Richmond Enquirer

The following prediction comes in an anonymous shape from Baltimore—It is an eccentric article; but it may turn out to be true.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ENQUIRER.

Baltimore, December 2, 1818.

SIR—The year 1819 will be distinguished by events the most remarkable, perhaps, in the annals of Europe or America. The revolution in South America, unquestionably originated in the spirit of liberty, but that sacred name was too soon disgraced, when the people of Buenos Ayres and Pueyrredon, their supreme director, by British intrigue permitted and aided the King of Brazil, a tool of the British Government, to take possession of Monte Video and attack the Patriots under the command of General Artigas. By the mission of Canning to Lisbon, a Monarchy is established in South America under British influence to aid in the subjugation of Mexico and Cuba, events that were anticipated by Napoleon when he gave himself up to the British, and by the sovereigns at the Congress of Vienna. While the British and Portuguese exercise this power over the Spanish provinces, it is impossible long to preserve our trade: while this hostile system seizes on the keys of the dominions of Spain, there will be no harbour which we can enter without their permission, either in a commercial or naval character, when no security can be hoped for in the United States, while this usurped power shall continue thus disposed and constituted, when Spain will look to Alexander for protection and support, and Russia increase in strength by the ties of blood and friendship with Prussia and the Netherlands. In opposition to this holy or continental league, the British with Napoleon in their possession, will restore him to the French people, and with the aid of Austria be able to keep up a balance of power on the continent. It can no longer be doubted that the conduct of the British government is actuated by a fixed determination of excluding at all hazards their hostile designs against Spain and the United States, and the real purpose of all their councils and of all their measures, at length openly and publicly avowed.

FRANKLIN.