Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-03-31

Cu5a aud Puerto Rice; hut so Far f,cc, believing 4;
cSpedent TO discuss these subjects at Congress of all
the American States, and especially at this time the
Committee consider the great probability that such
discussion might be forced upon the Uni cd States if
they are there represented, circumstance furnish
ing in itself the strongest objections 10 the adop;ion of
the measure proposed.
the existing between Spain and the new States
of America continues, the United States could scarce
" enteavor 10 arrest the progress % that war in tho
only direction |: can hereafter take, prevail upon
one OF the begercnis not 20 strike their enemy where
alone he is now assaGb'c and vulnerable bv them
witlOut announcing determination to take part in the
contest; and I, peace shall happily be restored. all an
prehcnson of the effects If such blow must cease of
course Why then discuss the merits of such cues
ton, which ii seems probable may never arses Or
why place the United States in siiua,ion where If
the question does arise, aud they must speak the Ian
glac winch they utter must he regarded equally un-
friendly 10 all the States and where ;r the United
States keep silence this very siicr>cn will h.. ,r.uo-
pretel:?
Should the situation or pocv of the I-nitcd States
induce them TO look with Indifference upon the new
direction that The existing take and TO abstain
from az interference IN IT, even though the neiCiboring
Islands OF Cuba and Puerto Rico NAV be tlrea en., or
"ssaicd then the very arnunciaion of such purpose
must contribute much ia accelerate an event that
not be desired By u.s. In whatever light therefore this
subject viewed, it does seem to be one which the
United States should discuss with the other American
States assembled at Congress. The cxpediencv of
pursuing such course appeared more obvious 10 this
COMMITTEE, when they considered, that many of the
nations oil Europe r:ust also feel, that their ncres
were materially involved in lis decision; ard that er
would not abstain from making movement in rcia
ton to 1t, which must greatly enbarrass any course that
Tao United States may wish hereafter to pursue
w he The United States retain the position which
,hcy nave hitherto occupied and manifest a constant
determna not TO mngle their interests with those
of the other States of America they nav continue 10
employ the influence which they possess and have al
ready happily exered, with the nations of EuroDe in
favor OF these new republics. But, if ever the Unitcd
States permit themselves 10 bo associated with these
nations IN any General Congress- assembled for the dis
c'lsscn of common plans, in any way affecting Euro
Pean interests, they WILL by such an ACT not only de-
pve themselves of the ability they possess of rem
9en useful assistance to the other American States
but also produce other effects piejudcia TO their own
interests. Then, the Powers of Europc who bove hi
nerto contded IN the sagacity, vigilance and irnpar
atty OF the United States to watch detect announce
and restrain any disposition that the heat of the exist
ting contest might excite in the new States of Ameri
Ca, TO extend their empires beyond their own limits
ana who have therefore considered their and
commerce in America safe, while guarded would no
longer feel this confidence. Each would therefore en-
dcavor 10 secure lis interests BY lis own means
anu the power OF Spain not being considered by any as
equal to the protection of her remaining American nos
sessions struggle would probably commence who
should Tst obtain the Islands of Cuba and Puerto rco
Inc possession q! which must ever be of the last ill., oor
lance TO The commerce OF this hemisphere. Or if suc
should not be the case the interest Of many Euronean
nations might seem TO require that they should make
common cause with Spain for the purpose of prevant
ing these Islands from falling into other hands To
the United States it would be of little moment which
of these events should occur: for il cannot no e,
pectcd that any such contest could be carried on so
near them, without tie most imminent danger 20 their
neutrality.
The very situation OF Cuba and Porto Rico there's
lore furnishes the strongest nducement 10 the UD;,ed
States not 10 take place at the contemplated Can
gress since, by so doing, they must lie considered rs
changing the attitude in which they hitherto have stood
as impartial spectators OF the passing scenes and Ien
tfyInS themselves with the Republics
These reasons, strong they have aopearcd TO this
committee, not the only objections TO the proposed
measure disclosed by the documents TO Them referred
The manner in which this invitation has been riyeu Of
i'seH' furnishes many orcIbe obstacles to its accep-
fance a0d in the opinion of this committee the United
STATES Will neither consult their dignity MIR VIVA
IA due TO the proper respect they have right to claim
from all nations, and especially from the new States of
America, If they agree to cooperate in CARVING
tins proposed measure into cftct
The history of the transaction so far ne IL ia d;scIo
sea 10 Tins committee TO be this: So early as the
year 1921 the project assembling General CONGRESS-
OF their Representatives. TO consider and adopt the best
plan Ter defending the States Of the new world fron
ioreSn aggression, and 10 conclude treaties of alliance
commerce, and friendship, for the promotion of their
happiness and prosperity, appears have been concc
Yed by one, at least, of the States of America
Ills scheme OF forming continental system for Anne
was
communicated 10 the others Of these States who con
CURING IN the project, negotiations Instituted be-
tween thein Tor te purpose of concluding conventions
to provide for this object
The plan being far matured, the United States
we're tor the first time, informally applied TO- during
the last Spring, by the Ministers of two of the ne.r
states separately, 10 learn whether invitation TO he
represented at this Congress, if given By both these Re-
publics, would be accepted To this communication
informally made, the President informally replied,
'hat he believed such Congress, as was proposed,
might be highly useful for several purposes but that
before assembled tappearcd TO him expedien to ad
nst between the Powers TO be represented several pre-
urinary points. such the subjects to he discussed
the nature Of the powers to be given to the agents who
were to compose it, and the mode of IFS organization
and action And If these preliminary points could be ar
ranged IN manner satisfactory 10 the United States
The Ministers TO whom this communication was made
were Informed, that the President thought the United
states ought to be represented at the contemplated
Congress Each Minister undertook to transmit TO his
Government this answer thus given.
Ihe affair remaining in this posture as to the snited
states The negotiations previously entered into between
the new states were brought 10 close and conven
bODS providing for tHe objects nj