Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-12-22

upon British ships OF war. And since the
scene has been changed and Napoleon leads
the same continental confederacy against
{ England, her Conduct has been the same
our seamen still impressed, and our COM
nlerce put under tribute. .sa
am more than astonished to see this
House inundated by every mail with publ
cations from the East, declaring that we
have no cause of complaint against Great
Britain; that we should rescind the procla-
nation of interdict against British armed
vessels; that we should repeal the non-im-
portation law that the embargo should be
taken OFF as to G. Britain that we should
go to war with France; that punctiiio pre-
vents. a settlement Of our differences with
Great Britain inviting the people to yio-
late and disregard the embargo, to pat the
laws and the constitution at defiance, and
rise in rebellion.
These considerations induced me to exa-
mine this matter, and to prove to every no.
nest American, what we al believe in this
place, that the object Of one poweris to de-
stroy cur neutrality and involve US in the
convulsing wars Of Europe and the object
OF the othera monopoly Of our commerce,
and the destruction Of our freedom and IN
dependence. Let evidence IS conclusive as
holy writ put the enemies Of this insured
country to shame. We are informed by our
minister, Nj. Munroe, IN communication
dated August, 1907, that a war party OF
powerful combination and influence existed
in Great Britain, who wanted to extend their
ravages to this country that we could not
make calculations upon the justice OF Great-
Britain that in her many assumptions OK
power and principle, she would yield but
from absolute necessity. Who is this war
party? The British navy, to whom we
have opened our ports, and extended all the
Inequalities of generous nation while in
the enjoyment of which that very. navy wag-
cd war against our unnaending citizens
The ship owners, the East and West-Inda
merchants, and what cause have they for
war? The enterprizing citizens of the u.
States have been their riva.s and superiors
In a lawful ard profitable commerce; and
lastly, political characters Of high consider
alton. These compose this war party. In
January, 1904, in an official communication
Of Mr. Madison, Mr. Munroe is charged
with the suppression of impressment as his
primary object 9, the definition of block
ade Sd, the reduction Of the LIST OF con-
traband; Ath, the enlargement Of Cur trade
with hostile colonies. The negotiation O.
pens, and what is done WiGh industry
and exertion cur minister was unable TO
bring the British cabinet to any amicable
arrangement. Lord Hawksoury, Harrow
by, Niulgrave and Mr.. Fox succeeded each
other, and every attempt to negotiate was
in vain. Each Of them brings expressions
of good will. and good disposition towards
the United States, and a wish For arnicable |
arrangement. But these professions and
dispositions evaporate III Invitations to the !
country and the cit,--in promises and pro-
crastinatlons. To-day we are amused with |
conversation at the foreign office, which
animates with lively hope--to-morrow,
nope is swallowed up in despair, and the
third day announces some new inlury-at-
talrs on the continent now call the attention
ofthe British ministry, and with every dis
position OF good zciA there must be a Pause.
In this amlcable pause business required
that our minister should go to Old Spain ];
but uPon MS return to England, what as
PUNISHMENT seized his mind at the sad spec
taele the changing scenes presented. IN
der the old rule Of '56Sx other interpretations
upon public law, our merchant vessels are
swept from the bosom OF the ocean without
notice, by British cruizers, and carried in
to British ports for condemnation. But
why this change? a coalition had been
formed in the North against France, British