Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-09-06

pendence and an lnHexlDle auliCtcHSS
rirhf. are the characteristics OF none but
GREAT & and noble minds. Men Of such minds
Conceived and established our independence
and provided for its security, not only oy 9
well ordered government, but byproeur1ng
for these states an exalted character among
the nations of the earth, which, until OF late,
was never named but with respect and ad-
nniration. Even our enemies viewed, WITH
astonishment, the American people, rising
from state Of colonial subsection 70 that OF
independence, in opposition to all the eosta-
cles that wealth and power could present,
and forming government which exccls all
others in the business and purity OF Its prln-
ciples. Is there an American; who does not
glow with pride at the recollection OF the no
Bic and heroic deeds of the authors OF our
revolution and the framerso OF our constltu-
ton? Is there one who does not cherish
love for that distinguished citizen, who, re-
presenting his country atacourt which de-
1nanded money for peace, could reply, that
I" sye tad millions for dsfence-not q cent Jor
tribute" IF such conduct deserved and re-
ceived our warmest appreciation IN 1903
If such tligni6ed resistance OF disgrace and
bribery on the part of or minister of peace,
seconded by the nation, produced the happl-
est effects upon our foreign relations at that
time, by what strange metamorphosis OF
public opinion is it, that the American peo-
pie can now cherish the man and hold him
up as pattern of political excellence, who
Il
same nation from whom cur dlgalhed con-
duct had so lately, extorted it! 2" France
wants n.5ney and zee must .ei0s it, was the
language OF him who is held up as a fit man
to direct the energies of sis nation, amidst
the storms which agitare the world, from the
extreme violence OF whose current Our poll
teal helmsman has retired, as unable to
steer his snip with safety. What should
have made the language of Pinekney, digni-
fed and honorable in SO, and that OF Ma
olson, IN direct opposition to it, cherished
as political creed in 1908. In '9s We had
cause OF compl"at against the government
OF France. she demanded money as the
condition otpeace. Her demands were re-
sisted in the dlgnlty ana spirit Of independ-
ence. The encrgies OF our country were
called into action. Our enemy, finding that
We had not yielded to that love OF ease and
Indifference 10 independence and honor,
which could submit to SO base bargain, So
licited again our friendly intercourse & did
Justice TO Our demands. Is there an Ame-
rican WHO is willing to give up his share OF
honor, arising from that transaction? Hso,
he is a lover Of disgrace, and fit SUBJECT to
grace the train OF the Corsican Usurper.-
Until of late, II has been deemed wise and
safe, both III private aud public affairs,
to regard the lessons OF experience, and
to follow those rules OF conduct which,
in like circumstances, have produced adj
vantageous effects. Before such lessons are
abandoned 1t ought to appear that they are
not applicable to the present time, or were
founded on erroneous principles, and their
success merely accidental. Has it been !
mace 10 appear that the measures pursued |
with regard to France, in 'os, did not pro-
duce the effects which followed? Has it |
been shewn that refusal to give tributs
ever wounded national honor; or can it |
now DC sneWn that these nations who have
attempted to appease the great republic by |
SUBMISSION to her pecuniary demands, nave
succeeded in the attempt? If not, upon
what experience has Mr.. Madison founded
ms creea! Revert to the circumstances I
which occasioned his humiliasing reply to
MIR. Randolph. Our differences with Spain. I
as yet an independent nation, We're unset
tied. For years, in humble dalliance, our
minister had solicited reconciliation with
her. He failed in his earDest supplications.
Our governments was ipsulred by her mi
mister, while he enjoyed our hospitality and
was protected By our laws ; and vet we have
neither peace nor war, nor preparation for I