other bargain with Hayti, within the means of the latter to perform.

Such were the state of things, and speculation upon the subject in Hayti, when the conclusion of the negotiation opened to them a view of the whole ground. France seemed, in fact, to have overreach ed herself, as well as Hayti; for the subjects of France having lent the islanders six millions, actually had a deeper stake in its welfare than before.

In the fall, murmurs of discontent in Hayti, on account of the operation of the arrangement with France, grew loud and constant. Its commerce was deplorably reduced, foreign goods high, and but little produce brought into market. The government saw itself reduced to the ruinous necessity of putting a paper medium in circulation; and Boyer issued a proclamation, declaring that it would be done the beginning of October. But in consequence, it was said, of the urgent representations of the foreign merchants, this disastrous scheme was at least suspended. The government finding its situation altogether precarious, summoned a meeting of the generals commanding the different arrondissemens, to devise measures for relieving the public embarrassments. In consequence of this call, the generals and principal military officers of the republic assembled at

Port au Prince, in the latter part of November; and the stand, which the government was resolved to take, soon became public.

During the last summer, the political circles in France began to apprehend a difficulty with Hayti. No commercial treaty had as yet been concluded with that island. The French accused the Americans and English of strenuously endeavoring to excite the suspicions of the Haytians against France, and to obtain a monopoly of their trade. The Americans and English, on the other hand, replied, with great justice, that all they wanted, was exact equality in the trade for all nations, and exclusive privileges for none; that the French had impoverished Hayti, and driven away all other nations from the island, by an arrangement, to which they had only obtained Boyer's consent,by assurances, which they never intended to fulfil; and that it was the right of Hayti, as it was her interest and duty, to annul the whole contract.

Rumors now prevailed, that England was actually negotiating a commercial treaty with Hayti. Connected therewith, was a report, which greatly alarmed the French merchants, that the half duties in their favor would cease at the expiration of the year, and all vessels be admitted on equal foot

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.

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

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 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, determined 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.