Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-12-06

expncit. Such language was mysterious,
and ought not u be thrown or withopt an
exposition OF the specific meaning. Sure-
iy in such 4 case there could be no extra
necus control which could infa;nce THE de
,ermInat,ons of this hodse. or by which in
the proper regulation Of nitloaal affairs
ii could be rightfulN checked.
Ii is said that you cannot shortly render
infractions os the law odious. Add where
fore Because the temptation was too
strong. Indeed! MIR. h from what he un-
derstood of ethics, had always considered
that virtue was not virtue before it was tri-
ed; neither patriotism really such UNI
til it vas tested What made a thief. ii it
werc not temp; alton? And would it be
said the thief was not viewed as 4 worthless
forecast because the thing he had stolen had
tempted him to the deed? The gentleman
had said that patriotism did not work in
this way: that 1t would, to be sure, shed
its blood for the welfare ofthe country, but
when you touched the pocket il rebelled.
Really. Was this the patriotism of mer-
lchants? He hoped not. He thought it a
libel on their character. Genuine patrio-
tism, he believed, would give up It's proper
Ity as we'll as blood for the vindication OF
national rights.
It was surprising (Mr B. observed) that
his colleague should at this time controvert
the constitutionality ofthe embargo. What
lever others might have said, from that gem
tleman he had expected silence on that point
after solemn decision had been given in
favor of It's csustitutionality by a judicial
Tribunal, inasmuch as gentlemen of his
known sentiments had generally commended
tor the infallibility of judicial determnati-
ons. But, said the gentleman, the decision
J of the judiciary is one thing-the popular
decision another. This was quite extraor-
ldinary. Does my colleague (said Mr.. b.
lappeal from the judiciary to the people !!
he had heard of similar appeal in the
lease of foreign minister, but he had not
Iexpected his colleague would follow the ex-
ample.
MIR. B. controverted the assertion of his
colleague respecting the difference between
the spirit of '76 and that of the present day,
and in support of the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES of
the temper OF the two periods, read several
! extracts from certain patriotic regulations
agreed upon in IA and rs. And, as the
sword was said to have been relied on in
: rs. he hoped the sword, when necessary,
would be resorted to again. With respect
/ to tribute, which it had been said was out
! of question, so far from its being put out of
! view, it ought to be placed in front. Mr..
: b. adverted to the practice of forged or 81.
) ding to the continent of Europe in defiance
OF the French DEGREES; and observed that
if the embargo were raised the mel chant.
! of this country would carry on similar trade
; and consequently pay the tribute to G. Bril-
tain; for If the temptation were so strong
: in this country as to induce our citizens &c
: violate positive laws as the gentleman had
said, the temptation would be equally strong
i after their arrival in British ports to con-
travene by illicit practices the DEGREES Of
Bonaparte.
:: Abiding to the remarks of Mr.. Quincy
that the gentlemen of the minority were
wrnging their hands, not knowing what tc
, do although the course was SO plain, Mr..
Bacon said the gentleman had really exhi-
bited more than his usual modesiy tina,
there had been occasions on which he had
, not been so diffident. If the way were SC
plain, it would be kind in the gentleman tc
point it out; and that he ought not, from
pricciple of pride, and because it would
) aid the government, to withhold the reve~
lation of it.
But, sad Mr.. Bacon, can hardly give
the gentleman full credit for his professions
/ of difiideDce. / view his observations as
being made with great skill, and much cum
ming and address had been manifested by
him N keeping his plan behind the curtain
But at all events the gentleman ought 70
come out, and it was desirable that he should
be ferretted from his lurking hole Ifthere
is grand specific, we ought to know it ;
and now call upon him, said Mr. r.. in the
name OF the nation, TO come out with his
project.
THURSDAY, DEC. !.
I