Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-09-03

its Old channel, will be burthened with ex-
pences, which must render it scarcely worth
pursuing. 81,
AS this uniustihablc encroachment on the
sovereign rights Of neutrals, was at the
same time, palpable invasion OF their m
dependence, anessential injury to their pros
pcrrity, and total arrangement OF lndlyldu-
alindustry, Britain might reasonably have
indulged the hope, that those whose situa-
tons placed them beyond the immediate
reach of the great enemy ofthe human race,
would not tamely submit to SO degrading q
measure. If disappointed in the hope, 1t
was not to be expected, that in a struggle tor
existence, she would INCREASINGLY permit
to her enemy this illegitimate employment
of neutrals, as the eficacious though native
instruments of war against her. 1t was to
be expected, that she would oppose this ty-
rannical system, by sucha system as sound
and well considered policy might dictate.
To those nations with whom Great Bril-
tain had existing treaties, it was her duty to
announce this necessary determination and
it would have been correct in them candldly
to ayow the course they designed to pur-
sue. With the United States, the articles
Of a treaty had been agreed on, and the In
strument was about to be signed. 10 aftx
to it the signature of the commissioners,
without notification of the influence which
this extravagant decree might have on the
future conduct of Great Britain, would
have been concealment which might be
understood 10 imply waver Of the right to
adopt retaliatlng measures, and which
might, on the adoption of those measures,
subject her to the imputation at insincerlty
and breach Of faith. 1t was, therefore, the
dictate of candor and of honor, to make a
frank declaration, previous to the compile
ton of the national compact, then about 70
be laid before the two governments.
AS this declaration only expressed con-
hdence that the United States would pur-
sue such course as was required by their
own dignity and announced no more on
the pars of Great Britain than determine
ton to take those measures which the ext
gency ard her own safety might require, it
could furnish to a friendly and independent
power no motive for rejecting the treaty
which it accompanied.
If as is generally believed, the treaty was
rejected by the president on the grounds
which have been stated, it must be cohsi-
dered as strong, if not conclusive evidence,
not only ofthoss foreign prejudices, oiwhieh
there are so many other proofs but Of sub
serviency to France, for which it is difficult
10 assign any adequate motives, compatible
with the independence of the United States.
How painful must be the feelings ola
genuine American, who rejects that to ey-
tort from Britain the surrender of rights
essential to her existence, and consequently
to our liberty, we have operated with the
tyrant Of the earth i'll a system of hostility
against her commerce while the most d.
rect attacks On our unquestionable rights,
and the most open invasions Of our scve-
reignsy Oh the part Of that tyrant, SO far
from exciting in our government any spirit
of resistance, cannot even suspend it's eff
forts to exasperate to a still higher pitch our
resentments against power, which by
gallant nation, at length reused BY oppres-
sion, has been emphatically and Justly term
ed''ths shield Of oppressed hu1aanity mWith
what indignation must such a man find, in
the editors Of those presses which are the
vehicles of executive will, not a mere In
senslbility TO t'ese wrongs, but AFFECT and
sersile aPologists for them!
SENEX.
x. *
NEW ORLEANS el,,k,oe