Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-03-28

tually acknow Lodging their Independence the u States
frankly and unreservedly recognised the facts without
'ah'n .neir acknowledgement the price of any favor
10 themselves, and although at the hazard of mourning
he dlsPleasure of Spain. In this measure they have
taken Tue lead OF the whole civ lizcd world for although
the Portuguese Brazilian Government had few
o"."s oe'ore' recognized the Revolutionary Govern
."eh' OF buenos Ayres, it was at moment when a pro-
Jected declaration of their ndependence the
question substantially their cause and was pre-
sened as an equivalent for reciprocal recognition of
OWL tnuch more questionable right to the Eastern
Shore of La Plata.
On the 18th day of June, 1922, Mr. Manuel Torres
was received by the President of the u. States the
Charge d'hiares from the Republic of Colombia, and
tue immediate consequence of recognition
admission of the vessels of the South American nations
under their own coors into the ports of the princ-
pal maritime nations OF Europe.
The European alliance of Emperors and Kings have
assumed, as the foundation of human society," the doc
trine of unalienable allegiance. Our doctrine is
founded upon the principle Of unaenabe right. The
European allies therefore, have viewed the cause of
the south Americans rebellion against their lawful
sovereign We have considered the assertion of
natural right They have invariably shewn their dis
appreciation Of the revolution and their wishes for the
restoration of the Spanish power. We have as con-
stany favored the standard of independence and OF
america In contrasting the principles and the mo-
tIves OF the European Powers as manifested in their
policy towards South America with those of the United
States 1t has not been my intention boast of our
superior purity, to lay claim of merit TO any ex-
lDteresedness must be lis reward but in the es-
enlistment OF our future political and commercial in
tercourse with the new Republics it will be necessary
10 occur often TO the principles in which originated
they VIII serve TO mark the boundaries Of the rights
which we may Justly claim i'm future relations with
them, and TO countcract the efforts which be
doubted, European negoators will continue 10 make
IN The urherance of their Inonarc:cal and monopoliZ
ing CONCENTRATIONS.
Upon territory by one half more extensive than
the whole inhabited part of the u States with popu-
laton of less than four millions of souls the Republic
of Columbia has undertaken TO establish single and
not confederated Government.
Whether this attempt will be found practicable in
execution may be susceptible of doubt; but in tie new
organization OF society, upon this hemisphere, even
unsuccessful experiments lead to results BY which the
science OF Government is advanced, and the happiness
of man is promoted The Republic of Colombia has
constitution deliberately formed and adopted upon
principles entirely Republican, with elective Legis
ature IN two branches distribution of the powers of
Government, with the exception of the federative
character, almost Identical with own, and articles
decaratory OF the natural rights of the citizen TO per-
sona security property, and reputation, and of tile
Voiaoie liberty OF the press. With such constitution,
in such country, the notifications which experience
may prove 10 be necessary for rendering the political
institutions most eifectuay competent to the ends OF
civil Government, will make their way by peace
aoie and gradual coDqncsts of public opinion If a
single Government should be found Inadequate TO Sc
cure and protect the rights of the people wing under
IT. federation of Republics may, without difficulty be
substituted in its place. Practical effect having once
been given TO the principle, that lawful Government
is compact, and grant the pretences for resort
ing 10 force for eectng political revolutions disappear
The snbordnation of the military the civil power is
the only principle yet remaining to be established in
Colombia 10 ensure the Liberties of the future genera
tons well those of the present age and that sub
ordination although not directly guaranteed by their
present constitution, is altogether comfortable to lis
spirit.
In the letter of Goth Feb. 1921, from the late Mr..
Torres, demanding the n the NJ
Colombia IT has been observed that the additional pro-
Posal was made of negotiating 'streaiies of navigation
ana commerce. founded upon the basis of reciprocal
Ity and perfect equality, as the most effcacous means
of streng hening and increasing the relations of amitv
between the two Republics.n
In compliance with this proposal, among the doc,l-
ments furnished you, for proceeding upon the mission
towmch you have been appointed of Minister Plenipo-
tertiary 10 the Republic of Colombia is full power
which will authorize you to negotiate with any Peni-
potenary Penipotentiaries Of that Government
duly provided with like powers, such treaty. The
President Wishes however, that every step in such
gotiation should be taken with full deliberations The
treaty, If concluded must YOU are aware be reser-
/ 7ed subject TO ratification here, with the advice and
consent of the Senate, by the constitutional majority
two Irds, by the constitution of Colombia Particle
I20 their treaties, to be valid mast receive tic con
sent and appreciation of their Congress.
Our commercial relations With the Colombian Terri.
tory, are OF So recent origin, and have depended
much upon the revolutionary condition of that country
hiuCi "hlCh tneS nave arisen. that our knowledge o
their state and character is very imperfect although
are certain that they altogether different from those
which may be expected TO arise from permanent int
rests when the Independence of the Republic ba be
universally recognized and free trade shall be open
ed TO ITS inhabitants, with all parts of the world. The
only important point to be settled, as the radical
principle Of all our future commercial intercourse is
the basis proposed BY MIR. Torres, of reciprocak uH
and perfect equdtty As the necessary consequence OF
which you will claim that, without waiting for the con
cuson of treaty, the and navigation Of the
United States in the ports Of the Colombian Republic
should be received the footing Of equality with the
most favored nation is hoped, indeed, that on your
arrival at the place of your destination you will find the
principle already settled: that effect hay
ing been given by the Minister of Foreign Relations
MIR. Todd.
BY an act of the Congress Of Colombia, of the 25th
of September 32I, impost duty of u per cent was
laid on all articles imported from any part Of America
additional, to the duty upon the like articles imported
from Europe This discrimination was mentioned 10 M r.
Torres at the time of his reception He thought it had
arisen only from an Dadyeraocy and promised rite
concerning II TO his Government. Mr.. Todd was in
struCted to demonstrate against which