The Spanish-American Provinces revolted, and seven new Republics, with constitutions not widely differing from our own--Buenos Ayres, Guatamala, Colombia, Mexico, Chili, Central America, and Peru--suddenly claimed audience and admission among the nations of the earth.

The people of those countries were but doubtfully prepared to maintain their contest for independence, or to support republican institutions.

But on the other side Spain was enervated and declining.

She applied to the Holy League of Europe for their aid, and the new Republics applied to the United States for that recognition which could not fail to impart strength.

The question was momentous.