Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-03-28


enabled TO find particularly stated, either by the
President in his first message. or by any of the
ministers OF the new States of America, as matters
intended TO be discussed at the contemplated Con-
eress. In reviewing these, they will repeat. that
concurrence OF opinion does not seem to exist,
between the different parties as 10 the subjects of
elaboration; nor has the mode of discussion or de-
cison been In any way settled between them. In
relation TO some of the subjects alluded TO- as fit
matters for consideration differences of opinion
radical and irreconcieable, seem already to exist
which discussion may aggravate, but cannot as
Stage. AS TO others, their very agitation i'm this
mode, threatens seriously the Compartment of
The neutral relations which the United States are
now maintaining, and have 80 carefully observed
throughout this whole contest. Others, again, are
unht subjects Tor delbers,ion in this mode at all
times, and any agreement resulting from their dis
cuss'on, must impair that freedom, OF action which
It is so necessary for the United States TO preserve
as TO taese; and, TO the residue they are either
ho ui suihclen importance TO require the adoption
OF this new and un'ried experiment of Congress
OF nations, or may be much better adjusted and set
ied IN Separate negotiations with each, than in
General conference with all. For these reasons,
! 7 there ere none other, this Committee should
ressrd the adoption of'he measure proposed by the
Rfesiden' as highly iuexpedien! at ,h;s time.
| Although In the message OF the President, of
the 9th instant, no new subject of celebration at
tue contemplated Congress is specially stated, yet
from the documents accompanying that MESA age.
and therein referred 10, containing information,
tending to show The expectancy Of adopting, Tie
! proposed measures, it appears TO this Committee
that The present and future condition of the remain
ing Spanish possessions in America are considered
as proper matters IT, be there agiiaed and settled.
Such being the inference of the Committee they
will proceed to lay before the Senate their opinion
upon this subject also.
The Committee vel! aware, that the United
States can never regard h indifference the si,ua-
ton and propasle destiny of the shborin,; Span
! ish Islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico; but, so far
from believing it expe,cnt to discuss these subjects
at q Congress of all the American States, and es
| peciaily at this time, the Committee consider the
great probability that such discussion might be
forced upon. the United States, if they are there
represented, "a circumstance, furnishing in Itself
the strongest oheetions to the adoption OF the inca.
| sure proposed
Il the existing war between Spain and the new
States oil America continues, the United States
coald scarcely cndeavor to arcs, the progress of
that war, IN the only direction it can hereafter e
or prevail upon ore o. the besereDis moi 10 strike
their enemy, where alone he Is now assailabe and
mos, vulnerable by them, without announcing a
determination 10 take part in the contest; and If
peace shall happily be restored, all apprehension Of
the effects of such blow must cease Of colr.e -
4
which it seems probable may never arise? Or why
place the United States in a situation where il the
question does arise, and they musl sneak the lam
Suage which they utter must lie regarded as egrally
uafriendly TO all ;he States; and where. if the
United States keep silence, this very silence will
be mininterpre,ed
Should the situation or policy of tie United
states induce them 10 look with indifference upon
the new direction thai The existing war may take
! and TO abstain from all Interference in it. even
though the neghboring Islands of Cuba and Puerto
itico may be threatened assaied, then the verv
annuaciaton OF sich purpose must contribute
| much to accelerate event that cannot be desired
ny u.s. In whatever light, therefore, this subject is
viewed, 1t does not seem 10 be one which the Uni
tel states should discuss with the other American
STATES assembled at Congress. The irex1e,lien
cy OF pursuing such course apr ear ed more obvi
aus 10 TINS Committee, when they considered, TIN,
many oil the nations Of Europe mus, also feel th :,
their interests were materially involved In its dec
sion; and tina, they would NOT abstain from maxine
some movement in relation 10 IT, which must ereativ
efnbarrass any course that the United States may
Wishes eafier 10 pursue
| While the United States retain the pos,tio,
which they have hitherto occupied. and manic, !,
constant determination to mingie their interests
| with those OF the other States of America. thry
may continue 10 employ the influence which they
posses, and have already happily exerted. win
nations OF Europe, In favor of these new renubics
Bat, If ever the United States permit themselves .
re a9soc!ated win these na,io.s in ans General
Congress assembled for the discussion of co,p,ror
Plans IN any way affecting European interests.
they will, by such an act, not only depfive them,
selves OF the ability they now possess of RENDERING,
useful assistance to the other American states. bnt
also produce other effects, preiudclai to their own
interests. Then, the Powers OF Europe. who have
hitherto coniaed In the sagacity, vigilance, aud
imparisiiiy OF the United States, 10 watch. de;cct
announce, and restrain any disposition thal tle le,
| oil The existing contest might excite in he nov
states OF America, TO extend their empires he
! You'd their own limits, and who have tberaforo
| considered their possessions and commerce in
| America safe, while so guarded, would no lo,eer
ieel this confidence. Zach woull therefore eo-
/ deavor TO secure its own I'M; eres,s. By its o,,,
means; and the power OF Spain not being consiler.
ca by any as equal 10 Che protection of her remain
ing american possessions, struggle would pro-
/ Dsby commence, who should first obtain the l.
| lads OF Cuba and Puerto Rico, the possessio, Of
which must ever be oil tile last importance IN ,I,o
| commerce OF this hemisphere. Or if sucb sborIa
not be the case, the interest OF MANY Europe,,
nations hight seem 10 require that they sbouId
make common cause with Spain Cor the purooge of
| preventing these Islands from falling into orbs-
bands 10 the United States it would be of little
moment which of these events ,bould ocr,,r.
for, it cannot be expected that any such con.
test could be carried on near them without the
mos imminent danger to their neutrality.
| The very situation Of Cuba and Porto Rio
therefore, furnishes the strongest nducement TO the
United States not to takes place at the cont s,pl,
ted Congress, since, by so dong, ther mu.t he
considered as changing the attitude in which the,
buherto have stood, as impartial spectators of the
passing scenes anc identifying themselves with the
new Republics.
These reasons, strong as they have appeared 70
th's committee, are not the only objections IN The
proposed measure Disclosed by the documents 70.
them referred. Themsnner in which tbi. invi,.o
lion has been given, Of ITSELF furnishes tanv