Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-11-20
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The aspect OF our foreign relations
must be deeply interesting to every man
possessed Of the genuine feelings ofan A.
mericsn 1.-THE representations Of the pub
lie prints be Just if Spain has rejected
the justdemands OF ouc government, and
has deliberately and Intentionally au,hori-
sed the wrongs inflicted upon our trade
by hcyShips of war; and If England con-
templates the enforcement of unauthoris-
ed and unprecedented restrictions On our
neutral rights, it does appear 10 me that
our spirit asan Experimentation requires
an exeriion of that energy, which shall
teach the government OF Europe, that
though we are slow to anger, we know
how on proper occasions TO assert our ho-
nor and maintain our interests. Thank
heaven our rights are az clear as day
light ourviews pure and honorable. We
feel enmity to no nation on earth. 1t is
our wish 10 be on terms Of friendship with
all ; and 1t is their fauI, if we are not.
! Should therefore, the effects of the In
justice Of Other nations be var, The curse.
Of bene6cent providence win Heht or
their heads, The whole world know:
the American nation wishes to remain in
| peace, and that her rulers are animated
by the same spirit.
II is this conviction, perhaps, that en-.
boldens their injustice, and induces them
20 nGulge The hope oframgling upon our
| rights with IMMUNITY. But these are vi,
sionary hopes. Let these nations Learn
| that there is no nation so invulnerable a,
the United States That if her means o
obence are not SO potent as those of some
other powers, her means of defence are
beyond all comparison greater.
1t is, however, to be hoped that these
powers viii perceive their true interests
that they will make us the PREPARATION we
have right to demand, and withhold al
further invasion Of our neutral rights,
Blu; as it is possible they may not, Il Is q
dictate OF common prudence TO rehe6 ON
/ the course, which in such event, il yonI,l
become Us TO pursue. In forming deci.
sion on this point we can be governed BY
bat two motives, regard to character, s;
regard to interest. Now, IL so happens.
that IN government constituted Ike ina,
/ Oh The United States, national honor and
I interest are convertible terms; vha,eve,
conduces o the promotion oftbe one mus
advance the other. II is the duty OF IN,
American people to pursue their interests
as Il - that Of every other people on In,
face Of the earth to pursue theirs. In hi,
respect All nations are alike. But hov
widely do they differ in another. I, ISL
cite kowey OF the American people to caus,
ncir interests 10 be pursued by their 20
vernmen,s; while !. is, perhaps, not goiuy
I too iar % say that this power does not be
long y any other ration. Let not ther
be inferred, because The irresponsible 20
yeinments ofthe old world bave inyaria
BIZ in The settlements ef their differences
resofied to one mode, that il is our duty
ALTO % resort 10 u. Let any man dispos
ed to cheTis this ides reflect and ass
himself whether he can pane single ma
i'or Of I've old world whose interests hav,
not been sacrificed by this cougsc of pro
cedufe, AID whether war has not been the
curse Of all WAC have used !, as the inslru.
Tnent Of aggrcssioa.
1t does noi therefore, follow thai,in ihs