The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-08

ihdependeury; those principles which form
cd an union Of heart AS well as action.
Having already said that the existing diff
hcuities are imputable to Great Britain "a
| lone, no argument will be offered to demon
state the impolicy of a rupture with France,
nor VIII l even devote my pen to the use st
such arguments as will excite spirit of in
dighation, and lead to a rupture with that ma
ton, whose conduct is the cause OF the present
calamity
My object is to shew, notwithstanding we
now are compelled to chuse between war and
an embargo, that our interest as we'll as the
general principles of our COVE rnment, forbid
an appeal to arms, unless indeed we shall be
urged by the imperative calls of self preser-
walton.
L know it has become a subject of solicitous
enquiry, to ascertain what were the inccp-
tive causes, whsh have led to this direful al
tentative, and there are many men of high
consideration ready to rouse the public indig-
nation by loud and vindictive complaints.
lhe British and French nations, certainly
mold the first stations in the civilized world ;
they are the patrons of arts, science, agri-
culture and philosophy and as far as public
documents are known, they owe to the United
states an interchange of social duties. So
Tar from this, the conduct of those nations is
not only hostile to their own acknowledged
principles, but to those general rights which
appertain to the freedom of the seas.
why then it is asked, is an unoffendng
and distant people, who have not injured or
lmPeded the plans of either say why
should such nation be compelled either to
abandon its just rights on the ocean, or be-
come a party in a war, hostile to it's practices
as well as principles
Suppose it should be ascertained that this
ca!amitous situation was the consequence of
brltish usurpation or French ambition; or
the erroneous conduct of the American admi-
nlstratlon or the faults of our foreign minis
tiers: Suppose all the powers of elouuence,
logic and truth, should demonstrate that the
| entlre blame was imputable to either of these
causes; should we therefore neglect our
pubic duties because the guilt is ascertained,
ana endeavor to rouse the public mind with
all the ardor of feeling to infict the severest
punishment.
ms Will demonstrate weakness of intel
| iect, but little short of fanaticism it,would
resemble the folly of a ships company, who
woule- suspend their exertions to eXtricate
the snip from rocks and quicksands, until
they should first ascertain the cause of their
misfortune.
Such is the present situation of the Anne
rlcan people. Nobody denies or attempts to
eXtenuate the danger. Our first duty there
4
ons, to admonish them of their danger as we'll
asduty, and toexcite an enthusiastic emula-
ton III deeds of usefulness. AS the united
strength OF the ships crew might be necessa-
| ny 10 save the vessel, SO an union of the
people, upon principles of pure patriotism
may save us from the calamities ofwar.
notwithstanding such arguments are I'M
answerable, and every man is ready to ac-
knowiedge that our strength as we'll as po-
llticai salvation depends upon union; vet
there are many men who will perplex them
serves with anxious enquiries, into the con-
Duct OF our rulers and ministers They will
not be persuaded to put forth their strength
Tor the general safety, until they have ascer-
tanned facts which perhaps at the present
crisis ought not TO be revealed
w hen the proper time shall arrive for ar
raiSnlng our own public functIonaries, if any
OF them have offended, will not shrink
rom my portion of duty: But for the pre-
sent 1t is cestainly most wise to unite, head,
heart ana hand In an honest and consentane-
Gus effort, to save our country from DANGER
lperhaps from inevitable destruction.
L he embargo at present affords the only
method. 1t is therefore the duty of those, who
think so, to use ali the means within their
power, whether of popularity; argument or
persuasion to recommend a solid, perma-
nent and honorable union. Why then should
we weaken the public strength, or paralize
the energies of our individual faculties by
enquiries which cannot benefit the natioI9
Let the errors or faults for the present rest
"here they may, we must cultivate union and
genuine patriotism I'VE must be cemented
by the strongest, and most honest ties. or be
leXPosed to danger, which no patriot, no
philosopher, no phiIanthropist can contem-
plate without emotions too big for utterance.
700 distressing and alarming for silence
Let me repeat, that at this crisis, it will an
swer no good purpose to ascertain that the
impending dangers, have proceeded either
from the conduct of foreign nations. or the
errors OF our own confidential public cha
racters. Our general policy ought to be re-
guiatcd according to the existing state of
things If any of our public servants have
acted improperly, after the fact shall be
ascertained, we will withdraw our confidence
and consign them, for the rest of their davs
10 the curses OF their own accusing and tor
mentlng conscicnces.
| When the mighty nations of the old World
snail behold, that we value our independence
above all price; that we voluntarily ;mno.e
upon ourselves the greatest privatiohs that
we Withdraw tromthe ocean; sense ofiustice
VIII supercede the allurenents of ambition
or the excitements of anger. They will nro,
hounce, that such people are entitled tothe
applause and confidence of the civilized
word That they not only are, but deserve
to be free.
PACIFICUS.
/ Il