Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1826-09-28

scented at Panama. Haughtily folding
your arms, would you have given II a
cold and abrupt refusalf or would you
not rather accept it, send ministers, and
in friendly and respectful manner en-
deavor to satisfy those who are looking
to us for counsel and example, and i'm
itsting our free institutions, that there
is nonecessity for such an alliance; that
the dangers which alone could, in the
opinion of any one, have justified it,
have vanished, and that It Is not good
for them or for us. What may be the
nature of the Instructions with which
our ministers may be charged, il is not
proper that should state, but all cam
did and reflectiug men must admit, that
we have great interests in connection
with the Southern Republics, indepen-
dent of any compacts of alliance. Those
Republics now containing population
of more than 90 millions, duplic a,ing
their numbers probably in periods still
shorter than we do, comprising within
their limits the most abundant sources
of the precious metals, offer 10 our
commerce, to our manufactures, to our
navigation, so may advantages, that
none can doubt the expediency of cul-
tivating the most friendly relations with
them. If treaties of commerce and
friendship, aud liberal stipulations in re-
gard to neutral and belligerent rights,
could be negotiated with each Of them
at is separate seat of Government, there
is no doubt that much greater facilities
| for the conclusion of such treaties pre-
sent themselves at point, where all
! being represented, the way may be
smoothed, and all obstacles removed, by
a disclosure of the views and wishes of
all, and by mutual and friendly expls-
nations. There was one consideration
| which had much weight with the Exc
cutiye in the decision to accept the mis-
sion, and that was the interest which
| this country has, and especially the
Southern States, in the fate aud fortunes
| of the Island of Cuba. No subject Of
our foreign relations has created with
| the Executive Government, more anx-
| ious concern than that of the condition
of that island, and the possibility OF pre-
judice to the Southern States, from the
conyul.ions TO which it might be expo
sed. Ii was believed, and is yet belle
we'd. that the dangers which in certain
contingencies might threaten our quiet
and safety, may be more successfully
ayerted at place, at which all the A
merican powers should be represented,
than any where else. And have no
hesitation an expressing the firm con-
| yiction, that If there be one section OF
| of this Union more than all others inter-
ested in the Panama Mission, and the
| benefits which may flow from IT, that
section is the South. 1t was therefore
with great and unaffected surprise, that
| witnessed the obliquity OF those pols-
| teal views, which led some gentlemen
from that quarter, TO regard the mea-
sure as it might operate on the South
ern States, in an unfavorable light.
| Whatever may be the result OF the mis-
sion, its moral effect in Europe Will be
| considerable; and it cannot fail to make
the most friendly impression upon our
Southern neighbors. 1t 10 one OF which
il is difficult, in sober imag'nation, to
conceive any possible mischievous con-
SEQUENCES, and which the Executive
could not have declined in my opinion,
without culpable neglect OF the inter
ests of this country, and without giving
some dissatisfaction to nations, whose
friendship we are called upon by every
dictate of policy to concillate.
There are persons who would impress |
on the Southern States, the belief that
they have Just cause of experimenting,
danger. to a certain portion of their
property from the present Administra
ton. 1t is not difficult to comprehend
the object, and the motive of these idle
alarms What measure OF the present
Administration gives any just occasion,
for the smallest apprehension to the te-
nure by which that species of property |
is heidi However much the President !
and the Members of his Administration |
may deprecate the existence OF Slave |
ry among us as the greatest evil with |
which we are afflicted, there is not one |
oe them that does not believe, that the |
Constitution of the General Govern
ment confers no authority to interpose
| between the Master and his Slave, none /
to apply an adequate remedy, il indeed !
there be any remedy within the scope |
of human power. Suppose the object ,
of these alarmists were accomplished,
and the slave holding States were united |,
in the sentiment that tie policy OF tins