Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-20
From the Paris Etoile Of Nor. %.

| From the Paris Etoile Of Nor. g.
| SPAIN AND HER COLONIES:
| The Etoile, after stating some historical facts
and observing that the interests OF government
are now entirely changed from what they were
proceeds as follows
"Spain must therefore occupy herself serious
ly with this affair, on which she is almost a
bandoned on every point to her own resources
Will the European powers assist her in recon
q,ering South America? Has Spain the mill
tary and naval means TO execute by herself, thi:
gigantic enterprise? This would be very doubt
full, MOTTO say impossible.
"Would now revolutions in America, lead to
the recognition of the authority OF the Mother
Country? Though there might be troubles and
solutions, they would probably be disputes "a
bout command or power, but not about return
ing 10 their former state. Moreover, these
movements would never be uniform through the
entire extent of South America, and they would
produce but partial advantage.
"The question for Spain is purely national
for the Powers of Europe, political and COM
commerce al; such ofthose powers as have not
direct and Immediate interest with South hme.
RIGA, will consider it in political view, and will
be the last TO decide; those who have CONNER
cial interests will not adopt this course. In
short, this revolution cannot be assimilated to
| that of the Peninsula, Of Naples, Of Piedmont,
| or even to that Of Greece; and which are the
powers that have most interest in causing the
commercial principle to triumph? They are
the United States beyond the Atlantic; and Por-
tugal, England, and France, in Europe. Let
the government of the Peninsula consult It's po-
sition with respect TO these Powers, even though
it should be under the European view, and 1t
will recognise the necessity of adopting poll
cy which shall coincide with their interests.
"What are the consequences OF the actual
state of things?-Dangers TO the island OF Cuba,
and the other possessions which still remain TO
Spain; the shameful detection Of the ship Asia;
the prohibitive measures Of the de facto govern
ments of America against Spanish commerce:
the augmentation Of the number Of privateers,
which insult it even on the coast OF the Medi-
terranean, at Cadiz and Ferrol; the support
which these calamities lend to the revolutiona-
~ spirit in the Peninsula the equivocal rela-
tons of the Cabinet of Madrid with the other
Cabinets Of Europe; and lastly, sad and de-
plorabe prospect of the future.
"These are facts unfortunately too true, and
too we'll known. In recapitulating them, we
have no wish to pass an il-natured censure up
on the anterior acts of the Spanish ministry, or
to inspire fatal encouragement
"What, then, are the resources left to Spain!
In the discussions which have taken place on
this subject in the journals and different works
published in Europe, we have seen The follow
ing means insisted upon, according to the doc
trines professed by each party
"First, TO pursue the present precarious state,
and to wait for time, and the events which may
perhaps facilitate her re-establishment In her
domains.
"Secondly, again to attempt their conquest
"Thirdly, to recognize the independence OF
the revolted provinces Of South America.
"Fourthly, TO limit the recognition to some
determined parts Of her state.
"WIth regard to the first means; if the Uni
ted States and England had not recognised
their independence it would perhaps be prac-
ticable, but it can no longer be done without ex-
posing her to very serious danger We have
already demonstrated that the second means Is
difficult and impracticable
SIN respect to the third, besides its being We
nv delicate. it is subject to an inhnity OF COM
binations as to the m amer, the time, and Its
relations with the political doctrines which IN
fluence governments.
"Tne fourth is absurd. In recognizing the
independence Of single State, we establish a
principle, by the very, exception itself, and 1t
would then result that the Spanish policy had
consulted its profit, and not its rights.
1--WE will not speak Of the project suggested
by some writer's, Of subjec,ing America to Eu-
I rope, and dividing it between different powers.
This decision would never be Spanish, neither
is it the projec, Of any cabinet. ;
| "In the meanwhile, all recognise and respect
the right of Ferdinand VII. The consent OF
this sovereign is the capital point in this affair,
especially for the Americans themselves. A
concession, whatever it may be, of his Catho-
lie majesty, must be more advantageous to
them for their stability than all the recognltions
Of other powers
1--WE will show, in second article, the means
which, according to us, Spain might take 10
reconcile her interests with those OF America
and Europe