1822 April 15

Rid Yourselves

Lett. 18. Relinquishment Plan

Letter Mode of relinquishment what most

eligible

Spaniards!

Whatever it is that is done - shall it be done with a bad grace?

Shall it be done with a good grace? that is at present the main question.

Thus much I regard as proved. The relinquishment should be

all-comprehensive: being so, it will be most profitable; being so, it will be most

honorable. Now then, in the first place as to the terms: in

the next place, as to the mode of communication.

1. In the first place, as to terms. To this

purpose must be considered the differences, possible and actual as between province

and province, in respect of subjection. These may be thus expressed. 1. Subjection

compleatly cast off. 2. Subjection not cast off but uncontested. 3. Subjection

uncontested.

Regard being all along had to the abovementioned diversities of

situation, now then as to the terms themselves.

Considiered with relation to money, the relinquishment will, in the

abovementioned several situations, be either gratuitous, or

for a price: for a price, paid by the inhabitants of the

province in question, in return for the relinquishment: say for redemption money: or for a price paid by a foreign money, in return for

cession: say for purchase money.

1. As to the gratuitous plan. This has

three advantages: 1. It is most extensively applicable: it is most surely effectual:

3. it is most honorable. 1. It is most extensively applicable, for it is applicable

to every difference of situation as above. 2. It is most surely effectual, for the

will of rulers suffices of itself for the carrying it into effect: 3. It is most

honorable displaying, as it would do a magnanimity rarely if ever, as yet any where

exemplified in so far as can be done without detriment, in any more substantial

shape, to the interests of the people for whom their rulers are in trust. Now in as

to the application of this most simple plan to the several cases above noted with

reference to a situation in regard to subjection.

Case 1. Subjection compleatly cast off. To this case the gratuitous will be found

the only mode of dealing applicable for any one of these, or for any thing your

rulers can do in relation to them,- neither by any foreign power, nor by the

inhabitants themselves, will so much as a maravedi be