Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-11-17
[l2 l-2 Cents Single


( formed by preceding administration
wete conscientiously executed, and that
new sGpulations rendered necessary by
unforeseen occurrences, were cheerfully
entered into. Other causes Of mutual good
viii are hidden from our view. Every in.
tlivldual, engaged in active life, knows
how large portion OF the success with
which his plans are crowned depends up
on the manner in which he holds an in
tcrcourse with those with whom he
transaGls business. The humblest me-
rial has pride that may BE- awakened by
Arrogance, and feelings that may b. woun-
ded TO resistance. I his sentiment IN the
intercourse Of nations rules with ten
fold energy. Injuries are often overlook
ed, bat insults are never forgiven. In
proportion TO the alternating tendency of
rcproaches and ruCcness is The contrary
influence OF manifestation Of espect aud
esteem. While these are preserved, how
ever wide the differences between nations,
the door of Cancellation is kept open.
I he existing dissen;ious do not awaken
the malignant passions hat cngender dead
ly hostility, and produce wide spread
opinion that all prospect ofcompromise IS
over. Governments DO hot assume that
ground of JEALOUS pride that disdains TO
propose terms Of accommoda,ion, dero-
patory 10 the dignity OF an ins,llted nation.
Happy Rad it been FOR the peace of the
United Stetes if these prudential conside-
rations had had their proper weight dur
ing the administration of hr. Adams.
Had this been the case the ara cf peace
would probably have sooner arrived, and
millions Of rational and personal proper
" been saved. Had this been the case,
the chief magistrate would 10; in lis Off
cialchara6ter, have ascrited 20 the govern
menl of France g disposition 10 separate
the people IF thc United States from the
government; to persuade them that they
have different affections, principles ard
interests from those of their fSliow citiI
zens, whom they themselves have chosen
10 manage their common concerns, and
thus to produce divisions fatal TO our
peace%-Much less would q Secretary of
state have been permitted 10 declare TO
Congress and To the world that i'm
this way " it (France) determined 10 fleece
us" In this way it gra;ified its oUQ,fce
and reUenge-- and ii hoped also To sa,iate
its ambition. After q long series of in
suits unresented, and a patient endurance
Of injuries aggravated in their nature and
uneXampled in their extent--that govern
ment expected orr final submission to its
will. Our resistance has excited It's sur
prise and rs certainly Increased its re-
sentiment. With some soothing express
slons; is heard the voice Of wounded pride.
Warmly protesting It's desire of reconcile
alton, it gives no evidence OF its sinceri-
ty: but proofs IN abundance demonstrate
that it is not sincere. From standing e.
recs, and in ;hat commanding attitude re-
quirpg implicit acknowledgements it
renonnces some Gifts unfounded dema Dis.
But nope we shall remember 8 that the
Tiger crouches before he loaps uron his
prey"
Gracious Heaven! is this he l,nguaeo
of one Of the first officers Of our govern
rnent; of a government ;ha, styled 5a>
nation over which il presided the most en-
iightened Of the world But Z o,bear-
my obic6t IS MT C: m'uaio1-7Vouldr 10
God, for my own feelings, for I've proud
feelings of my couu,9fnecr, could throw
a vel over the ferocous sentiments of
those fsrccioua imesl
Xamine'he diplomatic correspondence
OF INC present administration ;-cXam1nG
even that correspondence wE'ch he law
less dcpredations OF piracy have ex orted;
YOU will find no larsuege like this lam
guage, surely not intended, but certainly
calculated 10 convert the civilized world IN
TO wilderness, and to enlist the hyenaa Of
the new against the fysera ofthe old world.
No! With every nation with which we
have had recent intercourse, the language
Of decision, the demand Of Justice,
the threatened yindication Of right, has
been accompanied with no tudeness to the
government VIC addressed, with no insult
e nations gu'lJess oil offence. Our mode
ration and dignity IF language have inspir-
ed our friends with increased affection,
and have inslilIed into the breasts of our
enemies Il conviction that our eventual de-
pendence is upon actions, and not words.
The chief magistrate has been rerroach-
ed with calling the government of France
- an enlightened goUerumcnt." But on what
/ grounds is hi. rcproech aimed? IL can
only be sustained on three grounds; Ell
+ thC- that q IS untrue that 81 is partiaI