They both realized that Louisiana could be kept in possession of Spain only by making it a flourishing and populous province, and they begged that the Spanish authorities would remove the absurd commercial restrictions which kept it poor.

But no heed was paid to their requests, and when they ventured to relax the severity of the regulations, as regards both the trade down the Mississippi and the sea-trade to Philadelphia, they were reprimanded and forced to reverse their policy.

This was done at the instance of Gardoqui, who was jealous of the Louisiana authorities, and showed a spirit of rivalry towards them.

Each side believed, probably with justice, that the other was influenced by corrupt motives.
Miro and Navarro were right in urging a liberal commercial policy.

They were right also in recognizing the Americans as the enemies of the Spanish power.