Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1806-03-12

may now pursue, VIII, 10 Sfeal measure,
depend, in my view, the determination OF
the question, whether we are to be tree
and independent nation? Or whe Their we
are TO sure nder thar boosted privilege, and
tzmcly submit TO such lndign,sy and op.
pressIon. as our torefaihers even In their
states of colonization weuld have resisted
with indignation. In the discussion OF
question OF such magnitude, IN the decl-
sion of which we arc all SO materially IN
terssted. and on which the honor aud in,
terest of our country so much depends,
trust we will disest ourselves OF all party
feelings. whether arising from eur differ
ens pursuits in life, from raphical dis.
,inctions, or from political considerations,
so that our decision may be the fesdlt oil
sound judgment, unlnhaenced eltner by
improper Partially or prejudice.
From the hostile conduct OF the naaous
to which have alluded, and from the
pointed manner in which the president mas
Recommended preparations tor defence, an
idea appears TO have gone forth that we
are TO be immediately engaged IN war.
This opinion has received additional cur.
rsncy from report made by select coaa-
mittre Of the house, recommending 40
appropriation of money TO considerable
amount, for the purpose OF erecting foru-
Eca,ions for the defence OF our Pofss and
harbors, auc for building gun boats and
ships of the line. Did my sentiments nc.
cord,with this opinion, shouid certainly
give this report my couptenance, SO tar as
respects foruhcasions, which from their
situation art lhought to be capable OF al
fordiug any substantial protection. Even
as things arc, | may perhaps be induced 70
vote in favor of the appropriation tor gun
boats, to relieve the anxiety OF some OF
our fellow.citizens, whose alarms appear
to be greatly excited; and because | BE-
liexe.. from all the information | have been
able TO collect from naval and military gen.,
tlemen, pun boats will afford the moss ef-
Iec,ual protection, in The event or our be.
ing compelled to have recourse 10 deter.
sive measures, by any occurrences that
may hereafter take place.
ButhsreI mast be permitted to declare
thar have no approximations whatever oil
war. The present situation OF the natl
ons of Europe, furnishes no ground for en-
ter,aining such apprehensions. Their pre-
sent engagements furnish ample employ.
nent for all their resources both OF men and
money. The important contest now which
occupies their attention, Is not likely to be
brought TO speedy termination. Even 1t
the minor powers should withdraw from
the onfederacy lhere is no prospect of a
speedy peace bctwixt the two great rival
nations. They will most probably soon
return to the situation theyrespectively DC
cupied at the commencement of the pre-
sent campaign. The scene Of Boulogne
will probably be acted over again. The
feet of the one nation must be employed in
guarding It's coast against an invasion by
she army of the other. In this situation
neither will be disposed TO add TO the mum
Der Of their enemies. Great Britain de.
rives some advantage from that predatory
war, which she permits and authorises to
be carried on against our commerce, and
she also experiences come convenience in
manning her navy. frem the facility with
which DEFICIENCIES are supplied by impress
ments of our seamen, from on board our
trading vessels. Interest and convesience ],
will induce her 20 pursue this system, 50
long as We discovers disposition to yield
implicit submission; bIt!et NATIONAL spi.
rit Of disapproba,lon ard resistance once
discover itself; let us once cell her in the
proud language of Independence, that WEI
will no longer sub ait to this 'ndigni,v and
oppression, and we will hnd the practice
relioquished, and cur fellow citizens libs
rated from that degrading bondage in whicn
they are now hvld, and restored TO their
country and friends. Great Britain is toe
we'll verssd in The business Of calculation, !
and 100 well acquainted with her own inter