Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-03

ter,a;n towards both parties; aud that, in point
&c f,ct with the execution Of the act OF the
Portuguese Brazilian government, to which II
was nrompted by selfinterest, and which pre-
coded that of the U. States only few months,
This government has been the first to assume
the responsibility and encounter the hazard Oh
recognizing the governments which have been
formed oat of Spanish America. II there e.-
pr were any ground for imputing hardness 10
the United States in making that recogni'ioh'
as it respects other parts OF what was former.
" Spanish America, there is not the slightest
pretext for such suggestion in relation 10
Mexico. For within a little more than wear
after its independence was proclaimed, the -
States FASTENED to acknowledge it-lhey nave
never claimed, and do not now claim, any Pc
culiar favor or concession to their coWnielCe
and navigation, as the consideration OF the IL
beral policy which they have shown towards
those governments. But the Preslaehl uoe'
confidently expect, that priority OF movements
on our part, which has disconnected Piahs "ni1n
the European Allies were contemplating aS"i"s'
the independent governments, ana "hlch "aS
no doubt tended to accelerate similar acts oi
recognition by the European powers, ana es-
necially that of Great Britain, VIII form pow
erful motive with our Southern neighbours, &
particularly with Mexico, for denying 10 the
commerce and navigation OF those European
States, any favors or privileges which shall not
be equally extended 10 us.
"You will bring to the notice OF the Mexican
Government the Message of the late President
of the United States 70 their Congress. on the
I'd December, 1923, asserting certain important
principles of international law, in the relations
of Europe and America. The first principle
asserted in that message is, that the American
continents are not heDceforth 10 be considered
as subjects for future colonization by any Eu-
ropean powers. In the maintenance OF that
principle, all the independent governments OF
America have an interest, but that OF the Unit
ed States has probably the least. Whatever
foundation may have existed three centuries ago,
or even at later period, when all this CONT.
nent was under European subsection, for the es-
tablishment Of rule formed on priority of dis
covery and occupation for apportioning among
the powers Of Europe parts Of this continent,
none can be now admitted as applicable to its
present condition. There is no disposition to
disturb the colonial possessions, as they may
now exist. of any Of the European powers, but
it is against the establishment Of new European
colonies upon this continent that the principle
is directed. The countries in which any such
new establishments might be attempted are
now open to the enterprise and commerce of
all Americans, and the Justice ard propriety
cannot be recognised Of arbitrarily limiting and
circumscribng that enterprise and commerce
by the act of voluntarily planting new colony
without the consent of America, under the aus
pices of foreign powers belonging to another
and distant continent. Europe would be in
dgnant at any American attempt to plant CO.
lony on any part of her shores; and her justice
must perceive in the rule contended for, only
perfect reciprocity.
The other principle asserted in the message
is, that, whilst we do not desire to interfere in
Europe with the political system of the Allied
powers, and should regard as dangerous to our
peace and safety any attempt on their part TO
extend their system tc any portion OF this hemis-
phere. The political systems of the two CONT
nents are essentially different. Each has an ex-
elusive right TO Judge for itself what is best suit
ed to its own condition and most likely 20 pro-
mote its happiness-but neither has right to
enforce upon the other The establishment OF lis
peculiar system.
This principle was declared in the face Of the
world at a moment when there was reason to
apprehend that the Allied Powers were enter
tanning designs inimical to the freedom, II
not the independence OF the new Governments.
There is ground for believing that the CECILIA
ration of it had considerable effect in preventing
the maturity, if not in producing the abandon
ment of all such designs Both principles were
LAID down, after much and anxious deliberation
on the part Of the late administration. The
President, who then formed part oft, CONT
nues entirely to coincide in both. And you will
urge upon the Government of Mexico the uti-
lity and expediency Of asserting the same prin-
ciple on all proper occasions.
b.
Extracts ola letter from Mr. Poinsett TO Mr.. Clay,
dated Merico. 4ug. 81, 1925.
The correspondence respecting the reported