Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1826-04-15

cIared their independence, and maintain
ed ii, and whose independence we have,
on great consideration, and on just Prin-
1 ciples, acknowledged, we could not view
any interposi.ion for the purpose OF OPP
pressing them, or controlling in any other
manner, their destiny, by any European
power, in any other light than as OF
III manifestation OF an uniriendly DISPOSE
ton towards the United States. In the
war between those new governments and
Spain, we declared our neutrality at the
time OF our recognition, and to this we
have adhered, and shall continue to ad-
here, provided no change shall occur,
which, in the Judgment OF the compe-
tgnt authorities of this Government,
shsll make corresponding change on
the part OF the United States indispensa-
BILE 10 their security"
To this question which may be asked,
whether this meeting, and the principles
which may be adjusted andsetled by i, as
rules OF intercourse between the Ameri-
can nations, may not give umbrage 10
the Holy League OF European Powers,
or offence to Spain, 1t Is deemed suffi-
cient answer, that our attendance at Ia.
mama can give no just cause OF umbrage
or offence TO either; and that the Cnlied
States will stipulate nothing there which
can give such cause. Here the right OF
inquiry into our purposes and measures
must Stop. The Holy League OF Europe
itself was formed without mqulring OF
| ba I1nifol hot ,unnId mr.
would not give umbrase to them. The
fear OF giving umbrage 10 the Holy
League oil Europe was urged as mo-
tive for denying to the American nations
the acknowledgement OF their indepen-
dence That it would be viewed by
Spain as hostility to her, was not only
urged, but directly declared by herself.
The Congress, and Administration, OF
that day consulted their rights and duties,
and not their fears. Fully determined to
give no needless displeasure to any for
eign power, the United States can esti-
mate the probability OF their giving 1t
only by the right which any foreign state
could have to take it from their measures.
Neither the representation OF the United
States at Panama, nor any measure ~
which their assent may be yielded there,
will give to tho Holy League, or any OF
lis members, nor 10 Spain, the right to
take offence. For the rest, the United
States must still, as heretofore, take
counsel from their duties rather than
their fears.
Such are the objects in which it is ex.
pected tina, the Plenipoten,iaries of the
United States, when commissioned to
attend the meeting at The lslhmus, will
take part; and such are the motives and
purposes with which the invitation OF the
three Republics was accepted. 1t was,
however, as the House will perceive
from the correspondence, accepted only
upon condition that the nomination OF
commissioners tor the mission should
receive the advice and consent OF the
Senate. The concurrence oil the House
to the measure, by the appropriations ne
cessary for carrying IL into effect, is a.
like subject to its free determination,
and indispensable to the iulflmen1 Of
the intention.
That the Congress at Panama will ac-
complish all, or even any of the tran
scendant benefits to the human race,
which warmed The conceptions Of its
first proposer, it were, perhaps, indulg-
ing too sanguine forecast OF events 10
promise. 1t is, in its nature, measure
speculative and experimental. The
blessing OF Heaven may turn it to the
account of human improvement. Acct
dents unforeseen, and mischances not TO
be anticipated, may battle all its high
purposes, and disappoint its flares, ex.
pec,alions. But the design is great, is
benevolent, is humane. 1t looks 10 the
Moderation Of the condition of man. 1t
is congcnial with ha,spirit which prompt
ed our declaration of independence
which inspired the preamble 10 our first
Treaty with France; which dictated
our first Treaty with Prussia, and the in
structions under which it was negotiated
which filled the hearts, and fired the
souls OF the immortal founders OF our
Revolution.
With this unrestricted exposition Of
the motives by which have been GO
verned in this transaction, as we'll as Of
the objects to be discussed, and of the
ends, If possible, to be attained by our
Representation al the proposed Con-
gress, submit the propriety OF an ap-
preparation, to the candid consideration
and enlightened patriotism Of the Legis-
lature.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
| SchOoI Oft Snpiu UH ola