Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-05

tive OF the United States III difficulties, and
| internal perpleXitiCs, 1T Il time when the
whole SOUL Of our chief magistrate, should
be devoted to the perils and difficulties
which assail us from abroad.
Are these things true? Not man who
understands the alphabet, who can answer
| in the negative, or viii disowu that the in
creasing strength of this. country, every
year, adds greatly to the means of waging
war with success, if oSc should be indis-
pcnsible.-Nyhat WAS tie military force of
the United States ten years ago-what is it
now---what will il be ten Years hence APP
ply the same questions TO our finances--and,
who at this time will insist upon national
quarrel, if it can be avoideu-whcn every
day adds TO our strength, and encreases the
CHI inccs of success!
| Even II the causes of discomfort were
much greater than they are--or if the mi
litary spirit of our country was as ardent
as that which prevailed in the times of chi.
valry, vet it is hoped that, by peace, eve-
ry thing that we want may be gained. BY
war, much is to be feared, much, perhaps
every thing may be lest. Les us then per-
severe in the course OF wisdom-let us he:r
and torbear, and teach the mighty nat ons
OF Europe, that virtue, moderation and ius-
! t'cc, arc the surest roals to national glory,
prosperity and happiness.
! The conduct of President Jcffcrson, has
hitherto correspondent SO exactly with these
sentiments-and has been so precisely what
1t ought II have been. that he has endear-
ed himself BY new ties and claims to the
confidence and gratitude of his country, No
adm ohition is necessary rs far as relates
70 ms private wisles,-but public opinion,
misled By such delusions as have been ex-
piaincd, may, and perhaps will poison the
understandings of influential and popular
men, who may in obedience to their en-
rors, press on until from step to step, we
shall be forced to a precipice, from which,
To advance or to recede, viii be equally
perilous-
Under 81 circumstances what arc the
inducements which IRE afforded BY tax ng
part with Gre It Britain ID we want Bril-
fish domination Let those who say no, dis
unguish, Ii they can, the advantages which
are in store Short ofnationai degradation
An alliance with that power, either by a
gradual, but certain dereliction of politi-
cal rights, or by the horrors and miserios
of subjugation, will most surely have this
fatal termination.-B Be it therefore remem-
bereu, that there is one pen which dennun-
ces the paracidal project; which gives
timely and saiurtry warnings; which has
uA!olded long train OF events past, pre-
sent and to come which has endeavored
to open, as it were the great volume of POI
ltcal science, in the cabins and cottages Il
the most obscure, and has in stile OF de-
nance and contempt, urged the public de-
iuders to oppose the doctrines which have
been advanced; the course which has been
pursued, viii prove that there is one Amer
lean, VINO has not only entered his protest
against that project, but has published ma
ny elaborate essays to prevent it.
Even If Great Rritain ord
support successful war against France,
until revolution in that country, sh0ud
produce new era and destiny, the same
powers and means by which an effectuai
cooperation may BE effected, will not fail
to pat seal to the free constitution of this
country.--lf France shall succeed and over.
throw Great Britain. it is not likely that
she wfil forget the CO. ,pcration of this coun-
try, in the British quarrel.-in either way
ruin is 10 be feared.
/ he foregoing illustrations open also to
our considerations, the interior concerns OF
the United States. The PRINCIPLES which
are necessary 70 support an cquiponderant
neutrality, were those which appeared to
the writer most likely to preserve the be-
nehts ct peace, without rclinqui4hiDg cur
national honor, or compromising our indc-
pencence. And although good deal has
7 appeared in the public prints, relating to
tins subject, in which individual aud party
zeal, have been manifested, yet it does not
, appear 10 the writer OF this article, that
/ any thing is to be feared from either Of the
contending nations, to excite our fears, or
/ that aught has happened from either which
renders IT day, to resort &c direct or ill.,
direct hostility.
| 1t ought also to be recollected that, n ma
tional prejudice has iong existed between
! the British and French nations ii has
been incuicated in the earliest periods Of
infancy, and has been rot only ENCOURAGED
by the rulers of each nation curing the long
I period Of FIVE centuries--but they have q l.
! ways entered into wars with each other,
not only with promptitudc, but often with
an lncurable hatred and inveteracy. Those
passions alone would be sufficient to ami
! mate these nations against each other. and
II they really exist to the extent which is
ascr!bcd, it will be ridiculous 70 cxpect tiat
a reconciliation shall take place, until cx-
hdustcd and wcaried by the contest. they
may secretly and mutually pant for peace.
In this state Of things-while there are
so many Simpsons IN war, and Soomons
IN council, while these nations directly or
! indirectly, derive aid and resources from
every region Of our planet, mutually hate,
! and industri 1usly endeaysr to destroy each
other; why should the Americans take a