The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-26
Among other espeilients out Of which choice

3D. A protectienof ii by sclf-armcd vessels.
sd a war OF offence well as OF defence.
4,h. A general suspension of foreign commerce
Sth. An embargo on our vessels, mariners and
merchandise.
y This last was adopted, and the policy of it was
enforced, at the particular moment by accounts
quickly after confirmed, of the British orders of
November, and by the probability that these
would be followed, as has also happened, by an
en'igorated spirit OF retaliation in other belligc-
rent powers The happy effect of the precau-
uon IS demonstrated by the we'll known fact, that
The ports of Europe are crouded with captured
vessels OF the United States, unfortunately not
within the reach of the precauticis. u
With respect to protection of our commerce
by ships OF war, it must be obviously impractical
Ole, in any material degree, without q lapse of
time, and an expcnce which amounts to 4 prohi-
bition OF that resort; besides that it would ne
hostile collisions with one or more
OF the beliigerent powers.
Se't-arhed merchantmen would have the same
tendency, at the same time, that they would be
utterly inadequate to security against the null
pied fleets and cruizers TO be encountered.
An entire suspension of foreign commerce,
rs the resort in the first instance would evident
y nave produced some Inconvenience, not incl
dent to the embargo, as it was modified But
the committee do not suppress their opinion, that
;uter reasonable time, it may not improperly
take the place of the embargo; in case of pro
tracted adherence of the beligerent powers, to
t1eir destructive proceedings against our neu-
trial commerce.
With respect to resort to war, as = remedy
tor the evils experienced, the committee will of
Ter no other reflections than that it is i'll itself so
great an evil, that the United States have wisely
considered peace and honest neutrality, as the
best foundation Of their general policy II is not
Tor The committee to say under what degree Of
aggravated injuries, and suferings, a departure
Nr.lts~ H. \.
most pacific nation find itself compelled to ex-
change tor the calamities of war, the greater
dstresses of longer forbearance
IL the present state of things, the committee
cannot recommend any departure from that DO
hey which withhods our commercial and asri-
cultural property, from the licensed dcpretati
n !1i OF the great maritime belligerent powers
Ihcy hope that an adherence TO this policy will
eventually secure to us the blessings of peace,
without any sacrifice of our national rights and
lhey nave no doubt, that it will be supported bv
all the manly virtue, which the good people of
me United States have ever discovered, or great
and patriotic occasions. But the committee
W0uid suggest, on this subject, that better coun-
CHS an The belligerent governments, producing. a
]uster conduct towards neutral nations, would
render continuance of the embargo unnecessa-
y, and that it will be provident measure to vest
III me executive power, IN such an event. to
until the next session of Congress, who'll
~ or IN part, the several acts prohibiting the
departure of our vessels for foreign ports s.,
Although tie committee have abstained from
entering INTO any particular comparison, of the
proceedings ofthe French and British govern
merits towards the United States they cannot
reconcile with their duty, or with the lust sensi-
Dlty OF the nation, not to advert to the tenor and
language OF the late communications, made by
the respective organs ofthose governments 80
= In the letter OF Mr. Champagny, the United
StltpS no nnI 4b,ao
as the final destiny of American property, seized
under french DEGREES, unless disposition shall
ne nanliestedby them against Great Britain, ss.
Iisiactory to France, but they are even declared,
WitIiout reserve OF any sort, to be actually in a
state OF war against Great Britain.
In the letter OF Mr.. Eiskinc TO the secretary
OF state, the United States explicitly charged
with justly subjecting their commerce to confis-
cations under the British orders, by not oppo-
sing an etectual resistance against the DEGREES of
france III, other words, by not making war a.
ganst that nation, in case no other interposition
should be eifectual
There are in this exposition of the British or
ders; certain features, which claim particular
attention among tile regulations of which they
consist, tits provided, that the commerce ofthe
United States. bound from their own ports to
ITS legal and ordinary markets, shall pass through
British ports, shall there, in all cases. take their
clearances from British officers, shall, in some
cases, OBTAIN special licenses and in others, paw
adlrect and avowed tax thus putting the Uni
ted States OH commercial footing, even worse
than was allowed 10 British cclonies--which were
leftfree to carry their exports directly to foreign
markets, III cases where an inferno date voyage
to the parent country would be too oppressive
In the present case, not single article is permit
ted to be sent from the United States to the most
southern parts of Europe, without previous
voyage to Great Britain, and in some instances.
not without purchasing even that privilege, with
out paying tribute to the British treasury.
The committee have taken into consideration
the documents relating to the attack on the fri
gate Chesapeake but they have not deemed it
their duty, IN tho actul posture of that subject
to make any other remark, than that it strength
ems the motives for persevcring in all the provisi
ona and precautionary measures hitherto con-
templated.
The committee finally beg leave to submit the
following resolutions:
RESOLVED, That the committee do BRING in
n bill, authorisng the President of the United
States, i'll the event Of such peace or suspension
ofhostilitites between the belligerent powers of
Europe, or of such changes in their measures af
fectng neutral commerce, as may render that of
the United States sufficiently safe in his Judgment
to suspend the act laying an embargo on ali ships
and vessels IN tIe ports and harbors ofthc United
States, and the several acts supplementary there
TO, under such exceptions and restrictions. as
the public interest and circumstances of the case
may appear 10 require Pyooided, Such susDen-
SION sbai hot extend beyond days after the
commencement of the next session of Conaress
ResofVed, That the committee do brino, in a
bill, authorisng the President of The United
States to suspend the operation of the several acts
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