[clxii. 232]

1821 Jany. 20

Rid Yourselves

'. Prelimy. distinctions

Now as to the distinction between the appraisal and the real object in view as to this matter on the part of the framers of the Constitutional Code. Nothing could be more perplexing than the situation in which as to the matter they were placed. In reality they were pursuing at the same time two repugnant /opposite/ and incompatible objects: dominion of Spanish rulers over Ultramaria rulers and subjects together, independence of Ultramaria as against Spanish rulers. Equality of rights and advantages as between Spain and Ultramaria, inequality to the profit of Spain at the expence of Ultramaria.

Such being the incompatible in reality, it was not possible that it should fail of being such sooner or later, in appearance.

My friends, whether the case was not /any other than/ as here represented, the next section but one, such of you whose patience shall have carried them so far, will have to judge. /be in consideration/

A compleat tissue of inconsistences is the whole system of their arrangements relative to Ultramaria. This you shall see: from beginning to end you shall see how wrong they have acted in relation to it. Acted wrong? But in what circumstances? In circumstances in which it was absolutely impossible to act right. To maintain dominion to any considerable extent by military despotism would you will see be in the highest degree: otherwise than by military despotism, absolutely impossible how can any such despotism be established in Ultramaria, but unless in Spain if either not the whole Constitution, or at least every thing good in it is turned into a dead letter In this result ends every view I have been able to take of the disastrous field

My friends, it is to dissuade you from maintaining the dominion of your rulers over Spain to the same extent as under your former Kings. As soon would I think of dissuading you from crossing over to America dry-shod: it is to dissuade you from the attempt. For should you persevere in it till it terminates in success as surely will you all perish in the attempt, or should you persevere in travelling to Ultramaria on horseback you would all drown yourselves.