Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-04-07
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OF such islands Cuba and Porto Rico is eminent
~ worthy of serious consideration, and should sa
iisfy reasonable ambition. The possessions OF
Spain in the West Indies would be still more val
liable than those of any other power. The war
ended, her commerce would revive, and there is
every reason 10 anticipate, iIom the habits, pre-
iudces, and tastes, of the Republics, that she
would End, in the consumption ofther population,
constantly augncnting demand FOR the produce
OF her industry, now excluded from its best mar
ke,s. And her experience, like that of Great Bril-
tain with the United States, would demonstrate
that the value of the commercial intercourse would
more than indemnify the loss. whilst i, is unbui
hened with the expense Incident 10 political coii-
neciior.
a subordinate consideration, which should not
be overlooked; is, that large estates are owned by
Spanish subjects, rcsident in Spain, which may
possibly be conhscated, if the war be waniony
continued IL that measure OF risor shall not be
adopted, their incomes must be greatly diminished
during state of war These incomes, upon the
restoration OF peace, or the proceeds oil the sales
OF the themselves might be drawn TO Spain,
and would greatly contribute towards raising her
from her present condition CT embarrassment and
iinSuisIment. II peace should be longer deferred,
aud the war should take the probable direction
which has been supposed, during its further pro-
gresS, other powers, not now parties, may be, col
Literally drawn into it. From much less consid-
ten disturbed. From ,hc vicinity OF Cuba to the
United States, iis valuaJl. commerce, and the ma
iare OF rs population, tac, government canno, be
Indifferent 10 any political change 10 which that
island may be destined. Great Britain and France
also have deep interests IN lis fortunes, which
must keep them wide awakes 10 all those chan
gea: In short. what European State has 10, much
at stake direct or indirect, in the destiny, be ii
what 1t may, OF that most valuable of all the West
fec la,
OF the Emperor, OH the vcissiiuics OF wsr. must
hdve Impressed him with The solemn duty OF all
governments, TO guard against even the distant
2pproach oi that most terrible of all scouryes hy
every prccauion with which human prudence
anl foresight can surround the repUse and ea!eiy
OF States
Such is the view Of The war between Spain and
the new Republics, which HE President desires
you most earnestly, but pec,lully 10 present TO
las Imperial Majesty. From this view II is evil
dent, that It is not so much for the new States
themselves, as Tor SPAIN that peace has become
absolutely necessary. TIER independence uf her,
whatever intestine divisions may, ii intestine dv-
sions shall yet unappiiy them, is fixed and
irreyocab!e. She may, indeed. by a blind and ia
sal pro,raction OF tlie war, yet lose more: gain,
FOR her, is Impossible. In becoming the ad, ocare
Tor peace, one is the true advocate OF Snain II
thc emperor shall, by his wisdom, eniinhe en-
the councils OF Spain, and bring home to them a
coAvcon OF her real interests there he 10 fe:rs
OF the Success Of his powerful iaierposi;ion. You
aye authorized, in iha: spirit OF The ,nost perfcct
stankncsS and friendship which have ever charar-
iciIAe7l all the relations beiw Russia and the
Cni;cd Safes, TO disclose, without ye-erye. ;Lc
feelings and the wishes of the United State. in
respect to Cuba and Porto Rico. They are salis-
ftci with the present condition of those Islands.
now onca 10 the commerce and enterprise of their
citizens. They desire, for themselves. no political
change in them. If Cuba were To declare it,
independent, the and t,e character of its
population render ii improbable that it could MAIN
tain its Independence.
Such premature declaration might bring about
a renewal OF those shocking scenes of which a
meishborins Island the affecting theatre There
could be no eifecual preventive Of those scenes.
but in the guarantee, anu in large resident force
q; foreign Powers. The terms of such a euarar
tee, and tie quoaS which each should contribute
OF such force, would create per I<xing questions
at very difficult adjustment, 10 saw nothing If the
continual e4ols 1ss which would be in operation.
womb DC a r"ahy a.4...;.....- f'''" HIS, 'heTe
Powers, all Of whom would lie put into angry ac-
tlvi!y upon the smallest PRO .pect OF transfer f
those islands. The United States couI,I NOT with
indifference, see such transfer 10 any EIrope,n
Power. Ana ii tie new Republics, or either n.
them, were to conquer them their maritime force
- IT now -, or, ur long time 10 come is likely
10 be, would keep up constant apprehcn.ions NJ
:eir safety. Nor is ;bsiiel cd thai the now Sa,c
desire, or will attempt The acquisition unIes. flev
shall be competed, in their own defence. to na,x4
u, by The unnecessary proiongation OF the war
Acting ON the policy which is here unfoidcI. tie
IJvernTcn; oil the U.ijed States, althoupb ,hev
woall have been JUSTIFIED. 20 have seized Coo, and
Porto Rico, ia lie just protection of the lives and
Commerce OF their citizens which have been a prev
20 infamous pirates, finding succor and re!tre in
Spanish territory, have s!gnally DISPLAYED lEeir
patience ard moderation by scrupuious resrect
OF the sovereignty OiSpain, who was herself bound
but haS utterly failed, TO fcpie>s those enormi,irs
Finally, the President clIerishes the hone that
the Emperor devotion TO peace, no less than his
friendship, will induce him 10 lend The high All
thorty OF his name to the conclusion Of 4 war, the
further prosecution OF which mus, have the certain
effect OF an useless waste of human life. No Pow
er has display ed more socitude for the repose of
the work., than Russia who has recently given
the strongest evidence OF he: unwillineness 10 dis
tIrb it in the East by unexamplcd moderation and
for5earance. hy extending 10 America the bless
ings OF that peace which, under the auspices Of
his Imperial Majesty, Europe now enjoys, all
parts Of this continent will have grateful occasion
for regarding him, the Uuucd States eve. have
done, as their most potent and faithful friend
This despatch is conideIto your discretion, TO
ne communicated, IN eXienso, or lis contents dis
closed in such other manner, TO the Government OF
Russi9, as shall appear to you most likely TO ac--
cumplish its object.
have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect,
your uGciicnt and very humble servant,
II. CLAY.
lTo I. roa:inre9l
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