Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-22

will be necessary to occur often 10 the princi-
pies in which it originated; they will serve to
mark the boundaries of the rights which we
may Justly claim in our future relations with
them, and to counterfeit the efforts which it
cannot be doubted, European negotiators will
continue to make in the furtherance Of their
monarchical and monopolizing. contemplations.
Upon territory by ne-half more extensive
than the whole inhabited part of the U. States,
with population of less than four millions OF
souls, the Republic of Colombia has undertaken
to establish a single, and not confederated
Government,
Whether this attempt will be found practi-
cable in execution, may be susceptible OF doubt;
but in the new organization of society, upon
this hemisphere, even unsuccessful experiments
lead to results by which the science of Gov
ernment is advanced, and the happiness Of man
is promoted. The Republic of Colombia has
constitution deliberately formed and adopted
upon principles entirely Republican, with an
elective Legislature in two branches, distri-
button of the powers Of Government, with the
exception of the federative character, almost
identical with our own, and articles declaratory
of the natural rights of the citizen to personal
security, property, and reputation, and Of the
invioable liberty of the press. With such
constitution, in such a country, the modihca-
tons which experience may prove to be neces-
sary for rendering the political institutions
most effectually competent to the ends Of civil
Government, will make their own way by peace
able and gradual conquests Of public opinion.
If single Government should be found mad
equate TO secure and protect the rights of the
people living under ii, federation Of Repub-
lies may, without difficulty, belsubsttuted in its
place. Practical effect having once been Civ
en- 10 the principle, that lawful Government is
a compact, and not grant, the pretences for
resortiLg to force for efecting political revolu-
tons disappear. The subordination Of the
military to the civil power is the only princi-
pie yet remaining to be established in Colon
bia, TO ensure the liberties of the future gener-
atoms as well as those Of the present age; and
that subordination, although not directly guar
anted by their present constitution, is alto
gether conformable to its spirit.
In the letter of goth Feb, 1921, from the late
Mr. Torres, demanding the recognition of the
Republic of Colombia, it has been observed,
that the additional proposal was made, of nego-
tiating "treaties of navigation and commerce,
founded upon the basis Of reciprocal utility and
perfect equality, as the most efficacIous means
of strengthening and increasing the relations Of
amity between the two Republics"
In compliance with this proposal, among the
documents furnished you, for proceeding upon
the mission to which you have been appointed,
of Minister Plenipotentiary to the Republic OF
Colombia, is full power which will authorize
you to negotiate with any Plenipotentiary or
Plenipotentiaries of that Government duly pro-
vided with like powers, such treaty. The
President wishes, however, that every step in
such negotiation should be taken with full deli
beration The treaty, if concluded, must, as
you are aware, be reserved subject TO ratihca-
ton here, with the advice and consent of the
Senate, by the constitutional majority of two
thirds, as by the constitution Of Colombia, ar
ticle 1907 their treaties, to be valid, must re-
ceive the consent and appreciation Of their Con-
gress.
Our commercial relations with the Colon
bian Territory, are of SO recent origin, and have
depended so much upon the revolutionary con-
dition Of that country, under which they have
arisen, that our knowledge Of their state and
character is very imperfect, although we are
certain that they are altogether different from
those which may be expected 70 arise from per-
manent interests, when the Independence of
the Republic shall be universally recognized,
and free trade shall be opened to its innabit
ants, with all parts of the world. The only i'm
portant point now 10 be settled, as the radical
principle Of all our future commercial inter-
course, is the basis proposed by MIR. Torres, OF
reciprocal utility and perfect equality. AS the ne
cessary consequence OF which, you will claim
that, without waiting for the conclusion of
treaty, the commerce and navigation of the
United States, in the ports OF the Colombian
Republic, should be received on the footing OF
equality with the most favored nation. tits
hoped, indeed, that on your arrival at the place
of your destination, you will find the principle
already settled: assurances to that effect hav-
ing been given by the Minister Of Foreign Re-
latlons, to Mr.. Todd.
BY an act of the Congress of Colombia, of the
25th of September, 1872 an impost duty Of u
per cent. was laid, upon all articles imported
from any part Of America, additional, to the du-
ty upon the like articles imported from Europe.
This discrimination was mentioned TO MIR.
Torres, at the time of his reception. He thought
it had arisen only from an inadvertency, and
promised to write concerning it to his Govern
ment. Mr.. Todd was instructed to demonstrate
against it, which he accordingly did. From
this. correspondence and conferences relating 10
it, with the colombian Minister of Foreign Re-
lations, Dr.. Gual, 1t appears that the object of
the law was, to burden with heavier duties the
10 fro uri,a Frame