188 University of California Publications in History

condition, first, that the United States strengthen its neutrality
laws against the privateers who were aiding the colonial revolts;
second, that a guaranty of the integrity of Spanish American pos-
sessions be given; and, third, that a promise be made not to recog-
nize any of the insurgent provinces. Adams replied that no new
neutrality laws were necessary, though the government would
exert its best efforts in that direction; and naturally complete re-
fusal met the demands for a territorial guaranty and for a promise
of nonrecognition."
 Inasmuch as Vives' instructions gave him no further latitude,
Adams' negative answer on the second and third points resulted
in the reference of the matter once again to Madrid. Meanwhile
events in Spain had inaugurated a series of steps leading directly
to ratification.-The liberal movement, intermittently in evidence
ever since Ferdinand's restoration, gained sufficient momentum to
precipitate a widespread military revolution. On March 7, 1820,
the King agreed to accept the Constitution drawn up by the patriot
government at Cadiz in 1812. This act transferred the sovereignty
from the King to the nation and made it necessary for the Cortes
to approve any cessions of territory."
 Among the men, many of them returning from exile, who now
took the reins for a three-year period of quasi-liberal government,
Evaristo P6rez de Castro was named minister of state, and until
he could arrive in Madrid one Jabat filled the position. Forsyth
described them as being favorably inclined toward settlement of
the treaty dispute." Jabat and P4rez, however, contributed little
to the negotiation.
 Reports which arrived in Madrid from La Serna in Washington,
warning of the danger of seizure of the Floridas and Texas by the
United States, stirred the Consejo de Estado to action. On April
23, 1820, they recommended putting off the issue, if possible with-
out hostilities, until the Cortes should meet to approve the treaty."
Before the Cortes was finally organized in July, more news ar-
rived from Washington. President Monroe had on March 27 asked
Congress to delay action on the Floridas still further. A week later
Clay had spoken in the House against the relinquishment of Texas,
offering a resolution condemning the treaty. Subsequently Vives'
futile meetings with Adams had taken place. Then the President
had again asked postponement in view of the change in the Span-