[clxiv. 76]

1820 July 11

Emancipation Spanish

Introduction

Now, my friends, forgive me, if you can, when I declare to you that in all this and abundance more in the same stream of /generality/ vague generalities, I am unable to discover any thing like a substantial reason the rulers /why those who rule/ over the inhabitants in one of the two hemispheres spoken of should exercise dominon in any shape over the inhabitants of the other.

If selfishness and injustice are to be imputed, to whom are they with most and plainest reason to be imputed? To him who seeks to exercise dominion over another, and to put him to death rather than not obtain it, or to him who is content with remaining himself in a state of freedom, without seeking to deprive another of that blessing, much less of life?

Know you of any determinate reason, having regard /had/ to the happiness of both, any determinate reason why the rulers of the inhabitants of Spain whould rule /be rulers/ over the inhabitants of Spanish America though called Spanish rather than that the rulers of the inhabitants of Spanish America should be rulers over the inhabitants of Spain?

As to superiority of numbers, that could be no reason: superiority of numbers may make might: but it can not make right. Superiority of numbers constitutes not a reason /is no reason/: but if it did /were/, it would operate on their side.

Superiority of affection? is that the reason? is it that your rulers love them, better than they do themselves? But if it were a reason why your rulers should govern them, it would be just as good an one why their rulers should govern you. Well then - while you govern them, they govern you - while you determine for them what on every occasion their conduct shall be, they determine for you what on every occasion, your conduct shall be.