Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-01-14

IN greater degree dependant on Foreign
su 7lies, and consequently most liAb,e TO
be affected, by any vibrations ofthe com.
mercial system.
Asour manufactures do not flourish in
proportion 10 the progress ofour popula-
ton, wealth and luxury, the necessity Of
extending our commerce is constantly
increasing. +.
The basis Of all our trade is the ag-
Sregale value of our native produ Slions,
exceeding what are consumed in the u
niied States these are exported to vari-
Gus countries, from which we receive sup.
Plies tor domestic use, or other articles
Tor expectation. A very great proporti-
on of all the results of our commerce
with the world, centre in the dominions
OF Great Britain, and we receive almost
exclusively from that country, our clo-
thing and other necessary manufactures.
By the events of the late Sc present war,
many countries with which we prosecu-
ted an increasing trade, have been either
diverted from manufacturing pursuits, or
conquered and subjsa to the colonial
system of Great Britain.
With these preliminary facts in view,
we request permission 10 detail some of
the most important consequences of the
assumed rule, that neutraiS may 5s restrain
cd IN time of mar, 10 their accustomed trade
IN time oftcGce. The Injustice ofsuch
rule, in relation to the United States,
viii be more manifest the individuals
employed in commerce, would not alone
be. aHected all the internal relations of
cur country would be disturbed: the in
terests of those districts which are most
remote from our principal ports, would
IN prop ortion to their dependence on 70.
reign supplies, be most severely depress.
ed.
The effects of war cannot be confined
to the countries engaged in war. The
value of money the price OF Labor The
rates OF freight and insurance, are by war
enhanced throughout the world all arti-
cles of merchandise, both Of export and
impoit, are yariousIy affected, in their
qualities and value, by new. wants by
accomplishment of former pursuits, and
by the new direction which is thereby
given to the industry of different nations.
Other consequences result from the eff
tects of war; as The Impoverished of
some, and the aggrahdizement of other
countries also, from the Acknowledged
right OF beiligerent nations 10 iDterdiSt
commerce in coDrraband articles, and to
institute blockades. This last right is high
iy injurious to neu,rals, as it frequently
restraints them from procee ding to the
best markets. II is obviously impossible
therefore, 10 confine the United States,
in time OF war, amidst all these changes
and disadvantages, TO their accustomed
trade IN time of feace, without desiroyinr
all trade.
1t, ia consequence Of the war, certain
articles usually exported from, the Uni
| ted States TO countries from which we
received necessary supplies, cease to be
demanded in those countries, may we
not export other articles, and thereby OBJ.
tam the supplies We need
IT articles usually imported into the
United States in time of peace, cease TO
be demanded by us in time of war, in
consequence OF our ability to obtain substi-
tutes which we prefer, shall we be requi-
red to renouuce our export trade, by be-
| ing forbid TO import other articles for
! consumption or for commerce or shall
we be compelled to receive in exchange,
articles which re do not require {?
ii, in consequence of an increased de-
mand Tor our exports TO particular coun-
tries, we obtain in exchange, articles of
commerce exceeding our domestic wants,
shall it be required that the surplus pc.
! rish on our hands
| Ii Great Britain permits commerce be-
tween her subject. and the colonies of her
enemies, may We not, with the consent
OF those colonies, participate in the same
commerce
Ii our commerce with the enemies of
Great Britain may now be confined to
the system established in time Of peace,
may we not apprehend that the principle
will be reta!iated, in .;pectto our com
merce with the colonies of Great Britain |?
in that case, what can ensue but war,
piIlage, and devastation
These are not imaginary suggestions !:
they illustrate the most important princi.
plss OF our commerce they evince the
necessity of circuitous trade, to enable
us to realize The great value of exports in
our native productions, by which alone we
acquire the power to liqniddte the ball
ance against us, in our commerce with
Great Britain: they demonstrate, that
the position against which we contend. is