Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-05-27
FOR THE Argus.
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Concerning neutral commerce. and further
qualification ofthe esecu.iue relas.

0"'IeSesSNe W SIC CBcCUstUc Te(QE.
ing TO late events.
II is understood that some readers of
the preceding essays will be well pleased
20 see some remarks concerning neutral
commerce, or rather that species of con-
cealed and clandestine traffic which has
been latelycarried on between the colonies
OF one Of The beligerent nations, directly
or indirectly, and the nation to which they
belong. The elaborate discussions which
have appeared in the public prints, have
already unfolded this subject, as far as can
be done by the influence of ancient autho-
rites, modern usages, ingenious argu-
men's and splendid eloquence. But little,
therefore, remains to be said indeed, no.
thing except to shew what are the opini-
ons oil the writer. 1t is likely that these
opinions will be unpopular, even with
those who have been well pleased with his
sentiments upon other subleGts--but let
this be as it may, he has no hesitation to
promu|gate them, and as little to disclose
his reasons.
This subject affords nothing to amuse
the writer, and not much to entertain the
reader; but it is a subject which deserves
The deepest consideration, and concerning
which every politician ought to store his
mind with all the lights which can be af.
torded. Whether the writer Of this will
be able to add feeble ray,to the general
mass OF information, which has been pub
iished, will depend upon what follows.
That species OF commerce which has
been lately carried on, in American bot
toms, and often by the aids Of British sea,
men, directly to and from q port hostile
to Great Britain, has certainly afforded
important aids to the enemy of Britain.
And although the trade may not embrace
single article, deemed contraband, vet
II gave the contending nation, relief and
succor, In some of the important concerns
OF government, or national prosperity. 1t
does not therefore require the aids of rhe.
toric or logic, when beneficial copse-
quence has been procured by these means,
todemonstrate, that such "a trade ceases
10 be neutral, and may be essentially and
substantially considered, contraband.
And when the produce Of the colony is
in the firstinstance brought to America,
and entered in the regular forms Of law,
and is again re. shipped In the same, or o.
cher American bottoms, it does not by this
finesse, lose any of the qualities of contra.
band trade, which would have attached 10
II, if the fiction or evasion had not been
prac(sed. Such commerce is not entitled
20 any OF the privileges of neutrality and
deserves to be treated exactly as if the
vessels and their Cargoes had sailed, di-
rectiy from one port, and were cleared for
another belonging to the same power.
Alihnf npit,iriapa haya -
selves, and disturbed the public with con-
Trajectory theories and opinions concern
ing this subject, because they have not
found satisfactory rules in those books,
which are supposed to contain the law of
nations Yet it seems easy TO have de.
termined the question. without the aid or
authority of Grotius, Puffendorf, ValteI,
Martens, SIC. II was only necessary TO
have opened the volume Of common sense,
10 have applied directly to our feelings and
perceptions to have found satisfactory
rule, by which this troublesome question
might have been settled for ever.
avery simple proposition is now about
TO be stated, which will illustrate the rule,
by which the opinion of the writer has
been formed. Let us suppose that,
.. a aud are engaged in a quarrsl--,the
former is likely to gain ain advantage,
which will insure him success. C., who
IS bye-staader, and pfetends 10 be
friend to both, all Of sudden interferes
in such way, as to give The victory TO the
latter. BY such conduct Z would forfeit
all pre,ensions 10 the future confidence of
Abe would not any longer be considers
ed as an independent bye.slander, or as
an honorable neutral he would blythe
voluntary act Of interference, become az.
tached to the fortunes Of the party which
he had aided, and might reasonably ex.
peel, when occasion would allow il, an aet
Of retaliation.
Such is the short case between France,
England and America. The two former
are at Wharf.-The third was not concerned
in the quarrel--each nation had CONSENT
ed that America might enjoy an advan.a.
geous neuIrslity-aDd although this neu.
Tali'y afforded very promising prospects
tor internal prosperity and external com.
merce, yet the enterprise and cnpidlty
ct our merchants have induced them TO
disisrb the general Tranquility, which
might have existed, 10 endanger the
peace OF their country, and TO forfeit