The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

POLITICAL.

FROM THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.

THE REQUISITION.

There are two intelligent Editors, who have been led into a mistake from the want of time to consider the subject. The National Advocate, of New-York, calls the requisition upon Spain to keep an adequate force in Florida, a proviso to the restoration of Pensacola. The Norfolk Herald styles it a condition. This is certainly not the light in which we are to consider it. The Spanish posts are to be restored to Spain immediately, without any condition at all. The President would scarcely say that the retention would be an act of war, which he had no right to make—and in the next breath declare that he would take upon himself to hold them, unless Spain complies with a certain specified proviso or condition. We understand the President's course to be this—he gives up the posts: at the same time he calls upon Spain to comply with her treaty; and for that purpose to maintain a sufficient force to keep the Indians in awe. If Spain refuses to comply, it will then be for Congress, not for him, to conclude what steps shall next be taken—whether, for instance, if the Seminole war continues, we may not take contingent possession of the country.

* We go on the supposition that the article in the National Intelligencer speaks the sentiments of the President.

The subsequent remarks relative to the occupation of Pensacola by General Jackson, are from a southern print, and were written previous to the restoration of that place by the American Executive:

Away with those heedless writers, who would preach to us to hold Florida as we have got it; and tell us to keep it, or Spain will be afraid to resent it.—What! shall we, who have so lately bearded the British lion, be mean enough to put upon a Spanish jackall? Such an inducement would be a reproach upon our character, which all the chivalry of our arms would be unable to efface.

True—Spain has done us wrong, which it is time to repair—the thunder will not or ever roll over her head—the bolt must fall. True, we want Florida, and the time will come, when we shall have it—but we shall not get it, as some would have it, by advantage of an act which has placed it in our power. The Americans are at least equal to the Athenians in publick virtue.

Themistocles having one day declared to the general assembly, "that he had thought of an expedient, which would be very salutary to Athens, but which ought to be kept secret;" he was ordered to communicate it to Aristides alone, and to abide by his judgment. He accordingly told him, "his project was to burn the whole fleet of the confederates; by which means the Athenians would be raised to the head and sovereignty of all Greece." Aristides then returned to the assembly, and acquainted the Athenians, "that nothing could be more advantageous than the project of Themistocles—nor at the same time more unjust." And, upon his report of the matter, they commanded Themistocles to abandon all thoughts of it. Such regard had that people for justice, and so much confidence in Aristides' integrity.

As to General Jackson; should Spain be silly enough to demand his trial, our answer is ready. Punish your own officer for his misconduct at Pensacola—and it is time enough to talk about ours. Whether it be proper to have an investigation on account of our own laws, it is for the constituted authorities to judge, who have all the acts spread before them: but though he has erred, we will do justice to the integrity of his motives. He has justly felt for the noble citizens of Georgia and Tennessee, who had suffered under the Indian tomahawk.—He felt indignant at the perfidy of the Spaniards—he thought himself obliged to yield to the law of necessity. Far be it from us to ascribe any such dishonourable views as we have deprecated; the pretence of taking possession, but with an actual view of keeping the country—his honour would disdain such views—we hope the honour of the government will equally save us from them.