Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1806-03-10

SO low tone of voice thai we were not aoie
to distinctly hear his remarks.
Mr.. Conrad called for the ayessand noes,
which were ordered
Mr.. Il. C. Smith, said he rose merely
to express his Satisfaction that the ayes and
noes were ordered on the question. con-
slider said MIR. Smith all discussion OF the
merits Of the bill as pesfectly truitisss.
The rapid manner in which IL mas oesn
hurried thus far through the house, utterly
precludss all dcliberalon, and Is a sure
prosnos,ic of its final passage. 1t IS a a
aaeasure which will greatly enbarrass all
our foreign commerce, and fit IS 70 have
It's intended eject, which, much doubt,
because | believe its cefectlve provisions
will be easily defeated or evaded, IL must
prove completely ruinieus to a laWfui ana
valuable branch of our trade. But az a
measure of policy consider 1t as abso.
lutely destructive of the best AID dear
est rights Of this country. Sir the secret
is ost. The fact cannet be concealed that
this bill is dictated by the government OF
France. The imperieus mandate OF the
French minister is publlshedto the world
and the connexion between his erders &
this act of obedience and submission will
be clearly perceived and universally &C
knowledgsd. i presume not to arralgn
the motives of other gentlemen. They
doubtless have reasons which justify the
measure TO themselves. Indeed IT is i'm.
possible their Impressions can be like
mine. For myself ivieW the bib under
all its circumstances as surrender OF all
rights OF self government as sacfi.
fee of the honor and independence OF this
nation upon the altar OF Galllck despotlsn.
TIE this sacrifice never can, never will
consent ;, and it: is therefore with pleasure
shall record my deciued negative upon
the journal of the house.
Mr.. J. Clay. We cannot trade with
them without acknowledging their indie
pendence. If gentlemen are ready to do
this, shall consider it as sacrlh e on
the altar of black despotism and usnrpa-
tien.
Mr.. Dana. I rise sir, to declare nay
appreciation ef the sentiments expressed
by my honorable colleague Mr.. ]. c.
Smith.
This bill from the nature Of its provi-
sions, consider as inadequate to prevent
the trade with the island of ST.. Domingo.
As:he same time considering the clrcum-
stances under which it has been pressed
upon our attention, / view is as peculiar.
w excep,ionable in principle, and as involv.
ing consequences which may bs severely
injurious is practice.
Twill not atie mpt, at this time 10 state
the various possible consequences OF pas
sing the bill Without estimating the pro
babilisy of Its being regarded by those
who now rale-in Haytl as an act of hosti.
lity against them, and therefore as cause
for their exercising hostilties against this
coun.ry without iniima,ing the teuden-
cy of such measures TO drive them to at
tempt maraiime enterprises, and thus to
raise up 10 the West Indies Black Algiers
distinguished by activity and feroci,y -.
without presenting TO view the cense
qaent dangers to the property of our msr-
chants and the lives Of oar seamen the
single consideration of the circumstances
under which we are now required 10 act
upon this subject is sufficient 70 decide my
vote agains. the present bill. even if IL
we're otherwise OF no moment, As one
of the representatives Of the United States
I hold it my duty not to bow to the man-
date of any foreign power. In this light |
view the communications laid before she
senate, from Talleyrand aud the French
minister plenigotentlary, requiring the m
serdicsion Of trade with ST. Domingo, IN.
der the order of their imperial master
with such sentiments it is. Impossible for
nae to be in".avoi of the prsseai bill.
Mr.. Rhea of Tennessee. decay that
this bill is the effect OF any request or or.
der OF the French il is but an act of JUS
tice.