Article Title: Dispute Between Spain and America. From the London Times. Editorial stating that the U.S. will not press its claims to hold Florida if Spain retaliates against American commerce. Author: Published in: Middlesex Gazette Advertiser Place of Publication: Concord, MA Publication Date: 7/18/1818 FOREIGN. From the London Times. Dispute between Spain and America. The state of affairs between Spain and America, affords great matter for political speculation at present. There are those who maintain, that the former power must succumb to the dictum of the latter, and yield, however reluctantly, the Floridas, to satisfy the North American government. Others assert, that the minister (Don Onis) could not have proceeded the length of declaring the proposition of the Americans to be " inadmissible," without holding an assurance from his government, that it would not compromise its honour and national reputation, by yielding to the unjust claims of the United States. The demands of the Americans must have been long since known at Madrid ; and it is fair to conclude that the Chevelier D'Onis was fully authorized to uphold the dignity and respectability of Spain by a positive rejection of such proposals as may humble his native country in the opinion of other nations. If this proves to be the case, it is equally reasonable to conclude that the Court of Madrid had resolved to support it pretensions by a vigorous maritime war, the moment the U. States may take any step to enforce the measures which they have proposed for their own advantage. War must, therefore, depend upon the act of the Americans, who will put it off until their numerous tradera are apprized of their danger; and thus Spain will, in a great measure lose the advantage which that kingdom might derive from a sudden declaration and vigorous prosecution of the war. The Americans are aware of this ; and their papers, therefore, teem with assurances to tranquilize the Spaniards, that no act of hostility will take place this session," which is meant to have a double effectfirst, to mislead the Spaniards ; and next, to caution the American merchants of their embryo. Torpor or credulity on the part of Spain, would enable the Americans to secure their very extended commerce from the risk of capture, and equally enable the government to direct its whole resources against the Spanish Colonies. If, on the contrary, Spain should pursue a firm, vigorous, and courageous conduct, an immense booty would enrich her navy, and the adventurous privateers which would sail under her colors and commissions America, has, undoubtedly, a great deal to lose, even if at war with the weakest power. It is this consideration which will, no doubt, dictate to the president a greater share of justice and moderation in its claims upon Spain than which has been exhibited. In the spirit of commerce he has demanded the highest price for his friendship ; but like a prudent and wise politician he will not risk a great loss by insisting upon his first terms. Anything which interrupts the commerce of the United States, will promote that of other rival and commercial nations. The expense of protecting their very extended trade, would, of itself, give a decided advantage to other nautical communities. The injury they might do Spain might possibly be great; but in effecting it, their own losses would be very considerable, and probably much more serious than the commercial interests of the nation would patiently submit to; so that the same evil which she intends for Spain, may be as likely to overtake herself from the hardships imposed on some of her own statesnamely, an emancipation of those states from the general government of the nation. Politicians have long contemplated a separation of the southern states, which, possibly, the ambitious projects of the governments, and the risks attendant on an unnecessary and unjust war, may produce.