Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-01-04
.acy. poi,se,t to MIR. Clay.-No. So.


LEGATION OF IKE UNITED STATES,
.ferico, 23a September, 1926
Srp: have been assured that, although the
rresent condition of the islands of Cuba and Puerto
Rico was considered by the American Plenipo-
tentiaries at Panama, to be incompatible with the
safety of these countries and the policy of subiuing
them by force formed frequent topic OF converse
,ion in that assembly, still no decisive measures
with respect to them were resolved upon, nor are
they mentioned in the secret convention concluded
between the Spanish American States.
The Plenipoen,iaries were probably deferred
from acting upon this very important subject, both
by the language which has been held by the Presi-
dent with regard 10 these Islands. and by the ina
billy of the Gov efnments of Mexico and Co!om-
bia at this time, to undertake any expensive e1-
petition The American Pienipoteutares al
Panama followed in their discussions the order of
matters as la down in General Bolivar's procla-
nation. The defence Of these countries formed the
FIRST and most important subject OF their delIbera-
tons, and they founded the basis of their system
on the ground tina, Spain had lost the means of pro-
,ecling or holding her American Colonies at ST.
Vincent's and Trafalgar, where her fleets were
beaten anil destroyed; that those disastrous defeats
and the subsequent events OF her revolutions hav-
ing almost entirely annhilsted her maritime power,
the most obvious method OF defending the Ameri-
cas- will be to augment their Naval forces, to
enable them to intercept and destroy on the ocean
any expedition that might be sen, by Spain against
them
On this reasoning The offensive s defensive treaty
between the Spanish American States is formed; &
it embraces two objects: Est, the ostensible one
above Teci;ed; and 2dly, that, By this arrangement
the Governments concerned may be enabled gfatlu-
ally 10 diminish their land forces. a well ground
ed jealousy appears to have been entertained by
the Plenpotentiaries assembled at Panama with re-
spect these large standing armies and il entered
into their views, that, b. this convention abe &C.
vernments concerned should be compelled to
develop their intentions in this respect. By Go
vernments, is meant here those Military Chieitans
who direct the civil well as military affairs of
their respective Governments.
As it was understood that Msxico and Colom-
building and equping the proposed naval force, it
is provided that the other States shall pay a con-
tingent for the purpose Of supporting it.
The Agent sent to Panama by His Majesty the
King Of the Netherlands is arrived here; but H..
b. M. Commissioner, Mr.. Dawkens, Is returned
TO England. These gentlemen were not present
at the deliberations Of the Congress. The Ameri-
can Plenipoteniiaries communicated to them, from
time to time accounts of such of their proceedings
as were OF great interest, or as they judged proper
have gathered these particulars in converse
ton with the Plenipoentiaries, but have not yet
had sight Of the treaties; whenever do see them,
l will Immediately give you more detailed &C
count Of their import.
have the honor 10 be, very respectfully, sir,
your obedient servant, ]. r. POINSETT.