Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-11-08

tfl.x Of such balance Of opposing princi-
pies, as may best conduce to that end, and
of such composition and modification OF
unavoidable circumstances, as climate and
soil, the temperance Of constitution, and the
locality Of a people will produce. When
this lesson shall not only be learnt, but prac-
tiically followed, we shall no longer be wor-
riied with the ruinous quackeiy Of politics,
& or be reduced to an extremity OF wretched-
ness and contempt, in pursuit OF fancled
panacea.
When the means Of defence were destroy
ed in the ruin of our navy, we would natu-
rally be despised,injure & insulted by those
who possessed the powers OF annoyance
We were destined to lose, besides the en-
ioymentof our trade, our importance, and,
it will not be advancing too far to say, Our
independence as a people. Take view,
sir, Of our dolefil situation; hemmed in,
restrained, depressed, and, had we notper-
formed the business more efectually our
selves, ruined by the French DEGREES ard
the correspondents orders of the British
council. Had correct and decisive steps
been immediately taken, and a proper and
necessary energy been exerted, we should
have been able to perform every thing e.
fective to repel and revenge the aggresslons
OF our more hostile foe. But other offsets
regulated our governmental measures, and
by declining retaliation to an injury, which,
for the national honor and national advan-
tage, loudly demanded a most exemplary
revenge, We have drawn upon us, in super
addition, the hostile denanciations Of ano-.
thcr power.
After review Of the measures upon
which we have here animadverted, it VIII
a,,pear evident, that We have deserted the
o.u principles OF our government, and after
candid consideration OF the lamentable
consequences Of those innovations, to them
must be imputed th5. calamiues which haye
oppressed us. 1t can now re$aaip 10 object
OF enquiry, why We are divided, discon-
scIited ard miserable. But it remains a
subject Of disqu;si;ion, and lamentation,
char, for measures 50 rainous, policy so mis-
chievous and contemplate, there still stand
forth advocates and defenders tiaat lIhatua-
ion should still supply enoou:ag s1menf and
assistance, % political folly, mischief and
caprice.
Farther progression towards national an
inhalation is sincerely to be .deprecated.--
Yet, even in an emergence Ike ire present,
ii would be cowardice 10 despair. To rs
the words OF another, UPON 4 similar occa-
sion, 6 1t is ROT The fault OF the disorder bet
Of tie phvs:c.;:,.." L is onjy BY returning
% the PRINCIPLES which we have deserted,
that We can possess prospect OF oGr iorine.
Welfare. tyhen popular lniatuation Shall no
longer remain secure and inactive, *. ,lilst
the dearest interests O. the coann1on-weal
are sacrihced, and the constituents Of It's
strength and happiness thrown away at a.
venture, we shah hail the return OF right
measures and ol restored prosperity. AZ
a period whicn,s todetermine the pursuance
or discontinoance oi our present oppression,
the last step Of cur administrator, aud
which has conduced ID more powerful de-
gree than any ether 10 impair cur strength,
and render us i1npotent end contemplate, II
should become cur aim by every lawful
iaean, co procure a revocation OF those acts,
and a change Of sll;.i system, BY Which ne
have been reduced 20 this deplorabIe situa-
ton. Is, Notwithstanding, We should sill
be oppressed BY their continuance, some VI
client CONFUSION oi dc state viii hhaiiy re-
cali to their senses, our political schemers
and their infatuated supporters amongst the
people.
Nouem6er6 6, 1903.
--rs ~ x.-