Richmond Enquirer

RICHMOND, OCTOBER 21.

SPANISH AMERICA.

We have thrown together the principal speculations we find in the London Prints, respecting South America. The article from "Bell's Messenger," is particularly worthy of notice.

It proves demonstrably, that it is the interest of Great Britain to see the Spanish Provinces so sovereign and independent states—and, of course, to take no part in their subjugation. This policy has in several cases been felt by the British Cabinet, particularly by Mr. Pitt, in encouraging the first enterprize of Miranda.

The feelings of the British at this moment must lie somewhat in unison with their interests. Disgusted with the superstition of Ferdinand; indignant at the treatment which the friends of the Cortes have experienced: excluded from some of the commercial privileges which they expected; their military achievements obscured by the jealousy of the Spanish troops; and anxious to obtain the treasures which they advanced; there can be no strong feeling of good will towards their quondam allies.

The only idea which can turn their minds against the Spanish Patriots, is the fear that legitimate governments may suffer from the multiplication of independent states in the New World—so strongly urged by the Madrid Gazette. But what sarcasm on legitimate government does this apprehension convey!—As if it were so abominable in its nature that the people of the old world could be readily allured by the example of independent states, on the new continent, into the arms of a republic.

—But will the new states in the new world be certainly republican? We hope they may; but we already see a nation in the South that is truly monarchical. Witness the Brazils!

Should neither Great Britain, nor any other nation, resist the emancipation of South America, it will in all probability prevail. Spain is straitened for want of money and men. An official report of her minister announces a probable deficit of 200,000 rials in her resources—And as to men, the drain is incessant. Of 10,000 men that have gone to Venezuela during the last year, it is said by another of the Congress, that there are not more than 400 or 500 alive— the rest having fallen victims to the climate or the sword." Let us not despair of the cause of Independence in the South. Truth is great and will prevail:—

London, August 31.—The Morning Chronicle of Friday states, "We are now assured on authority of the first respectability, that a treaty has been carried into effect under the powerful mediation of Russia, between Great Britain and other maritime powers to join in concert to effect the submission and pacification of the Spanish Colonies. It is also asserted, that a new Treaty is on the tapis, under the same mediation, by which Spain is to continue the Slave Trade till the year 1820, and receive from England a large indemnity for the losses she has experienced by the capture of vessels employed in this trade." This paragraph has been contradicted, in a positive manner, by the Courier, and all the Treasury prints; but we strongly suspect the inclination of all the great European Powers point to the unconditional submission of the subjects to the sovereigns: (circumstances, however, should, and perhaps will influence their conduct towards the revolted South Americans—the improbability of their ultimate success, if the United States refuse, as we have little doubt they will, to become a party in this tyrannical attempt,) we do not imagine the South Americans will have much cause to fear any combination that may be formed against them in Europe.—Anon.