Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-08-12

tic--for We shall hear him advocate ma
val establishment adequate to the protec-
ton of his ships sailing on the ocean; nor
will. he hesitate to burthen the cultivators
of the soil with the expense of its maintc-
nance. IF the naval flag of the United
States be insuitcd and degraded; if our CT
tizens fall secrifice to the wanton attacks
OF British violence :; If the honor and sove-
reiSnty of the country be Frustrated beneath
/ the paw of .he British lion these are cir
cumstances- of secondary. consideration,
when estimated with the advantages ofcom-
merce. = Perhaps national honor and repu-
tatioD are merely bubbles but the benefits
of commerce are substantial and the gilt
tering ailurcments of wealth ought TO be pa
ramount. They ought To- predominant i'll
our councils, and convince the world that
The inhabitants of these states are nothing
but an assembage of traders and money
changers. Then lct,,our national flag no
longer display the towering eagle, but let
its field more appropriately, represent the
! embiems OF traffic thus should our coat of
arms demonstrate orr national character
It's however to be hoped, that our flag is
not to be degraded-nor is the genius of A.
merica to weep for the degeneration ofher
/ sonS. ,.... -.,..
tiS 'hSICHahtS CompoSc-a very respeS-
faole part OF the national community, and
| every one of them who pursues an honest
ana innocent trade merits universal esteem.
1t would be highly reprehensible a, auy
time TO doubt their willingness TO support
the honor of the Americ an name, eepecial-
~ when those OF this town, in a town NEE
ting so timely and deliberatively convened,
nave pledged themselves to their country
I Tor IT'S support. But from the nature of their
pursuits, they may be willing to compro-
mise our present dispute with a spirit of
concentration somewhat incompatible with
natinnal dignity.
The independent farmers form the grca-
ter proportion of the people; tnese men
are not immediately interested with COM
[ merce, nor is their interest totally discon-
rected with trade. The natural trade of
tue country no doubt advances their pros
psrlty, but should the CARRYING trade be
anniii'iated it could have hut "a Slight effect
upon their interests. These men, thus si-
'uated, VIII. through the organs Of their re-
personalities in Congress, decide upon the
Important question. They will then take
into consideration the merits Of our consti-
| tuition; they will reflect upon the benefits
they enjoy they will look TO. the prosperi-
~ OF their children and posterity, and de-
cide whether the dignity of "A great and
Igrnw'ng Country is To he maintained, or a.
| oaniioncdr We shall then have an oppor-
! tnnlty OF seeing whether the spirits of our
| fathers .siumbcr with them in the grave /;
| we shau then know, If the politics Of the
| speculating few, are 10 predeminate over
The Industrious many. The people of these
states ought 20 know the truth, & must mt he
misguided by prejudice, Ii we are TO sub
SYST as nation, let our conduct hespeak Ia
the world our determination to maintain
our rights. If we are to sacrifice our re-
putation III this instance, we shall continue
to be the foot ball Of Europe we shall be
considered by them, destitute Of spirit, and
unworthy the liberty we have attained.
.,ohould we abandon our national reputa-
ton Tor tue advantages of an incidental
trade, we foi'sake the real interests of our
country for as have before observed. il
the United States are to become a mercan.
tie people, and carry the surplus of their
own soll-in their own ships TO foreign mar
kets, the flag that waves upon the steras OF
their vessels must be. respected and no.
thihg WIZ cause IT to be respected but de-
termination To resent its violation But all
thlhSs as yet may. be accommodated; the
interest OF trade will not suffer, nor will
me honor Of our flag be degraded, if the
Brush government be inclined to make MS
adequate reparation. Should they howe
YER persist in their hostile policy, and re-
rnse to an independent state the satisfacti.
on It SO Justly calls for, it will become us tn
meet the event with steady and determined
resolution. The industrious cultivators oil
the soil will not, in any event, be influenced
by the barkings of those who have confirm.
ally been aspersing the reputation of their
country, and defaming those men whom the
voice OF the people has elevated but view
with disdain every irsinuation that may be
calculated to mitigate the hagitious conduct
of our adversary.
MARCELLUS.