[clxii. 39]

1820 May 13

Emancipation Spanish

'.6. Rulers arguments

1. Arguments stated

These things being stated, if after seeing them, the rulers in question declare their determination to emancipate the Colonies, and do so accordingly, it is well.

If refusing so to do they give a reason /reasons/ for such refusal, and in so doing prove that their doing so would be against the interest of the rest of the Spanish people at large, for that by their doing so the people would suffer a clear balance on the side of loss, it is well, and that although from that loss advantage would accrue to them /themselves/ the rulers yet no serious danger to the constitution by corruption of the peoples representatives need /ought to/ be apprehended, in this case also it is well.

But if the view above given of the matter is correct, all this will be impracticable. Leaving these several points either altogether unnoticed, or answered no otherwise than by vague generalities, relevant or irrelevant, the endeavour of any advocate of theirs will be to engage unlimited confidence in their favour, by reference made to their virtues.