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ing. This report was confirmed by the actual arrival of the British agent in England, carrying home a treaty of commerce.

Let us now return to Hayti itself, where, early in December, every thing indicated a state of preparation for defence. The government removed their cannon and ammunition to the mountains, appearing determined upon some decisive measures. It was soon made known, that Boyer had concluded a treaty with Great Britain, and declined continuing to France the privilege of paying only half duties. Of course, the inhabitants justly feared this decision of the Haytian government, might lead to collision with France. To protect the citizens of their respective countries, in case of hostilities, the American and British squadrons in the West Indies, have been ordered to visit the ports of Hayti, as a necessary measure of precaution. What the determination of France may have been, on receiving intelligence of these facts, remains unknown. It is not improbable she will endeavor to enforce the provisions of her ordinance; and conjecture points to the fleet now fit

ting out in Brest, as destined to be sent on this service. Should France again attempt the reduction of Hayti by force, she may occasion the inhabitants of the island much misery; but she will find the spirit of independence, which animated Toussaint and Dessalines not yet extinct; and her troops will have to contend with the same devouring climate, which annihilated the veteran army of Le Clerc.

We subjoin a single remark, in regard to the islands belonging to the smaller European powers. Whilst England is drawing tighter the bonds of metropolitan subjection; and, amid many professions of regard for the principles of modern commerce, is maintaining the old monopoly doctrines of colonial policy; Holland, Denmark and Sweden, are wisely consulting the welfare of their West India possessions, by making nearer and nearer approaches to the allowance of a free trade between them and foreign countries. The introduction of such liberal maxims in those islands, is, fruitful of advantage to them; while it benefits, though in a less degree, the commerce of the United States.

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CHAPTER VII.

MEXICO.-Victoria President-Congress-Surrender of ship AsiaSt. Juan de Ullua-Government, and Political Condition in 1826— Cuba-Sonora-Texas. CENTRAL AMERICA.—Constitution -Arce President-Political Condition. RIO DE LA PLATA.Constitution-Rivadeira-Political Condition-War with BrazilCHILI.-Commotion—Surrender of Chiloe-Congress—Freire— PARAGUAY.-Congress of Panama.

We devote a large space to the consideration of the eight independent states of Spanish America. Their recent existence-the similarity of their origin and institutions to our own-their community of interest with ourselves, in many remarkable respects,--constitute claims, on our attention, of the strongest description. As emancipated colonies, it should be, we trust it is, their aim, to found, and establish an American policy of liberty, an American international law of justice, which may stand in contrast, forever, with the principles upheld by the sovereignties of Europe. Our retrospect of their late history, will not, universally, present a cheering picture of their public advancement. Some less grateful events have happened, inseparable from the unsettled condition of certain districts, and the newness of all, in the important functions of self-government.

ginning with Mexico, we shall proceed through Central America, and passing by, in this chapter, the republics of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, conclude with a brief notice of Chili, Paraguay, and the provinces of Rio de la Plata.

Mexico commenced her career of independence, under unfavorable auspices. But in 1825, she was happily freed of the usurper Iturbide, and after having established a representative federal republic, analagous, in essential points, to our own; she had completed, and crowned her work, by electing general Guadalupe Victoria, as first president of the republic. His sufferings in the cause of liberty, which he was among the first to assert, and never for a moment, abandoned, conspired, with his high reputation for talents, courage, integrity, and patriotism, to single him out, for this eminent distinction Be- He entered upon the duties of ad

ministering the government, with happy prospects. No intestine discords, of any moment, disturbed the tranquillity of a republic, which was firmly attached to its free institutions, and resolved in its hostility to the Spanish dominion.

The first constitutional congress convened January 1st, 1825, and continued its session until the close of May, assiduously engaged in the organization of the government, and the settlement of the multifarious affairs, growing out of its recent creation. On its termination, the president exhibited a view of the national condition, showing that its credit was good, at home, and abroad, and the work of consolidating its domestic and foreign relations, steadily advancing. Its extraordinary session was also holden in August of the same year.

The Spanish ship of the line Asia, and brig Constantia, which cruised on the Pacific side of Mexico, had, in the earlier part of the year, excited some apprehension. But in time they both surrendered to the Mexicans, on condition, that the crew should be paid all the arrears, due them from Spain, and have permission either to reside in any part of Mexico, or go elsewhere, at their option. These conditions the republic strictly performed.

Mexico, having her independence recognized by Great Britain, and

the United States, and being united internally, saw nothing to apprehend from Spain. But this power still retained possession of the castle of St. Juan de Ullua, which commanded the valuable seaport of Vera Cruz; and the Mexicans bent all their strength to effect its reduction. The inhabitants of Vera Cruz, having deserted the town, the garrison depended wholly on Cuba for their supplies. Still, its commander, Coppinger, with extreme folly, and obstinacy, deter mined to hold out, a useless post, to the last. Accordingly, the Mexicans erected strong fortifications on the island of Sacrificios, within a few miles of the castle, and established a close blockade by means of a naval squadron, which completely deprived the castle of succor. In September, the situation of the garrison had become so desperate, that a strong expedition was fitted out, at Havana for their relief, having a reinforcement of troops, and provisions, for six months. Laborde commanded the fleet, which consisted of the frigate Sabina, two large sloops, and other vessels, amply sufficient to overpower the Mexicans. But, fortunately, a few days after the fleet set sail, it met with a violent gale from the north, which dismasted the frigate, and dispersed her whole convoy. The Mexicans now prepared to resist the fleet.

should it again assemble; and by the middle of December, the garrison was reduced to a handful of men, in a famishing state. Coppinger, accordingly, asked, and obtained, honorable terms of capitulation, and surrendered the castle to the Mexicans, December 20th. The Spaniards left the castle with the honors of war, landed at Vera Cruz, and were transported to Havana by the conquerors. This event utterly annihilated all the remains of Spanish authority in Mexico.

The English minister, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Poinsett, the American, were publicly accredited in June, in the presence of all the principal citizens, and foreigners; and the occasion was celebrated, as a testimonial of the admission of Mexico to its place among nations. Both ministers proceeded to negotiate treaties with Mexico, for their respective governments; but the importance of the subject, and a difference in regard to some essential points, delayed their completion for some time.

Mexico was fixed upon, by the first congress, as the federal capital. This decision of congress occasioned much dissatisfaction in the city; and threatened serious uneasiness; but ended in merely a formal protest against the act, on the part of the state of Mexico.

Considering the persecutions entailed on the free masons, for their connexion with the Spanish constitution, the installation of a grand lodge at Mexico, in September, deserves to be mentioned. It was composed of men among the first in the republic, for station or character, and Mr. Poinsett, the American minister, presided over the ceremonies.

At the assembling of the Mexican congress, in January, 1826, a complete exposition of the affairs of the nation, was given by the several heads of department; exhibiting a circumstantial statement of its domestic and foreign condition. At that time, Gomez Pedraza was secretary of war; Miguel Ramos Arizpe, of justice and ecclesiastical affairs; and Sebastian Camacho, of exterior and interior relations.

The military forces then consisted of a ship of the line, a frigate, a corvette, six brigs, four schooners, and eight gun boats, for the sea; and for the land, 22,750 standing troops, and 21,577 effective militia. The duties of the latter have been chiefly defensive. Great exertions. are making by the government, to provide means for the education of officers, in which the chief deficiency of their military force consists.

Mexico had exchanged diplomatic agents with the United States,

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