Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-12-06

Of new sys.em OF measures.
Perhaps, here, in strictness, ought to
close my observations. But the report 81
the committee, contrary to what 4 deem the
principle Of the resolution, unquestionably
recommended the continuance OF the en-
barge laws. And such is the state Of the
nation, and in particular that portion 81 1t
which in part, represent, under their OPP
preston, that, cannot refrain from sub
hitting some considerations on that sub
ject.
When I enter on the subject OF the en-
barge, shrink with wonder at the very
threshold. know not with what words to
express MY establishment. At the tlEc' !
departed from Massachusetts, IT there was
an impression, which / thought universal,
twas, that at the commencement. Of this
session an end would be put to this neea-s
sure. The opinion was not SO mucatfaat It
would be terminated, as that it was then at
an end. Sir, the prevailing sentiment, ac-
cording to MY apprehension, was stronger
than this--eysn that the pressure was SO
great that it could not possibly be endured !;
that it would soon be absolutely insupport--
able. And this opinion, as, | then had rea-
son to believe, was not confined to any che
class or description, CT party that even
those who were friends OF tie existing ad-
ministration, and unwilling to abandon if,
were yet satisfied that a sufficient trial had
beer given to this measure. With these
impressions I arrive IN this city. hsar
the incantations of the great enchsnter. |
feel his spell. see the legislative ma
chincry begin TO move. The scene opens.
And I am commanded to forget ali my re-
collections, to disbelieve the evidence OF my
senses, to contradict what ! have. seer, and
heard, and felt. hear that ali this discon-
tent was mere party clamor electicreer-
ing artifce that the people Of New-h
gland are able and wiling to endure this
embargo for an indefinite, unlimited period
longer; some say'for SIX months some a
year; some two years. The gentleman
from. North Carolina [ Eir. Maconl told Us
that he preferred three years OF embargo to
a war. And the gentleman from Virginia
[Mr. Clopton] said expressly that he hoped
we would never allow our vessels to go up-
On the ocean again until the orders and de-
crees of the belliesrents were rsscinded.--
In plain English, until France and Great
Britain should, In their great condescension
permit. Good Heavens Mr.. Chairman,
are aen mad Is this house touched with
that insanity which is the never failing pre-
cursor of the intention of Heaven to de-
strov. The people of New England, after
Eeleven months deprivation of the ocean, TO
i.be commanded still longer to abandon it,
for an undc6ned period to hold their una
lienable rights, at the tenure of the will Of
Britain or OF Buonaparte A people, com
mercial in ell aspects, in ell their relations,
in all their hopes, in all their recollecGons
of the past, in all their prospects Of the
future q people, whose first love was the
ocean, the choice Of their childhood, tie a,o-
probation OF their manly years, the most
precious inheritance Of their fathers, in the
midst of their success, in the moment OF
the most exquisite perception of commerce
al prosperity, TO be commanded to abandon
it, not for time limited, but for a time
unlimited !; not until they can be prepared
to defend themselves there (ior that is not
pretended but until theiriiyals recedc from
1t; not until their necessities require, but
until foreign nations permit I am lost in
astonishment, Mr.. Chairman. / have not
words to express the matehless absurdity of
this attempt. | have no tongue to express
the swift and headlong destruction, which
blind perseverance m such system must
bring upon this nation.
Espeseh to be cont,aued.l
PHILADELPHIA, December 2.
Yesterday arrived, ship Betsev from LIZ
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