Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-12-02
SIICGESTIONS


SUGGESTIONS.
The contest between the South American Re
pubcs and Spain is fast drawing to a close, as re-
CARDS this continent. The last accounts from Lima
leave doubt to the fate OF the only remaining
fortress in the possession OF the ROyaist chief Ge
neral Roll Callao, however strong 10y nature AMI
art, must surrender within limited number OF
days being completely invested by and land,
aud there being earthly hope of any assistance
Tor it from Span its sure. der matter of arith-
metcal calculations, and can be delayed no longer
than given number OF mouths can consume GER
tain quantity of provisions. The contest, therefore,
on the coast of the great Southern, or Pacific
Ocean, may be considered at end
Tie Castle OF San Juan de Ulloa, situated on the
Atlantic coast, In the Gulph of Mexico, it is rea-
sonable. 10 suppose is at this moment in possession
OF The Republic, owing TO accident more, perhaps
than 10 the skill or bravery OF its commanders or
troops.
This fortress has been for some time deprived OF
all succour from the continent, to which it lies con-
lisious; so much so, that in order to command the
town OF Vera Cruz, which has been for some time
Abandoned by its inhabitants, its supplies were
drawn altogether from the Island of Cuba These
could only be sent thiihGr, lstterly, with a naval
force; the Mexican Government having established
a strong fort the Island of Sacrfcios, within a
very few miles OF the castle, and possessing force
of gun boats and smaller vessels than sufficient
TO prevent single vessels from approaching the fort
with supplies. This blockadng squadron has cap
tured many small American and other merchan,
vessels in their attempts to make Nancy by profit
ing of the distressed state oil the garrison.
The garrison not having received any late sup
plies fro Havana, were IN the greatest distress in
September, for provisions. During that month,
large expedition was fitted out at Havana, under
the immediate cominond of Laborde, celebrated
naval officer, in the Sabna irsate of IA guns, ac-
companied by two large sloops and some smaller
vessels of war, and transports, with troops, TO re
lieye the garrison, and provisions for six months.
This convoy sailed in October for San Juan de
Ulloa, sure OF success, the Mexicans had no
feet able 10 cope with H. and the season Of The year
was considered favorable to short passage.
The north winds which prevail on this coast dur
ing all the winter moalhs, and make the approach
20 the land 50 dangerous, seldom commence with
any degree OF violence till late In November.
The neet, however, few DAYS after its depar-
tnre from Cuba, met with tremendous gale from
the north. The frigae Sabina was dislnas ed, and
with difficulty got back to the Havana the rest of
the feet dispersed, and Dy the last accounts
none of them had reached San Juan de Uloa. In
deed, should the remainder Of the convoy attempt
TO approach the coast, It will be ONO avail for the
Mexicans have now collected force fully compe
tent to meet them and prevent them from succour-
ing the fort 1t s, therefore bat reasonable to sup
pose, that the fort will long have capiuated, as
the garrison reduced, in September, TO the ut
most extremity by disease and famine.
Taking it for granted, that ,hs has been the case
the Whole contine OF Spanish Atae-ica is free, and
SpSn possesses not one inch Of is territory. The
next question which demands ,he attention oi the
world is; what is TO be the fate o. Cuba and Poro
Rico
Colombia and Mexico are preparing a powerful
naval force, H. the course OF the present winter
several heavy ships, irigs'e~, AID number OF
sloops, briggs, and smaller vessels OF war, will be
in readiness armies assembling, and every thing
is in preparation for formal descent & attack on
those islands.
The grand problem to resolve seems to be, whe-
-iher he governments OF Colombia and Mexico have
a suffc'en mora! and physical force subdue hose
islands, without calling to their aid the black popu
latiorl aud how iar il would be prudent in the 90
vYnmcni Of this country 10 stand by. and view in
actively az undertaking which, II the Black popula-
lion be enlisted may eyenoate in their getting the
supreme COnmanl, and thus endangering the peace
ana PR perity OF our Southern States
One point seriously to he considered, is that the
black population OF hose islands exceed hal; mil
lion. A great portion Of them are African ne
grces, many thousand OF whom have been import
ed within the last few Years into Cuba; all are ex-
cessively ignorant, and cry different kiud OF
people ircm those who possess the island Of Hayti.
The latter, from thcif education and habits are
q "a.
No doubt, both Colon'bis and Mexico deem them
selves competent TO conquer these islands. and res
train their population from excuses; but it may we
conceive, with propriety be asked, without incur
ring the charge OF improper interference, or want
of decacy in making the enquiry, relates to the
new republics: How for governments just emerg-
ing from slavery into political independence, and
with constitutions as YET on trial Themselves pre-
carious, whatever we may trust and hope to
their stability-ca can, with any confidence, depend
on the prudence and ability Of their officers and
men in delicate enterprise the conquest and
liberation Of Cuba Possession must be retained
t)r some time In the event o'pfimary success, and
the risks Of Encouragement ard Ultimate disorder
will continue. These, we think, are matters OF
very serious consideration for our politicians and
Statesmen.
Should the negro population rise en- masse, That
power could check the progress aud tendency oftbe
eyji We know Of noae. And yet, 30 long as