1822.] 
nor force to make any. For the last 
three years the government of Spain has 
not sent a single corps of troops to any 
= of that country; nor is there reason to 
elieve it will send any in future. Thus it 
is manifest that all those provinces are not 
only in the full enjoyment of their inde- 
pendence; but, considering the state of 
the war and other circumstances, that 
there ismot the most remote prospect of 
their being deprived of it, 
When the result of such a contest is 
manifestly settled, the new governments 
have a claim to recognition by other 
powers, which ought not to be resisted, 
Civil wars too often excite feelings which 
the parties cannot control. The opinion 
entertained by other powers as to the 
result may assuage those feelings, and pro- 
mote an-accommodation between them, 
useful and honourable to both. The delay 
which has been wbserved in making a de- 
cision on this important subject, will, it is 
presumed, have afforded an unequivocal 
proof to Spain, as it must have done to 
other powers, of the high respect enter- 
tained by the United States for her rights, 
and of their determination not to interfere 
with them, ‘The provinces belonging to 
this hemisphere are our neighbours, and 
have successively, as cach portion of the 
country acquired its independence, pressed 
their recognition, by an appeal to facts 
not, to. be contested, and which, they 
thought, gave them a just title to it. To 
motives of interest this government has in- 
variably disclaimed all pretension, being 
resolyed to. take no part in the contro- 
versy, or other measures in regard to it, 
which should not merit the sanction of the 
civilized world. To other claims a just 
sensibility has been always felt, and frankly 
acknowledged; but they, in themselves, 
could never become an adequate cause of 
action. It was incumbent on this govern- 
ment to look to every important fact and 
circumstauce on which a sound opinion 
could be formed; which has been done. 
When we regard, then, the great length of 
time which this war has been proseeuted, 
the complete sucv-ess which has attended 
it, in favour of the provinces, the present 
condition of the parties, and the utter in- 
ability of Spain to produce any change in 
ry we are compelled to conclude that its 
ate is settled, and that the provinces 
whieh lave declared their independence, 
and are in the enjoyment of it, ought to 
be recognized, 
Of the views of the Spanish government 
on this subject, no particular information 
lias. been recenily received. It may be 
presumed that the successful progress of 
the revolution, through such a long, series 
of years, gaining strength and extending 
annually in every direction, and embiac- 
ing by the late important events, with 
little exception, all the dominions of Spain 
Montuy Maa. No. 367, 
Public Affairs in April. 
369 
south of the United States, on this conti- 
nent ; placing, pierehy, the complete sove- 
reignty over the whole in the hands of the 
people; will reconcile the parent country 
to an accommodation with them, on the 
basis of their unqualified independence. 
Nor has any authentic information been 
recently received of the disposition of 
other powers respecting it. A sincere 
desire has been cherished to act in concert 
with them in the proposed recognition, of 
which several were ‘some time past duly 
apprised, but it was understood that they 
were not prepared for it. The immense 
space between those powers, even those 
which border on the Atlantic, and these 
provinces, makes the movement an affair 
of less interest and excitement to them 
than tous. It is probable, therefore, that 
they have been less attentive to its pro- 
gress than we have been. It may be pre- 
sumed, however, that the late events will 
dispel all doubt of the result. 
In proposing this measure itjis not 
contemplated to change thereby, in the 
slightest manner, our friendly relations 
with either of the parties, but to observe, 
in all respects, as heretofore, should the 
war be continued, the most perfect nen- 
trality between them. Of this friendly 
disposition an assurance will be given to 
the government of Spain, to whom, it is 
presumed, it will be, as it ought to be, 
satisfactory. The measure is proposed, 
under a thorough conviction that it is in 
strict accord with the law of nations; that 
it is just and right, as to the parties; and 
that the United States owe it to their sta- 
tion and character in the world, as-well as 
to their essential interests, to adopt it. 
Should Congress concur in the view herein 
presented, they will doubtless see the pro- 
priety of making the necessary appropria- 
tions for carrying it into effect. 
JAmMEs Monroe. 
SOUTH AMERICA. 
The following letter from Caraccas, 
dated January 16, 1822, affords some 
interesting facts relative to the present 
state of Columbia. 
“ T returned liere some time since from 
attending the Congress of Columbia at 
Cacuta, from whence I bad a long and 
fatiguing journey. The Congress broke 
up on the 13th or 14th October, having 
terminated its session. Having been at 
Cacuta the whole period of the session, I 
had an opportunity of witnessing. all. the 
proceedings, which were, extremely inter- 
esting. ‘The. assembly was composed. of. 
by far the most intelligent and) clever.men 
I have met with in; this country, and se- 
veral speeches were made during the dif- 
ferent, discussions, that would not. have 
disgraced a British, House of Parliament. 
The Constitution, underwent a long dis- 
cussion, and was finally settled and con- 
3A cluded. 
