Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-06-07

|iSS vi the laws OF their country.
1t is calculated to tempt our citi-
zens into evasions and infractions OF
the acts OF congress, relative to the
embargo. 1t any American has fed
from our ports, even without his man
hest and clearances and subjected him
self thereby to the strongest presump-
ton OF wrong-doins, he is to be passed
unmolested by the British: and as a
reward to the American merchant and
captain. such vessels rs may so break
our laws in consequence of a base and
mean British seduction, are to be per-
mitted by the British Colonial Cover
nors, to carry British produce to the
ports of enemies
This act is the consuma,ion of base
ness and despotism, and while it ought
to lead to the consideration Of associ-
atoms not to consume British produce
or manufactures, ir proves the efficacy
OF the Embargo laws.-Dem. Press.
When the instructions against the
excise law and window tax took place
III Pennsylvania, under the federal adj
ministration, the man who in the least
countenanced the insurgents was de-
nounced as an enemy to his country.
But now, the violators oflaw find their
conduct not only palliated, but even
applauded, by many of the federal edi-
tors. Because Congress, by passing
supplementary law, have disappointed
the hopes OF nest of snugglers and
British agents at Passamaquoddy, and
frustrated the plans of few despe-
rates adventures on Lake Champlain,
We are told that the COUNTRY will be ru
med, and the people are plainly remin-
ded that they cannot nor ought not
much longer to endure such cru
el and arbitrary policy. Is it right,
that while the nation is conforming to
a public law for coercing from the bel
llgerents respect for our national
rights-that smugglers and British a.
gents should be suffered to defeat the
object of that law, by clandestinelv e.
vading its provisions? Is it proper
that such characters should fatten up-
onthe distressesofthe nation? Strange
as 1t may appear, such conduct is
applauded, and such characters cares
sed, by men who profess to be actua-
ted by spirit of patriotism.
The policy and wisdom of the mea.
sure is fully demonstrated by the gen
eral expression of the public feeling,
and by the effect which it has already
pro duced abroad. In Europe, it is
considered as the Only measure which
we could have adopted to prevent the
annlhllation of our commerce and the
prostration of our national rights and
lis success in procuring us redress is
spoken of with confidence. The op-
position among us TO the embargo, we
do not believe has proceeded from
acandid expression ofsentiment. cit
is one of the best electioneerinr wea-
Pons that we ever had," was the ex-
preston OF federal candidate Just be-
tore the election. "and five don't i'm
prove it we ought to be dam'd-and
yet" added he, CT confess it is the
only measure the democracts could
have pursued with safety -Plebeian
1t IS misfortune for the federal
editors, that they have no systematis.
ed plan to regulate their opposition to
the Embargo.-Different papers at
tribute to it effects very opposite and
they agree in nothing but in exulting
at every evasion and breach of that
law. Coleman says it is {" a French
measure to dis ress Great Britain, y
and by way of proof, SAYS that -four is
selling at so dollars per barrel, and
Indian meal at 100 dollars hogshead,
at st. Croix. Major Jackson's paper,
on the contrary, says it is calculated
to throw the commerce of the world
into the hands of the English, that it
can in no wise distress them. or their
islands but thatit will distress France
and her allies only. lib.
Very like a Whale---We find the
following queer article in the Nsw-
brunswick Royal Gazette of the 22d
OF February last:
Sr. Johns, (N. b. Feb. %.
Arrived here on Friday morning
from ST. Andrews, the packet Spee,