Alexandria Daily Advertiser

The Spaniards who have been renowned for the sagacity of their proverbs, say "the devil tempts every one, but an idle person tempts the devil himself."

It would almost seem that this proverb, though published above a century ago, had reference to the present business of Louisiana. We find Bonaparte tempted to cheat the Spaniards out of their province, and to contemplate the dominion of America, through that entrance under the specious pretence of colonization. We see the King of England tempted to stop his preparations, to make him re-embark his troops, and to dismantle his ships. We find America tempted to purchase this same contested desert, and in danger of fighting for it into the bargain. We see Spain protesting against the sale, in short, we see France, Spain, and America, at loggerheads about Louisiana. Thus is the old Spanish proverb verified upon themselves--for the devil has tempted France, England, and America, whilst the poor Don seems only, by his pusillanimity, to tempt the devil himself!