.
In general, the different branches OF
s ehe public administration present a favora
nle aspect. The Cortes will continue, with
thelr accustomed zeal, the important labors
.uat they have commenced, and the na-
uonal prosperity, in which ali the viewsare
concentrated will consolidate the cOnsti;H-