Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

It seems to be conceded on all hands that the court of Spain have not only refused to order home the marquis Yrujo, in compliance with the demand of our government, but have actually sanctioned his conduct by renewing his appointment. What can be their reasons for trifling with us in this extraordinary manner? Perhaps they may have inferred from what happened at Washington last winter, that our administration will tamely submit to any species of insult which they may find it convenient to bestow upon them; and we fear that the inference is but too correctly drawn. In the letter of the secretary of state to the marquis dated the 15th January last, the marquis was informed that on account of the just objections which his conduct had furnished against his continuance here, it had been signified in Madrid in April 1805, through the mission of the United States there, that the substitution of another minister was desired by the president. "In reply," continues the secretary, "it was intimated by Mr. Cevallos, that as you had yourself expressed a wish and obtained permission to return to Spain, the purpose might be accomplished without the necessity of a recal, and that such a change in the mode would be agreeable to your government." The letter then goes on to state, that the president had consented to the mode, not doubting but it would have been carried into effect without delay; and was therefore surprised that at that late day the marquis should have repaired to the seat of government, as if nothing had happened to render such a step improper. The secretary then proceeds to direct the marquis to leave the seat of government, and informs him that though the president would not insist on his departure from the United States during that inclement season, he expected it would not be unnecessarily postponed after that obstacle should be removed.

The letter concludes by stating that the considerations which lead to that measure were altogether of a personal nature, and that a successor would be readily admitted, &c.

To this the marquis replied that he would remain at the seat of government as long as it should suit the interest of his king, "or his own personal convenience," and that these considerations alone would influence him in fixing the time of his departure from the United States; and finally, assures the secretary, "That the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of his Catholick majesty near the United States, receives no orders except from his sovereign."

After this official bravado, what was done by our government to vindicate their dignity and enforce their orders? Nothing at all. They seem to have been fairly bullied from their purpose and compelled to submit. The marquis remained at the seat of government, as he told them he would, as long as suited his convenience. He then returned to this city, where he still remains in the execution of his ministerial functions, though the season of inclemency, which was to limit his stay, has long since passed away and another is rapidly approaching, and during all this time not a step has been taken to enforce the order so peremptorily given.

When an administration so tamely submits to be bearded in their own cabinet, what have we to look for but insult? Who can wonder that the court of Spain, instead of sending out another minister, as had been agreed upon eighteen months ago, and as the marquis himself had desired, should re-appoint this very man, if it was for no other reason than to show the utter contempt they feel for such a weak and irresolute government.

It is to be hoped that during the next session of congress these evils will be remedied. I make little doubt that for a million or two of dollars, Mons. Talleyrand would undertake to procure from Spain the appointment of a minister who would be every way acceptable to our government, and to get the marquis out of the United States; and provided the money were appropriated in secret, as money for such kind of purposes heretofore has been and ought to be, it would certainly be much more creditable to the nation, than to be held up publickly to the scorn and derision of the world, as we are at present.

U. S. Gaz.