The Portland Gazette

CESSION OF THE FLORIDAS.
Several of the leading papers in the U. States
appear to be apprehensive from the delay that
has already taken place at the Court of Madrid,
in relation to the late treaty for the cession of the
Floridas to the U. States, that the Spanish
will refuse to ratify it. We have rather incline
to this opinion throughout. The delays which
have taken place in our negociations with that
government for near twenty years past, abun-
dantly shew, that the Spanish Ministry have
never been over-anxious for haste. And as it
regards this question, Spain must find herself in
rather an awkward dilemma. Great Britain will
hardly suffer us to come into the peaceable posses-
sion of Florida without an effort on her part,
to obtain Cuba. We spoke our sentiments fully
upon this subject last week. Great Britain has
heavy claims upon Ferdinand, which she has
probably been urging, for the blood and treasure
she expended in driving the French from the
Peninsula, and restoring Ferdinand to his throne.
Ferdinand feels this obligation, and perhaps
would repay it, if it were within his power—
He is not ignorant that the island of Cuba (a
richest gem in his domains; nor of the value this
island would be to Great Britain. in the event of
the Floridas coming into our possession. And
knowing also the disposition, resources and power
of the British government, he well may hesitate
before he affixes his sanction to the late treaty of
cession.
However, whether he ratifies the treaty or not
will ultimately make but little difference with us.
We have heavy claims against Spain for spolia-
tions upon our commerce many years ago. We
have been trifled with in regard to these claims
long enough in all conscience. For French
spoliations, we took in pay, Bonaparte's love
for the Americans;" Great Britain payed us off
in "glory," during the late war; but from Spain
we have received neither love nor glory;"
and the Floridas must eventually be ours.
Conn. Mirror.