The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-03-30


propose. among tho subjects OF censuha
ton at Panama, Ia take Tito consideration
the means OF making efiecual the asscr
sisting Interference from abroad, with the
domestic concerns OF the American Go.
vernments.
In alluding 10 these means, 1t would be
obviously premature, gt this time, to antici-
pate that which is offered merely as mat
ter for consultation; or TO pronounce upon
those measures which have been or NAV
be suggested The purpose Of this go
vernment is 10 concur IN none which would
import hostility to Europe, or Justly excite
resentment IN any of her States. Should
J It be deemed advisable to contract any
conventional engagement on this topic, our
views would extend no further than 10 a
mutual pledge of the parties To the COM
pact to maintain, the principle in applica-
ton TO its own territory, and to permit no
colonial Judgments or establishments, OF
European jurisdiction, upon its own soil:
and with respect to the obtrusive intcrier-
ence from abroad, if its future character
may be inferred from that which has been,
and, perhaps, still is, exercised IN more
than one of the new States, joint decla-
ration of its character, and exposure Of il
to the world, may be probably all that the
occasion would require. Whether the u
nitcd States should or should not bo par
ties to such declaration, may Justly form
a part of tho dellheraiion. That there is
an evil to be remd,licd, needs little insight
into the secret history of late years to
know; and that this remedy may best bo
concerted at the Panama meeting, deserves
at least the experiment of consideration.
A concert of measures having refer
ence to the more eficctual abolition of the
African slave trade, and the consideration
of the light in which the political condi-
ton oftllc Island of Hay.i is to be regard
ed, are also among the subjects men
toned by the minister from the republic Of
Colombia, as believed 10 be suitable for
deliberations at the Congress. The fail
ure of the negotiation with that Republic,
undertaken during the late administration,
for the suppressions OF that trade, in com.
pianco with resolution Of the House Of
Representatives, indicates the expcdicncy
of listening with respectful attention to
which may contribute TO the
Accomplishment of the great end which
was the purpose Of that resolution, while
the result ofthoso negotiations will serve as
To abstain from plodgng this
government to any arrangement which
might bo expected to fail Of obtaining the
advice and consent Of the Senate, by a
constitutional majority, To its ratification.
Whether the political condition OF the
Island Of 1ayti, shall be brought at all in
tn discussion at the meeting, may be n
question for preliminary advisement.
There are in the political constitution of
government of that people, circumstances
which have hitherto forbidden the acknow-
ledgment of them by the government Of
the u. States rs sovereign and ipdepen-
dent. Additional reasons for Withholding
that acknowledgement have recently been
seen in their acceptance Oft nominal SOW
eregnty by the grant Of a foreign Prince,
under conditions equivalent to the conces-
sion by them of exclusive commercial ad-
to one nation, adapted altogether
TO the state of colonial vassalage, and re-
tanning little of ofindependence but the name.
Our Plenipotentiaries will be instructed
TO present these views 10 the assembly at
Panama: and should they not be concur
red in, to decline acceding TO any arrange |
nent which may be proposed on different
principles.
The condition Of the Island Of Cuba and
Porto Rico, is of deeper import, and more
immediate bearing upon the present in
lerest and future prospects Of our Union.
The correspondence herewith transmitted |
will show how earnestly it has engaged |
The attention of this government. The in
vasion of both the Islands by those united |
forces Of Mexico and Colombia, is avowed- |
" among the objects to be matured by the |
6elIigeront states at Panama. The con-
sulsions to which, from the peculiar com !
position Of their population, they would be |
liable IN the event OF such an INVASION, and !
lie danger thcrelrom resulting, OF their |
falling ultimately into the hands of some
European power, other than Spain will not
admit Of our looking at the consequences
10 which the Congress ut Panama may
ead, with indifference. IL Is unneccssa-
~ to enlarge upon this topic, or to say
more than that all our efforts in reference
10 this interest, will be 10 preserve the e.
sting state Of things the tranquility OF &c
Stands, and the peace and security oItl.cu
And lastly, the Congress ofPawm', is be-
ieyed 10 prevent fair occasion FOR urg-
Dp upon all the now nations rft AZ South,
the Just and liberal principles OF Religious
Liberty, not by any interference whatever
in their internal concerns, bit by claiming
for our citizens, whoye &C cupations or in
ierests may call theIn 10 occasional resi-
Jence in their territories, the nestinable
privilege ofworsh ping their creatoraccord-
IDg to the dlcr.Les Of their own conscien-
ccs. This privilege, sanctioned by the
rurtnn,nru al, nf Nntinna and aecnred hy