Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-12-20
DIcQll4fa IrNu8.
R &c II NJ o N ID:
TUESDAY. DECEMBER 90, 1908.
Z JOHN RANDOLPH.
This gentleman, who is SO We

This gentleman, who is SO very decia-
matory against the administration, and
whose eXertions are directed with so n,uch
Tu;H, but so fttke force against the embargo,
ought not to forget what he said in 1906,
when speaking of our relations with Great
Britain, and the course he would advise,
observes-e would (if any thing) have laid
an embargo. This would have got our own
property, and our adversaries into our pow
err. Ii there is any wisdom left among us,
the first step towards hostility will always
be an embargo. In six months, all your
mercantile megrims would vanish. As to
us, although it would cut deep, we can stand
it. Without such a recautio,a, go 10 7yar'
7vhcn you mil, you go TO The gvai'-
How can this ittle man get over this great
inconsistency
Stif'in's opinions, always in the wrong,
He's every thing by starts, and nothing long.
1t is almost impossible to account for the in
consistency in the character of the Eastern peo-
pie. without ascribing it to n cause which must
reflect imperishable disgrace In reviewing
their conduct, we find them in 1894, fired with
indignation at foreign aggression, and warmly
determined upon measures of redress and def.
ance. Resolutions to this effect were frequent
iy adopted at their numerous meetings, and
were also evIncive of their attachment to the
union, and their appreciation of the wisdom and
policy OF the embargo. Resolutions were like
wise transmitted to Congress to express their
wish tor its continuance, and that they would
cordially acqulesce in any measure which might
be deemed necessary for national honor or neu-
trail rights. The Spirit of '76 seemed to arise
IN its native undisguised form, and to be per-
tectly prepared to make any sacrifice at the re-
publican altar. To our surprise it appears from
the annals of those times, that when measures
OF this nature were brought forward, they were
mostly opposed by the Eastern delegation Th S
unexpected procedure excited no less astonish.
ment than indignation among their constitu-
ents But we fear at the present time that
there is too much sympathy and congeniality
OF mind between the electors and the elected
The pulse of patriotism which beat so high
then, seems to be slow, languid and alarming
now 1t is really a source of serious regret
that these people who have been all along so
high toned in the cause Of republicanism
should at once become equivocal and amphibi-
Gus.
1t must arise from some adventurous cause
within the control of government.-We fear
that 1t is British influence and that the Atienian
poiy is necessary. The same causes which
existed then, are infinitely more powerful now
and we fam would ask why such opposition
Why such rebellious threats as in the Ian
guage of a member of Congress. is calculated
TO provoke a resort to the Knife and the Cautery
At that time they complained most violently of
the loss sustained by British depredations and
the timidity of Congress in bearing such an &C
cumulation of insults and outrages But now
it seems that every measure of defence is sub
iect of ridicule. mockery and resistance-Woe.
full change.
We stu however have sufficient reliance in
the people to believe that they are rbelled bv
these misrepresentation, and that their com
mercial dekiriun1 or ckeFing disease of British
influence, will pass away, and that they will not
forget the lesson of Plutarch, 4" that it was not
the strength ofthe walls which rendered Spar.
| ia so impregnable, but the union of its nhabi-
tants."
"The omniscient calls attend the warning CRY.
To live united, or divided die.''