Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-04-18

that * Is " AZ measure, anu ds SuCn
cuehi 10 be avoided. We bavebeen cold |
90 already By y gentleman from Virginia, /,
s(Nr. J. Randofph) who was up yesterday.
Mr.. +. said his colleague who introduced
the resolution, declared he did no, consi-
der it as war meascse, and that he him-
self was absolutely opposed to war equal
ly with his colleague.
This resolution Professionally proposes
terms which il is Just and reasonable that
Britain should comply with.' and which is
fully in her power, TO prevent the import
alton of goods the produce and manufac-
lures of the British dominions, until a
reasonable accommodation is made by me-
gociation. II does not go to prevent ex-
portation.
But it may be said, and it is no doubt
the opinion of some members, that the
aubje6t should at this time be left wholly
to negotiation, without being aided by any
legislative measure. This is the most
Important point in view in the subject be.
fore US.
Bo,ht the supporters and opposers the
resolution agree, that an accommodation
by negotiation is solely their obje6l.-
This, he said, was undoubtedly his objeet,
& be would support the resolution on the
table, subject to whatever mobilization the
majority of the committee may think pro-
Per to- give it, solely with view TO fur
Their favorable negotiation. But will a.
ny menber say that the .presideni has not
already exerted all the powers vested in
him. and all the talents Of which he il pos
sessed, to accomplish an amicAblc rego-
cialion? They viii not. They. will not
say that every president of the ". s.. has
not done every thing in their power by ne
gocIation, to prevent the impressmsnt of
our citizens, since the imprcssment COM
menced in l7oS-ihe first time indeed in
the history ofnalions that power of one
independent nation overthe citizens Of am
other independent nation was assumed.
The president in his FIRST message TO
this Congress officially brought The SUBJ
ject before them. In subsequent mes.
sage he Informal them of The instructions
he had given, of the exertions that had
been made, and, in short, that negotiation
was exh susied. Why then should we re-
fuse such Legislative. aid, as in the present
slate OF The business is absolutely neces-
sary torender negotiation successful l.
Can we expect success without some ef.
fcient expression OF the national will !?
Former presidents, did, not expeet il so
from any nation.
Mr.. s. said the gentlemen who have ri
sen in ofpositios To The resolution, have
taken no notice of the impressment of our
ctt,zens, though il is By far the most ae.
gtayated grievance. They seem to give
to G. b aprescrip,ive right Of that essen
tiaj portion Of our INDEPENDENCE. Happi-
lY however The exerci>e of that most ty.
fannlcal power has been perseyeringiy
protested agains, by every administration
since that unprecedented tyranny began to
be exercised. LODGED the frst ms ance of
asqulescence which has been manifested
isby the members wIio have spoken in op.
position 10 this resolution.
The gentleman frora Virginia yester-
day, the second time lie has been up on
this question, aclsnowlcdg ed the omission,
but seemed to make an Offset of the con
dqSf of Spain in the mississippi territory
last summer to balance the iinpressment.
Irappears that two men fed from Justice
from The settlements POSSESSED by Spain,
and we're p9rsued and taken IN our terri
tory but afterwards rescued from lie of
10y the outrage committed by The British
al Detroit; but withou, dwelling on this
insult. il is Sufficient to observe, that the
two men are free from bondage, and that
there has no, been time to demonstrate
aid negotiate with Spain since the ont.
rage happsned, ard that court of Justice
ia competent 10 decide on il. If Britain
had impressed bur two men, if she had
impressed but two hundred, and disayow.
ed the intention Of doing so any more, il
the court of London had not advocated and
ayowed persisting in the unprecedented
outrage oD.the laws and Ussges Of nations,
u! that government had not indicated the
csRaueta and refused to sign a convention
Oh hat subJet., (once agreed 10Y without
an lDadnsissble exception, 1t may be pre-
snraed the case would not have been bro't
before tbs legislature.
The obsetvaiions of this gentleman.
hsweyer, 81 ofien brig our relations with
Span into v.ewe~ithont explanations, that
ihalph 'hey have no connection with the
sublecl beiore us, he would shortly add.
ihat IN the purchase of louisiana from
tSance, which The geiitieman from Eit ri;