Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-04-07
OMesat DncaesaIemtg.
Documents accompanying tie Prcsidcnt's .Hessage on
the Panama Question.
90.


EatrGct Of leeT, No. Is, from M Eccreit Minister 10
SP0t'l TO HE Secretary oj State, daicd.
MADRID Nor. 81, 1925
"Aer conversing with Duke le Infanta dor as much
necessary upon the direct between the two
countries, the opportunity being for longer in
rervew, awaited myself of it introduce subject of
the Colonies, upon which had before said any thing
10 him. told him. that it part of instructions
intimate His Majcsy's Government, in the most deli
possible, e full conviction of the Uni
ted Sates that the question OF the Independence
Colonies in point Of fact, settled; and their strong
desire that the might, possible, be brought
to close inquired OF him. whether there present
any disposition in his Najestys Cabinet towards change
Of pecy upon This subject He replied I'm the NEGATIVE
but did express this effect It'll, the same l
and decision that had observed in MI Teas comnu
ncaons presume, however, that this differences which
was certainly very peccptbe and obvious, rather owing
the difference in the chan Of men, and their h;-
bit of expressing themselves than any intention
i'll the Cabinet yield. At least learn from ny
other quarter that such intention supposed to exist
ihe Duke said that the matter was delicate one that
could easily imagine how announcement and injurious
be to the United States have this struggle
Iy going DOORS That he was not surprised
dissatisfied that they should theis Influence in en-
dcavorug procure the termination Of it in the way which
they thought just; but that the King could not yet resolve
TO abandon his rights, give up the hope, these
countries would III one way another be ultimately
brought back to their allegiance. then suggested to him
particularly the opinion entertained by the Government of
the United States, that the loss of the Island of Cuba
Porto Rico would be the inevitable effect the contul-
the struggle three longer; but flat
Spain, by making peace once, might very probably retain
them. When made this remark 20 Nh. Iea nc answered
that the King did consider these Islands danger in
any event, and that Ills Majesty confidently that he
should only retain them, but rcconquer very shortly
the other American Provinces. The Dukes answer was
quite different lie inquired Of in reply upon what
evidence the American Government founded the opinion
that Spain would be able retain Islands, in case of
her recognizing the Independence of other Colonies
This question seemed suppose the persuasion that the
Islands must at ali events be lost, unless the King should
the whole OF his American possessions replied
that the principal circumstance IN favor of this opinion
was the fact, that symptoms Of disposition separate
from the mother country had appeared In the Islands,
mid that, their situation, consequence OF the opening
1t the ports, extremely oursug, there was room To
suppose that they Contcuted with acGuipsced
i'll this remark, and expressed his deep regret that similar
system Of allowing full freedom Of trade had been
adopted IN in regard the other Colonies This
the substance Of conversation. The general
preston received from was, that is present no
direct intention ia the Cabinet change their pUry but
that there is least much probability recognition
now, before the late ministerial revolution. mentioned
So the Duke, that Mr. Zea bad expressed that would
give him in writing what had say by order If my Go
vernment upon this subject, and inquired Of him whcie
this would also be agreeable hu. lie said that he lad
objection whatever to such cOHlnunicat
AMI SHALL accordingly at my leisure, prepare and trans
nit one'