Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1826-03-23

new Governments and Spain, we de-
clared our neutrality at the time Of their
recognition; and to this we have adher-
ed. and shall continue to adhere, proVid-
ed no change shall occur, which, in the
judgment of the competent authorities
Of this Government, shall make cor
responding change on the part OF the
United States indispensable to their Sc
curIty"
To the question which may be asked, whe-
ther this meeting, and the principles which
NAV be adjusted and settled by il as rules OF
intercourse between the American nations,
nav not give umbrage TO the holy League OF
European Powers, or offence to SPAN, t IS
deemed sufficient answer. that our atten
dance at Panama can give no JUST cause OF um
bragg or offence to either and that the United
states will stlpulate nothing there which can
give such cause. Here the right of inquiry IN
10 our purposes and measures must stop. The
Holy League of Europe itself was formed With
out nquiring gs<ek United States whether IT
would or wou give umbrage to them -
The fear of avg umbrageto the Holy League
OF Europe was urged as motive tor denying
to the American nations the Acknowledge
ment of their independence. That it would
be viewed by Spain as hostility to her. was not
only urged, but directly declared by herself.
The Congress, and Administration. of that day
consulted their rights and duties. and not their
fears, fully determined to give no needless dis
pleasures 20 any foreign power, the United
States can estimate the probability Of their
giving it only the right by which any foreign
state could have to take 1t from their mes-
| sures Neither the representation of the u
States at Panama, nor any measure to which
their assent may be yielded there, will give 10
the Holy League, or any of its members, nor
to Spain, the right to take offence. For the
! rest, the United States must still, as hereto
fore, to take counsel from their duties rather
than their fears.
Such are Tie objects in which il is expected
that the Plenipotentiaries Of the United States,
when commissioned to attend the meeting at
the isthmus, will take part; and such are the
motives aud purposes with which the invitation
of the three Republics was accepted. II WAS
however. as the House viii perceive from the
correspondence, accepted only upon condition
that the nomination Of Commissioners for the
mission should receive the advice and consent
OF the Senate. The concurrence Of the House
to the measure, by the appropriations neces
sary tor carrying it into effect, is like sab ect
to its free determination, and indispensable to
the ful6lment of the intention.
That the Congress at Panama wall accom-
plish all. or even any Of The trancendent bene-
fits to the human race, which warmed the con
ceptlons of its first proposer, 1t were, perhaps,
INDUCING too.sanguine forecast OF events to
promise. II is, in its nature, q measure specu-
lative aud experimental The blessing of Hea
ven may turn it to the account Of human i'm
prOvement. Accidents unforeseen, and mis-
| chances not TO be anticipated, may battle all its
high purposes and disappont its fsirest ex
pectstions But the design is great, 10 bene-
VIOLENT, is humane 1t looks to the mehoration
Of the condition of man. II is congenial with
that splrit which prompted our declaration OF
independence. which inspired the preamble,
to our first Treaty with France; which dcta.
ted our first Treaty with Prussia, and the in
struc'ions under which ii was negotated,'whlch
filled the hearts. and fired the souls cf the ia"
mortal founders Of our Revolution.
With this unrestricted exposition ofthe mo.
tives by which have been governed in this
transaction, as well as of the offsets to be
discussed. and of the ends. if possible, to be
attained by our Represe ntation At the proposed
Congress, submit the propriety OF an appro-
prstun 20 the candid consideration and en-
lightsned patriotism OF the Legislature
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.