The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-07-15

HoAi~i iSSisiaSoES h'F pruueHtiv ucterWin-
ed, by Withdrawing from the reach of these
Enropean plnnherers 70 teach ;!ss 81 sisse
lue ofour commerce by its loss. This policy
believed to be the only alternative Of war,
no doubt bears heavily on every class of our
citizens. The merchant, no longer able to
export our superhuous commodities ceases to
purchase them. The farmer, une BILE to sell
his produce, can neither make his wonted
purchases, nor satisfy the demands OF his
creditor. Thus the full stream of our super
abundant wealth being suddenly arrested in
ats habitual course, the whole mackine of
commerce ceases to move.
Many of our citizens Judging rather by the
evils they feel than those they avoid, doubt
the wisdom of this policy, and maintain that
we had better at once engage in war, or tame
ly submit to the operation of tho French de-
crees and British orders of Council. Let US
bestow brief attention OH this subject
Todcclare instant war against both France
and England, however justifiahie by the pro-
vccaticos they have given us, would be an
act OF chivalrous folly which. presume. is in
the contemplation Of no one. We will how
ever suppose that by selecting one of these
powers an enemy, the other would imme-
ciately retract its lawless pretensions. Eel
low-CitizeDs, besides the additional burthens
which war would inevitably produce, this
course would gradually conduct us into that
dark and intricate labyrinth Of European 20
itics, against which the wisdom of Washing
ton and of Jefferson have so emphaticaiiy
warned us. 1t would lead us into an alliance
which would be likely to embroil us in all
the mad contests, by which ambition OF ava
rice or revenge so often disturb the repose of
Europe.
But which should we prefer? There are
strong considerations against war with either.
Sreat-brltain Is certainly most able to do Us
snIury, and it must be admitted that France
appears to have begun the present outrage
Gus interdictioIs of neutral commerce And
whether we consider Monsr. Cha .npagny's
,nsolent letter as q bride or a threat, honor
equally forbids us TO countenancc the belief
that it has influenced our course OF policy.
am, besides, free to confess, that have no
wish to add one jot to tina vast power,
which, in the present strange course OF e.
vents, we know not how soon may be turned
agalnstus.
But the greater part of those, who disap-
prove the embargo, are disposed to take part
with Grcat-Brita!n against France. Would
You then become the ally of nation, which
not only refuses free passage to ycur YES
sells, but makes slaves of their crews? Which
assumes the right of converting American
clt..ens into British Subjects but denies TO
you reciprocal right A nation, which
ny shores with the blood of your own citi-
zens! For my own part, do so!emnly de-
clare, that If the base and unprincipled at
tack on the Chesapeake had appeared to
have been authorised by the Britis!, govern
ment, would have sworn eternal cnmity s.
eternal war, until we had obtained am Ole re-
Paration. Yet, although 1t may no longer be
a cause OF war, we can never, consistently
with our honor, treat with Great Britain,
aoo H. Il I
shall be struck of the long list of unccmpen-
stated agsressons.
There are some, who do not avow q wish to
go war with France, and yet would con-
form TO the British orders of Council But
II France now prohibits all trade with G.
Britain, would she not adhere to the same
policy then! Or rather, would she noc GO
further. and not only refuse us admission in
to the continent Of Europe, but consider us
as the allies, the humb!cd and dependent al
lies OF Great Britain And although war
with france and her numerous dependencies
were not the necessary consequence, would
the merchant of these free and sovereign
states submit TO the unparalleled disgrace of
carrying on commerce with British licences
and though he should be so lost to sense
OF national honor, would the high spirit OF
MS countrymen sanction such vile and igno-
mnious submission Ii is indeed that at
tempt TO make ms tributary to Great-Britain,
against which you complained demonstrated,
and finally, fought from '63 to '83, and what
persisted, when feeble and defcnceless CO.
Jones, will you concede, when powerful and
independent states Or will you make a
free will Offering on the altar of commerce
a avarlce, of what power could never wrest
from you But Insult the national charac-
Ter by the bare supposition. We are not SO
unworthy the blessings, which all gracious
heaven has showered down OH this favored
land: That noble spirit which inspired the
patriots of '76. is not buried in their ton,bs :
1t still glows in the bosoms of their Country
men, and animates them to meet every dan
ger-to endure every privation, rather than
incur dishonor
AS the restrictions, which France and En-
gland have presumed to impose on our COM
merce, were dictated rather By a blind re-
vvenge than any reconsideration of interest, it is
highly probable that neither pawer will soon
depart from the system of injustice it has =
aopted, and rather than retract, they will
in'ilct on their respective nations all the in
conveniences, that they cannot bat feel from
our present seciusion. And as in that case.
we cannot abandon the position we have ia
Ken without going 40 war, or forfeiti1g our
honor and Independence let us then, fellow
citizens, endeavour to extend and improve
our own resources. Here nature, various i'm