Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-10-25
WASHINGTON CITY. Or On

WASHINGTON CITY, Oct. 90.
It is impossible, in rejecting ON the sub
ject of the following articles, extracted from
a late London print, not to feel the force of
the maxim "that honesty is the best poll
cy. However n course of conduct, bot
toned on opposite principles, may promote,
tor time, the interests OF individuals of
nations, it is sure eventually to press with
dreadful weight on their prosperity and
character. No nation has more systematic
caiiy oppressed the commerce of other pow
crs than England: the principle of right
has with her been plastic to the pretext of
eeXpediency; and, having the power, she
has Tor long number of years made the
whole worldtributary to her cupidity. The
tables ifnot turned are now turning. The
gigantic power OF France on the continent,
directly or indirectly reaching every state,
enables her TO aim a blow at the CONNER
cial greatness OF Britain, which NAV be mcr-
tai. At any rate, though the prohibitory
system be in many points evaded, it will be
carried into effect to a considerable extent.
IT In 10 other way, by increasing the price,
1t VIII lessen the consumption OF British ia
br1cs and offer premium to domestic ma
nufactures. Nor is it probable that the sys-
TEN OF Bonaparte will he as evanescent as
most of those which have heretofore been
planned. What great plan, conceived by
MN, has ne abandoned And how few are
the number OF those, which, having formed,
he has JAILED to effect Animatedby a strong,
and perhaps meXtinguishable animosity a.
Sainst britain, and supported in this instance
by a general sense OF retributivc Justice.
nave we any reason to doubt his persevcr-
ance Does he not realize what all EuroDc
perceiyes, that there are but two powers
IN that quarter of the word, and that, con-
sequcntly, whatever Britain loses he gains
But this subject will be best brought home
to our feelings by two considerations which
principally affect u.s.
Whie the greater part of Europe are re-
sisting the monopolizing spirit of Britain,
would 1t be wise in us who principally feel
her aggrcssions, to relax our resistance
Is not this, all times the most scascpable.
urge our claims, if we promise ourselves
with success For
Will not Britain have discernmcnt enough
to perceive that, however desirous we NAV
be to be on terms of amity with her, we
are bound TO pursue our interests, and main
tam our honor, which can only be done by
resisting her unjust encroachments on neu-
tral rights And will she, when she is SO
powerfully pressed by the governments of
Europe, and must be in state of fearful
apprehension with regard TO the result, viii
she, under these critical circumstances,
persist IN that ill-starred policy which will
inevitably deprive her altogether of our
friendship, and in no inconsiderable degree
OF our custom likewise IF she is wise. she
will treat US with justice, the great man that
presides over her councils, with character
istic magnanimity, viii call upon us to for
get the past, to shake hands in token of flu
turc good will, and we shall receive repa-
ration for our injuries, and the assurance
OF good treatment hereafter.
PARIS, July 90.
ne prohibitory system, by means of
which France combats the commerce of
England, in order to sap the foundations of
tne power OF her adversary, is adopting by
degrees over great part of the continent.
it has been successfully introduced into the
south OF Italy, by the governments of Ma
pies, Rome and Florence. it has also been
introduced INFO northern Italy, by decree
(Vide letter from Milan, July 81 The Hell
veto Diet assembled at Basic, have also a.
dopted the same maXims, although to n less
extent, to be observed by the whole Swiss
Confederation. Lastly the republic OF the
Valais, situated between the latter country,
the Kingdom Of Italy and France, has re-
newed and rendered still stronger, the pro-
hibition respecting the depot and transit Of
the prescribed merchandize, in order to him
der its passage across that territory, from
theone tothe other of the neighboring states.
For this purpose the Valaisan Diet by de
cree of the 50th of May, and the council of
state or that country, by an arrete of the
29th OF June, have adopted new and more
vigorous precautions against the introducti-
on OF: and the trading in English merchan-
die"
MILAN, July 8.
"Ihe importation of all English mer-
chandize into the Kingdom of Italy, has been
prohibited by decree of the Emperor and
King, dated ST. Cloud, the 10th of June,
which extends equally to the manufactured
products of England and her colonies, and
to the produce o the soil of the latter. 1t
forbids the introduction Of all these articles
without xceptiOn--manufact arti-
cles from the present moment, and coloni-
al produce from the first OF October next.
No merchandise similar 70 those articles
Shall be admitted, unless proved by certif-
Gates in due form to be not of English ORR
gin. Those acting contrary to this decree
to be subject to the coniiscation of the mer-
chandize as well as the vessels, boats, car
riages and horses employed in Transporting
IL, and also to q fine equal to the value IL