Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-30
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
4 &c H NJ o N d /:
T5EsDAy, DECEMBER so, 1906.

gus has been devoted to tile various infor.
Ynatiop which has been received relative
to the western conspiracy. This circun-
stance has caused the postponement of some
y original articles, on other subjects
. 1t is presumed that the most sceptical
enquirer will now cease to hesitate in be-
Eeving, that sonic military expedition has
been attempted. Whether the object of
the expedition, be the Orleans territory of
the United States, as the Governor of Ohio
seems to think, or the territories of Spain,
as the president was informed, the success
of the plot must be equally hostile to the
peace, unity and prosperity OF the United
States. A conquest of Mexico by such
band of unprincipled outlaws, would plant
ON the borders of Louisiana, an insidious
foe, who would use every means of article
and force to detach both Louisiana and the
western states from the union. 1t is highly
probable, that Burr has not communicated
the real extent of his design to but very few
of his adherents, in order to prevent the
procuring of evidence rs well as to conceal
the dcpravity of his scheme, and render it
less repulsive to those whom he might wish
TO gain over.
In addition to the information, which is
contained in this paper, we have received
intelligence from Washington, that Co
vernon Tiihn of the state of Ohio, having
received the presidents proclamation whilst
the Legislature was in session immediately
communicated it to them, who deliberated
on it with closed doors, and invested the
Governor with prompt dictatorial power.
That in consequence he sent an armed
force which arrested fifteen of the SUSPECT
ous boats at Marietta, in theft pas5age
down the Ohio. 1t is further stated that he
had sent orders for an armed force to be sta
:ioned at Cincinnati, which from great
bend in the Ohio above that place, were
likely to arrive before Burr's boats could
get round by water. The Governor also
issued process of arrest against wealthy
Irish adventurcr of the name of Blenner.
hasset, who had been very busy in promot-
ing Burr's plot. 1t is our own opini-
on, that more persons have been concern
ed in this Infamous scheme, than are yet
known, or probably ever will be known.
We are happy to hear from the same source
that Gen. Wilkinson had been tempered
with unSnccesSfuhy we must acknow-
ledge that we have entertained invoiurta-
nv suspicious of him as well as of militia
General in Tennessee, who some time past,
issued laundering proclamation, rousing
the resentment of the people against the
Spaniards.
The refusal of the grand jury in Kentuc-
XIV, to find the bill of indictment against
Burr, is an extraordinary fact. Seventeen
witnesses were examined, mostly the par
ticular friends of Burr although they
might give favorable testimony of the ma
ture Of his plan, yet the simple circum
stance of the mense preparation of war
Ike stores which unquestiona5ly has been
made, should have been sufficient testimo-
ny to initiate the trial.
Its impossible to view even in prospec-
tive, the direful consequences Of dissolution
-.
ton towards the wretches, who from sell
fish 81. malignant motives, could entertain
the ahornnable idea OF endaugering the u
hitv Of these states. If this country had
been conquered, as Europe was, by various
hordes of ignorant BaToarians, it would be
natural TO expect, that they would partition
it among them, and then make it a scene
ofdiscora and Blood. But when the ijrinci-
pies Of representation and federation have
rendered republican government capable
Of being permanent and widely ditfuscd,
mankind have right to expect other dcs-
tinies and a happier fate
The geographical situation Of the north
American continent, is siuguarly favorable
otIie formation of an united society, connec-
ted by this of common interest and the pro-
lection OF common government. The
country on each side OF the Mississippi,
bounded by the Allegany OH the east and the
Rocky mountains on the west, may be con-
sidered as the immense and fertile valley,
which is separated by the Allegary noun
tain, from the Atlantic country. This
inouitsin is almost every where accessible
,Rnd to the south, it entirely disappears
should separation take place, these parts
whcTe nature has not placed an obvious
boundary, would become like Flanders il
Europe, a constant scene OF contest and war
Should the want Of vigilance or ofvirtue
ON the part of the American people, cause
them tn incur the calsmities which vii
inevitably result from disunior, in vain viii
they seek for cause Of separation in theil
mountains OF their rivers Nature has pla.
ted noinsurmountabie barriers to their hap
piness liberty and peace. The stigma
will rest on those who suffer the evils of dis.
cord and on human nature itself; despotisT
Will triumph in the depravity Of mankind
and philanthropy cease to hope.
THE BILL "FurtheT TO extend the ju
risdicticn Of Justices of the peace" aftei
some amendments from the senate, has pas
sed into law. In It's present form the law
invests one IN gstrate with cognzancc Of al
causes where the subject IN controversy
rshetherin the nature ofdebt or ofdctinuc
a. TH4r