Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-11-21
FOAsElsIls n RELATIONS

@ tns mouse on the subject Of our FOREIGN
relations, and the embargo: some for : o..
tai and some for partial repea! Of i. s.
none Of the motions had met his entire ~
probation, and as he considered this as o p
of the most important questions thar con,S
come before the house, he wished to sunni, +
to the house two or three propositions
which he wished to take course cl;iiErrrnt
from that which had been given to the Others
on the same subject.
have been astonished (said Mr.. M.ln
see SO manv resolutions on the subject Of II.
embargo, and none contemplating its entire +
CONTINUANCE. Is the American nation ready
to bow the neck Are we ready to su5mt
TO be taxed BY Great Britain and France as
if we were their colonies? Where is tht
spirit which for this reason separated Is
from the nations OF Europe? Where Is
that spirit which enforced simple rcsoL.
ton Of he Old Congress, not then binding
upon the people, as a law from heaven Is
it extinct? IS it lost to this nation! His
8 the love ct gain superseded every other llo-
tive III the breasts OF Americans! Shall
the majority govern, or shall a few wicked
and abandoned men drive this nation fam
the ground it has taken? Is it CONE %
this, that law conssitntionally enacted
even after formal decision in favor Of rs
constitu;iolality, cannot Is enforced? Small
the nation give way to an opposition OF
few, and those the most profigate part CT
the community? think the stand we tock
last year Was a proper one; and am for
taking every measure for enabling the na-
ton to maintain it. Just as oar measure is 7
beginning to operate, just as provisions are
becoming scarce in the West indies and
elsewhere, Notwithstanding the eyasions Of
our law, VIC are called upon to repeal il
should not have made this motion at this
time, had i, not been for the petition Just
presented. When / stand here, sir, cbarg-
ed by a part of the community with beins
one OF " the enemies of til. people, no;-
witbstandng am wiling to commit tn.
petition, treating it with that respect which
I / conceive to be due from us to the prayer
Of any portion Of the people, | wish NY
sentiments on thls subject to be seen.
A proclamation has been issIed by enc
ofthc belligerepts since the passage of our
embargo law, sir. Look at it. IVhat SAYS
it.! Clearance Q: no clearance, We will re-
ceiye any neutral vessel into our por;s and
in speaking of neutra,s, recoii=c; that there
is TO nation in the civilized world that has
claim to the title except ourselves. This
proclamation then tells our citizens (" Eyadc
the laws OF your country, and we viii re-
csivs and protect you."
II the mad powers Of Europe had entered
into compact 70 iajure us as much as they
could, they coy!a not have taken more
{ direct course to it. ] consider them both
alike, and the measures would take would
place them both on the same footing.
have made my resolutions as general aspos-
sble, to give all latitn,le to the eonH''t-
tee.
Mr.. NJ. read his resolutions as follow:
Rescued, That the committee appointed
on Sc mach Of the Presidents message as
relates to foreign relations, be instructed 10
enquire into the expectancy of exciadlaS
by Iaw from the ports, haraors, and waters
OF the United States, the armed ships or
vessels of al foreign nations who, as beliigs'
rents have in force any orders or DEGREES VI
olating the lawful commerce OF the United
Ssates as a nation.
ResoIoed, That the same committee be
instructed to enquire INFO the expedieney Oh
prohibiting by law the entry iato the porys'
harboIs, and waters Of the United Ststes'
any ship or vessel belonging TO, OF COMING
from any place in the possession OF any CT
the above mentioned powers; ard also, the
importation Of any goods, wares, or rnsf-
ciamiize, fiae. growth or manufacture d any
of the doninious of said powers.
Resolysa, Il hat the same committee be "a
structed to enquire into the expedlency o.
"a