Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-05-13


II is my wish at all times 10 bring before
the public eye whatever is done by its
public agents, whenever the good of the
country admits of il. l conceive, howe.
yer, this communication to be con6den-
tial, and that it would involve breach of
faith 10 the other departments now 10
publish it. We are told TO day for our
con olat;on, that some members have vo-
ted with their eyes open to truckle to
France, in order 10 coerce Spain, and that
Others have voted to the same effe&l igno-
rantiy. i,hOwever, am one OF those who're.
main obstinate in m y4epav .ct.on, in spite
of all the information Of the gentleman
from Virginia. believe we have aSted
as our duty require d, add as justice 10 our
constituents demanded. We are asked
WHAT'S The situation OF this country with
regard 10 Spain aud Great Britain, aad
where the injury towards us lies! Is j.
with Spain! If the gentleman FROM Vir-
giria speaks the truth, we have no ground
OF complaint against Spain as to ,erri;ori.
al aggresslons---lo for il wIll be recolleGled
that that gentleman when our doors were
Shut, said that the boundary line claimed
by Spain, was on this side Of the country
where these aygressions took place, aud
that when the negotiation took place be.
Tween France and the U. S. Spain enter.
ed caYeat against our acquiring this
Country. And in his opinion by the trsa-
ty with France we acquired no territory
east CT the lbervillc. There was it is true,
an outrage committed by officers of Spain
within The acknowledged jurisdiction of
the United States. But what are lie
facts attending This affair! The moment
representation Was made to the governor
OF the Floridas, he declared the agsressi-
on unauthorised--and promised TO make
fuli and strict enquiry into the circum-
stapces attending ii. Does this lock like
settled hostility on the part oil Spain No,
it ought to be received as a sufficient dis.
aSowal OF any such hostile intention,
ms information we have from official
documents on our tables. Let me now
ask what is cur situation relative 30 Great
brliain Has she not committed lawiess
aSgressions on our commerce ard CONT.
nued TO impress our seamen for wears
past! Under these circumstances, what
ought 10 be the policy of this govern
men,! Ought we forthwith 10 declare war
Sgaiast spain, while We negotiate with
bri.ain! The gentleman from Virginia
says he is not for declaring war against
SPAN; but the resolution which lie propos.
cd contained proposition for raising
hoInDer OF troops to repel The aggressons
oil Spanish subjects. Let me ask then
whether ii Is prc6abe that The raising al.
dit.oDal troops would DC i.ss likely to pro-
duce war than mere commercial regu-
iaiion. But it is said that Spain is under
the coutroul of france that she is indeed
IN state Of bondage to France. and it is
enqliFed whether i, would DC Just 10 re
'ceiye this country from government i'm
sach stat: OF vassaiage But if Spain is
IN this stale, are we therefore To- re0ounce
our own interest! Or is our obligation to
p0rsue ,hat interest, by The means in our
power 10 b. lessened ! If Spain sees 81
20 suffer herself TO be controlled by
france, am not one Of those Who are
Tor crossing The water to be The guardian
oil her rights. am not so much Of ,s-
publican yet. In his country this spe-
cies OF rephbiicanism belongs exclu siyely
10 that gentleman, tho'sbe has not The ho-
hor ot Being the original inventor. The
'despots OF Europe hsye long understood
1t. The eraperots Of Germany and Rus
STA with The king Of P,usss, were aeluat-
ca by II IN The conquest and division Of
Poland, ard The same would hay: led as
~ war with Spain aud conquest Of the
floridss. Ii 10 said 10 be absolutely ne.
cessary 10 raise sn army, as the frontiers
could not be defended Ivy militia. But
believe tina, this is not true. believe ON
the contary that The militia are able and
ready 10 defend the country whenever 1t
shall be IN danger. AS to Tie govern.
m=nt fGreat Britain, we are told we have
assumed hostile attitude 10 her. How
ny barely going INFO commercial reeula.
lions! Have we tot right 10 do this
and has Great Britain right to complain
OF what she herself daily ptactices? But
the gentleman 1t seems, is principally a.
gaInst the negotiation with Spain, be.
cause OF The. eF-et it will have on our
affairs with GTea; Britain.
il seems then that he gentleman is not
disposed to shrink rom war when Il would
carry HIN to lis true point. Wnh Cres,
Bu'ain he sees war 10 all its horrors bu,
when we come TO Spain, lie says unless
we AXE hostile measures towards ber