Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-05-27

each OF the con.ending powers. France
has stated her objections and complaints,
The American government have passed
AN act which forbids the trade-and one
set of pDlitic:ans say that il proceeds
from pusiilanimi;y, because the minister
'oi France had complained. Atihe same
time another set are as much dissatisfied
with the administration, because they have
not attacked the British dec, with few
gun boats-because the rulers OF that
country say that they will not permit the
existence of such trade.
Hence, We see, that there are two de-
scrlpiions OF persons who wish to no 10
war, upon opposite principles, or rather
caprices, without knowing what would be
the general sense of the people. Though
the writer OF this does not pretend tn
know what would be the conse quences, if
the president, in obedience to The wishes
Of both. had brought The country into a
war with France and Spain, and into ano-
Their war with Englsnd, yet he believes
that a little reflection will teach the peo-
pie, that the president has acted with wis.
dom in bo'h cases. Such wars and for
such causes, would be nothing more or
less than declaration, enforced by arms,
that 81. Domingo was free, sovereign
ard independents power, and deserved, not
only the confidence and kindness of the
"A mSricans, but also, voluntary co-ope-
ration in the PerilS, expenses and soIici.
tudes of war.
There may be some Americans who
are desIrous to produce such state of
thines-but there can be no doubt tha, the
greater part of those who have scoIded.
censufed and illuminated the administra-
tion, have not seriously reflected upon the
merits OF The case or he consequences
OF their own wishes, These opinions are
given without imputing particular blame
tn those who think otherwise. They are
published with intentions that the Subjects
to which they relate, may be rsconsiGered
by those who have suffered their feelings
'ofindignaion, OF regard for national honor
TO hurry hem into the paths ofcrror. Yes,
into an error, which will not fai.io plunge
their country into calamiiies. tse end and
consequences Of which cannot be fore.
seen.
indeed! And are these the purpose.
and issues Tor which the Americans, or q.
ny part OF the American people, desire TO
go To war with the most powerful nations
of the earth? With Great Britain, whose
fleets triumph over the ocean, and with
France, who in two or three months, could
array million of men? If the question 8.
consequences be seriously considered, the
advocates for Il rupture or war, will find
themselves on the brink Of precipice.
1t will not be denied that the United
States, it they think Gt, NAV acknowledge
The independence Of ST. Dominra, and
may endeayor To support their co,duct by
the sWsrd. But II is moi pretended that
this ought to be done--and ye; in the face
OF all the world. things have been done.
and ale yet insisted upon, by some Ame.
ricans, which could only be justified if
1t. Domingo was a sovereign independ
ent nation.
Thus do we behold, that things are adj
vocated and defended, under The insdious
and deceplioes pretences Of neutral and
commercial rights, which amount to
an indlrecl warfare, against the contend
ing nations, are injurious to each, dis
graceful to our country, and ben. fetal to
none excep! those who have battered a.
way their blrth'rights-the pride of natl
onal character, and the honest reputation
of just and polite neutrality who at the
same time when they have filled their pri-
vale Golfers, have sharpened the swords
Of assassination.
It's time to dismiss this subject. Hap
Ply, indeed, would it be for The United
States, it 1t could be buried in oblivion, 80
ihat the new course, Which we are now
by law commanded to pursue, should not
be alleged by painful and disgraceful re-
Irospe6tions.
This cnrsory view will bring before the
reader the importance and the difficulty
OF the executive duties: with SO MANY
contradictory opinions and interests, il
were in vain TO expect that general salts
faction would or could be given: il be.
hoves us therefore first TO ascertain what
are the true interests Of the country; and
then to inquire how nearly the conduct Of
the administration approa hes those in.
.erests--lndepe ndence, peace, domestic
quiet, national prosperity, personal secu.
ri'y, honest neutrality and The free epioy-
ment OF the benefits Of our industry enter.
prise, talents and fortune. These are he
Great t.,,ht;~ oL..n. -