Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-08

nited States can never regard with indifference
the situation and probable destiny OF the neigh
boring Spanish Islands of Cuba and Puerto Ri
co.. but, so far from believing it exPedient to dis
cuss these subjects at Congress OF all the A
merican States, and especially at this time, the
Committee consider the great probability that
such discussion might be forced upon the u
hiled States, if they are there represented, as
circumstance, furnishing in itself the strongest
objections to the adoption OF the measure pro-
posed.
If the existing war between Spain and the
new states Of America continues, the y. States
could scarcely endeavoI to arrest the progress
Of that war, in the only direction it can hereai-
ter take, or prevail upon one OF the beiiIgerents
not to strike their enemy, where alone he is now
aSsailable and most vulnerable by them, with
out announcing a determination TO take part in
the contest; and if peace shall happily be re-
stored, all apprehension OF the effects OF such
blow must cease of course. Why then discuss
the merits OF such question, which II seems
probable may never arise? Or why place the
United States in situation, where, If the ques-
ton does arise, and they must speak, the Lam
guage which they utter must be regarded as
equally unfriendly to all the new states and
where, if the United States keep silence, this
very silence will be misinterpreted?
Should the situation or policy Of the United
States induce them to look with indifference
upon the new direction that the existing war
may take, and TO abstain from all interference
in it, even though the neighboring Islands Of
Cuba and Puerto Rico may be threatened or as
sailed, then the very annunciation of such pur
pose must contribute much to accelerate an e.
vent that cannot be desired by US. In whatever
light therefore, this subject is viewed, 1t does
not seem to be one which the United States
shall discuss with the other American States
assembled at Congress. The inexpediency of
pursuing such course appeared more obvious
| to this Committee, when they considered that
many OF the nations of Europe must also feel,
that their interests were m materially involved in
its decison and that they would not abstain
from making some movement IN relation TO 1t,
which must greatly embarrass any course that
the United States may wish hereafter to pursue
While the United States retain the position
which they have hitherto occupied, and mani
fest constant determination not to mingle
their interests with those of the other States Of
America, they may continue to employ the in
fluence which they possess, and have already
happily eXcrled, with the nations of Europe, In
favor Of these new republics. But, if ever the
United States permit themselves to be associat-
ed with these nations in any General Congress,
assembled for the discussion of common plans,
in any way affecting European interests, they
will, by such an act, not only deprive them
selves of the ability they now possess, Of rem
dering useful assistance to the other American
States, but also produce other effects, prejudi-
ciai 10 their own interests. Then, the powers
Of Europe, who have hitherto confided in the
sagacity, vigilance, and impartiality Of the
United States, TO watch, detect, announce, and
restrain any disposition that the heat Of the ex-
isting contest might excite IN the new States OF
America, to extend their empires beyond their
own limits, and who have therefore considered
their possessions and commerce in America
safe, while so guarded, would no longer feel
this confidence. Each would therefore endea-
vor TO secure its own interests, by its own
means; and the power Of Spain not being con-
sdered by any equal to the protection Of her
remaining American possessions, struggle
would probably commence, who should iii ST OBJ
tain the Islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, the
possession of which must ever be of the last
Importance TO the commerce OF this hemis-
phere. Or, if such should not be the case, the
interests of many European nations might seem
TO require that they should make common
cause with Spain for the purpose OF preventing
these Islands from falling into other hands
10 the United States it would be OF little mo-
ment which of these events should occur: for,
it cannot be expected that any such contest
could be carried on so near them, without the
most imminent danger to their neutrality
The very situation Of Cuba and Puerto Rico,
therefore, furnishes the strongest inducement
to the United States not TO take part at the
contemplated Congress, since, by SO doing, they
must be considered as changing the attitude in
which they hitherto have stood, as impartial
spectators of the passing scenes, and identity
ing themselves with the new Republics.
These reasons, strong as they have appeared
10 this committee, are not the only objections
to the proposed measure disclosed by the docu-
ments 10 them referred. The manner in which
this invitation has been given of itself, furnish
es many forcible obstacles to its acceptance; and
inthe opinion Of this committee the Y States Will
neither consult their own dignity, nor what is
due to the proper respect they have right to
claim from all nations, and especially from the
new States of America, if they now agree to
cooperate in carrying this proposed measure
into effect.
/ he history Of the transaction, SO far as 1t is
disclosed to this committee, seems to be this.
SO early as the year 1921, the project OF assem-
bling General Congress of their Representa-
tives, to consider and adopt the best plan Tor