[clxvii. 170]

1820. Aug. 31

Emancipation Spanish

'.2. Creoles unwilling

The new lights [...?] the despotism

Every Spaniard (says Art 373) has a right of memorial to the Cortes, or the King, to claim the benefits of the observance of the Constitution." I have no such rights. /Spaniards, I confess no such right is mine/ I have not the honour to be a Spaniard. I have the dishonour to be an Englishman: subject of that kingdom for I might be punished if I said Citizen - subject of that kingdom in whihc, knowing that there is no such a thing as a Constitution /has existence/ any worse than a the kingdom of Laputa, every man on every occasion appeals to the Constitution meaning always by the Constitution this sort of thing which too has been imaginary at the moment for the purpose of the enjoyment of the moment, a Constitution which for its sole bases has a system of importance, and of which, except by decrying its existnce no man without a tie in his mouth can nor say any thing, a system under which Herod reigns points are openly rewarded for endorsing unoffending and defenceless men women and children to be slaughtered

I have not the honour to be a Spaniard by the Constitution. But this my honest tribute of respect and affection to the Spanish nation not only every such Spaniard but every American, who for the [...?] of impracticable purpose of drawing money from him without an equivalent is thus included under the name of Spaniard has a right to made such a memorial, and his memorial to the Cortes or the King and by it "he claims the benefit of the observance of the constitution: of whatsoever /every/ part of the constitution which is not founded in injustice.