Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

SOUTH AMERICA.

To the general state of revolution and confusion in which the Spanish continental territory in America is involved, that of Portugal is now about to be added. To neither the Spanish nor Portuguese colonies, a connection, such as the new constitutions provide for, would seem severable between them and Europe. A long time, however, must elapse, before their independence can be settled, and the uninstructed inhabitants of those regions be brought to a state of repose and submission to a well defined separate government. Anarchy and mutual proscription have more of woe in store for them, than what can flow from the resistance of the mother countries to their independence. The republic of Colombia is an exception to the general state of trouble, having almost fully achieved her independence and established civil subordination. From her position, she will become an interesting friend, with whom we may enjoy a reciprocation of benefits in commercial intercourse. From us she has much to learn in political as well as natural improvement. The laws and policy, under which we have grown to power, wealth and greatness, constitute an example by which she may profit in the highest degree, in aiming at a similar result. A liberal communication, and mutual confidence, will ensure her much instruction and assistance, in the mechanic arts and in the progress of internal improvement. There can be no doubt, that if she conducts herself with wisdom and prudence, she will gain an increase from the emigration and settlement of our enterprising merchants and mechanics, in the highest degree beneficial to her progress and prosperity, at the same time, that they will cement the relations of the two countries. We are no believers in that narrow policy, which would keep such citizens at home, and which regards their removal, as an absolute loss. There is no danger of our farmers and agricultural people giving a foreign country the preference, whilst their own country offers them, as it must long continue to do, lands of every quality, and situate in every different atmospheric temperament. The adventurers, therefore, will consist principally of the professional, commercial and mechanical classes. But we cannot imagine that the drafts upon them will be greater or even equal to the stimulus, which the vacancy they will leave, will give to bringing up young men to fill their places. Such a succession must have the happiest tendency to promote knowledge, skill and excellence in those pursuits, and to reduce the over stock which prevails in some of them. Each great commercial nation spreads her children in every part of the civilized earth, where they serve to spread her renown and promote her interests. Where is the place of any note, where Frenchmen and subjects of Great Britain are not to be found?

With regard to the scene of emigration before us, it is unfortunate, that the part of our territory which sends forth the greatest number of adventurers, is the most opposite in climate to those new countries of the South, and that they must be reduced in number, by mortality, before they become naturalized to the change. Yet this consideration has not dissuaded the Scotch from settling in Jamaica, nor the Dutch in equally uncongenial climates.

Fed. Rep.