Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-02-01
[VoL. Ill. No. 2.

8, IL
if they are unfortunate. to pity them
Surely, if, in the tide of time, any nation
ever existed, calling for the compassiono of
mankind, that nation is Spain. o! how
she is degraded--how she is sunk-a TO-
reign bayonet supports lettering throne,
whilst her imbecile monarch is Watching.
with jealous eye. the PROGRESS of every
thing that is patriotic or worthy. His
councils, in his own native country, haze
been more disastrous than the march OF a
desolating conquerer. His DEGREES are
dictated by fear, cruelty, and despotisni,
and written III blood--at their approach.
whatever IS worthy, retircs, as from the
hand OF dcath-in their van, arnazern,nt
and flight; but behind, sorrow and soE-
tude. In fine, the annals of Spain are
like the Prophets scroll, which was
written within and without, and there was
written lamenta;ion aud mourning and
woe. Were it possible for America to
desert her high Career to add an addition
al dug to the cup which Spain has been
doomed to drink, we might well fear that
we should provoke the vengeance OF that
God whosr kind Providence has enabled
US to march, with giants stride, to the
fuitilment OF our happy destinies, and
whose favor is to be conciliated only by
deeds of moderation and Justice.
| These robbers are more ferocious than
the Algerine corsairs; they spare neither
age nor sex; but all fall beneath their
murderous hands. Out Of twelve yes
sells not one was suffered to survive! Can
the records of amy age produce any thing
more monStrouS or barbarous than this?
hesc are the powerful motives which
have induced US to recommend the adep-
ton of such decisive measures: it is to
save our property from plumber, our citi-
zens from being murdered, and our flag
from being insulted, and that it may be
come an inviolable safeguard over what
ever subject or whatever sea III may
wave.
The 4th section is to effect limited re-
prisals on offending vessels.
1t is one of the principles of our bill
that the guilty alone will be punished
Referring to the message of the Presi-
dent, and to the information Of our agent,
ii will be found, that this reBrisal vas
one OF the means recommended t. pro-
duce moral revolution amongst the peo-
pie Of the Spanish West Indies. in this
instance, the offending vessel only is vi
sited with punishment.
| The 5th section requires no comment.
The 9th section is matter of some de-
gree of Importance, as it relates to me
privilege of permitting private vessels TO
| arm in their own defence. 1t matters not
what is the extent of the navy employ
ed; it matters not what success attends
fresh pursuit.; 1t matters not w at effects
attends the blockaties when 2. rg vessel
is armed for its defence, and it is known
that none can be taken unaware, they
will find it an Improbable business. and
thus the only sensible nerve VIII DC
touched, and will go far towards effectmg
the desired object. l have often appeal
ed to private parties, but I Will give q
case in point: You have your patrol in
| the city OF Washington; there are MIDI
night robbers lurking about; and it sug-
gested itself to the mind Of an individual,
that, although an armed force is in the
neghborhood, he may be attacked, when
they are not near; therefore, nc carries
with him brace Of pistols, tia, he may
not be entirely dependent for his safety
ON assistance that may fail. This is the
case here. Say to the mariners, arm
yourselves, defend yourselves aud exter-
inmate those wrctches as far a you are
able; and i'll this light they are aiding the
views of government.
! Whilst this section was under coasidc-
ration, an idea was suggested, which I
looked upon with favorable eye, viz.
that those persons who could not afford
TO arm themselves, had Just claim on
the government, and ough. to be furnish
ed with arms and ammunition, and SO
much for each gun used, as All indemnify
Tor The expenses.
! II any gentleman Of the Senate wishes
Ito add such clause, he shall nave my
cordial support. There is nothing that
we possess that am not prepared 20 fur
nlsh on this occasion, to put an end to-
these miscreants. tits degrading to the
whole civilized world that in the 18TH
century, set of wretcheS are tolerated in
the neigbbouring islands, SO near to our
! shores, that we can almost hear the cry
Of the suffering victims, and that, so far
from being brought to punishment, thev
I are obtaining recruits from the refuse oi
mankind.
Look at the particular position OF Cuba,
and you find it has complete command
over all the trade Of those parts; no,
vessel can pass but is in danger Of being
! plundered and destroyed, for you hnd
1 they become more feroclous from habit;
formerly they spared the crew, but now
we find, from evidence adduVed, that they
are all inundated
! In reference to this section, there is no