Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1805-10-01

1 Sc a,ewaat shy. Of making another and pro
baby one not quite SO good as Mr.. Jays,
I. which was certainly an excellent one, for
while we yielded nothing, we secured our
| peace, honor, and interest.
We now trade with the British domini-
ons on the footing of many grataisies and
favors that from regard to her 0z0n policy
| and not from any regard to Us, she allows,
and also on the footing of the general law
sof nations. Every one will discern, in a
moment, that both these grounds are some
what precarious. In respect to the law of
nations we are in no little danger of having
that prescribed to Us from Doctors Com.
mons, with such an extension of restric,
ton of its principles, as the pressure of
the war may render acceptable or couveni-
entto Great Britain. Our interest and our
displeasure will not avail much and with
chief who thinks all war wrong and unjus-
tihable, and the g least competent naval
force" always the best, our power will be
as little cared for as our rights.
1t is not intended to say that the views
of Great Britain arc hostile, or that sir
William SCOTS Court is not highly reputa-
blc.* But a party, and the strongest par
ty ought not TO be left to judge alone in his
own cause, and this is precisely what O..
Britain will do and must do as long as her
assumed principles of decision are admit.
tedr operate without treaty. How our
administration can make sd *#d British
treaty" and how their decent and wise
supporters can refrain from kicking it to
*5s**Ss'*, if they do, is more than we can de-
termine. The necessity OF doing some
thing stares them in the face.
/ The viewsof Great Britain most certain
ly are not hostile; so much the more en-
enlargement for treating. But they most,
certainly are rigid, if not incorrect. We
believe the Introduction 10 time Of war OF
all the intercourse with an enemy's colo
MES that was not permitted in time of peace
to be justified, will require no little strain
ing Of authorities. We also believe that
usage in every former war has not been ex-
tended so far and practice IS good intel,
prefer of the extent as we'll as nature of
doubtful principle, We will affirm that
these opinions are sufficiently examined,
bu! il is the bus mess OF government TO exa-
mine them and if they are not unfriendiy
to the commerce that enlarges the "great
soresn Of the state, which indeed is more
han suspected, they viii do something Ell
cieni for its protection.
Great Britain is so situated, that she
would do what is right, or nearly SO, in re.
spect to the exercise of her naval suprema.
cy. She certainly will NOT weld the point
that free goods and We should be worse
than fools TO insist upon it. We get ten
times as much profit By her rejecting that
quack principle OF the French, unknown 20
the naratime law, as we should by her an
reserved admission Of it.
Bat her late decisions, restricting me
commerce of the United States with enc
mics, IS too serious to be readily or indeed
to be ever conceded by our governments. :
Such rigid restrictions might further dis
tress her enemv but they would prodigi.
ously abrdge the far, usual, and as it is
believed lawful profits of American trade.
Situated as we are and interested as Great
Britain herself is in our prosperity, we
think negociasora as able as Mr.. Jay, i
such could be found among the friend5 Of
the administration, we know they have not
his equal among lnscn, would represent
with force and effect taat we cannot aban-
Ion this ground and that Great Britain is
concerned both in policy and justice to as
certain it, and with some essential re!axa.
tiuns OF its rigor.
lfnegociation amicably and temporarily
conducted should{a3, never,helcssw ouGhs
TO make the attempt. we ought 70 femons-
,ra,e against the principles assumed; and il
dire necessity should involve the horor Of
the country in question, II IS hoped there IS
not a federalist who would not cheSrlntiy
l.