Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1808-08-05

mstion Is not their object; To blind
and irritate the people against the gov
ernmeut Ito effect 4 change in it) il
their sole aim. With much truth md
sincere regard, -. +. ~ :
am, &c. r
GEO: rWASHrNGTON."
Nov, Sir, this valuable extract for
".those Who are not determined to be
blind requires no comment; but in
evidence Of my respect for the opinions
Of that venerable patriot, which are now
valuable to us because they explain the
manner in which we have been seduced
into our present degraded condition, I
cannot forbear some remarks upon his
uncommon foresig ht. After commend
ing state Appropriation for defence, the
next idea Is Be drawn from this extract
is simply this: Tha. the United States,
Do well as all other countries, might en-.
pect no invasion from France, while
she was Unable to effect il !; but as soon
as France possessed the ability, no re.
i lance could be placed upon her supposed
justice aud friendship, !" unless Z, won.
derfulchange 10 sentimen: in the govern.
ing powers Of that country should take,
place - which Washington seems not to
have expected. It 10 remarkable fact,
that the disposition for conquest, then
visible 10 the rulers Of France, has con.
tinucd increasing to this day and tina,
there is no country within the scope of
herPower, but has felt its unjust oppres-
sion, since thedate fthat letter.@Some
have been subdued by force of arms
( others have been openly taxed, and ruled
by her influence, and still others, who
have been made secretly to contribute to
the unjust demands Of France. In this
latter class, I am sorry to place my own
country our contributions have been
in cash and commerce. -.
This letter further informs rs, that
there are some persons amongst Us, who
are determined TO be blind to The conduct
of France but ifany thing could open
their eyes (which Washington seems not
to have expected it should. be the con.
duct of their agents, and particularly
Talleyrand's efrontery, duplieity, and
supposed diplomatic skill.-Here also
the ideas of Washington are fully veri.
fed. The same darkness has continued
with them-Their eyes are not. opened.
And finally We may draw this solemn
4conclusion from, the last paragraph
z That Washington himself despaired Of
making any Impression ON the minds 81
the democratic party-they were not 20
be changed BY truth. q 70 Blind and,
irritate the people against the govern
ment TO efecta change in III was their
sole aim" The true interest Of our,
country formed NO part Of their views |,
and since their arrivalto power. all these
things have been,mofe fully. confirmed.
The darkness Of al their measures, and
their shutting to maintain popularity,
are the most conspicuous matters relat.
ing to them. ~ p =
If Washinston despaired Of eonvin-
cling the rulers Of that party OF the inn.
ProPricty of their conduct, there is little
hope for others. Ihate soshope 70 this
effect. d. But, however pure may have
heen the intentions Of many individuals
Of that party; ! hesitate not to pronounce
fromexPeriences that which Washing.
ton Pronouaeed before me that their
measures haye. been the curse of our
country, and the source Of an our mise
ries; and until there is2a total change ina
men or measures, we cannot expect our
former prosperity. A removal OF tho
embargo win avail Us little. There are
still other and greater diifculties. We
cannot expect redress out Of those mea-
sures. which sold BY slew :deeress our
national Independence bur must return
TO the principles which made US nation
which bought our liberty, before we can
expect relief. This, however, Il not
now p be expected. 1t IS NOT to be done
by reason, We have suffered, and We
must still suffer-. before z change can b,
expected If ever that change arrives
before our fnal destruction. I must,
therefore; b reconciled to . condition
from which, nothing but the dear school
Of experience can relieve u.s. z2< d
! .>.'r4 ;. .VALIUs.
ITO be eanfinuedl