In this letter De Onis seeks to show the short-sishtedness of the
people of our southern and western states in helpinflr to secure the
freedom of New Spain, or Mexico, and helpiner to there build up a
new and independent naUon. The statements and conclusions of the
Sponlsh minister are most interesting In view of our later history, and
the present condition of Mexico. "Grant that the new government and
constitution would be all that could be desired: the climate of Mex-
ico is more temperate than that of the United States, the soil richer
and more productive; the productions and fruits more abimdant,
wealthy and of a superior quality, and that provisions, hand work,
wood, houses, clothiner, etc, are in consequence of the mildness and
reflTularity of the climate exceeding cheaper than in this country. If
this event should take place do you not think, sir, as I do, that so
many alluring prospects and .so many evident adv.intJiges would deprive
this republic of the successive emigrations from Europe and, what is
nioro, of a very considerable part of the most useful and Industrious
inhabitants of this confederation who would carry with them to Mex-
ixo their flour and saw mills, machines, manufactures, their enter-
prising genius, in a word their general instruction and all the means
that actually promote and vivify the commerce of these states. I flat-
ter myself that this event will not happen; but I am fully convinced
that all the consequences of this hypothesis can be demonstrated
almost with a mathematical certainty; and that if the ciUzens of
Kentucky, Loulsicma and Georgia should reflect deeply on this sub-
ject, far from giving any aid to these incendiaries, thirsty of gold and
regardless of the happiness of their country, would unite themselves
with the authorities of the king, my master, to punish that gang of
perfidious traitors that hide themselves in their territory with the
criminal design of devastating their country."

That Mexico today has an excellent constitution no one questions.
