The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-11-18
1.Hs ENQUIRER.
RIcHafcHz}, XovElf8ER IS, 1903
Partial SUSPENSION OF THE EN- sARc o.


Partial. Sus7 gNsIow OF THE EMsARc o.
The Monitor" states, that a measure
has been spoken of at Washington, as a snb-
sf'tnfe for,he hresen! embargo sv stem This
proposition is, tn resc,nd the Embargo with
respect TO spain PORTUGAL, and other friend
" powers, and continue it on with respect
to Great Britain and France. In addition
toth;s some advise that an entire Non In
terconrsc law should be passed with regard
to those two cmpires.--Let US touch these
propositions. separately.
TO suspend the embargo as to the ports of
Spain and Portugal. has been one of the IA
orite ideas oil the Fe.'aralists ever since the
l,te revolutions burst forth in these countries
These events could not fail to give 0 new
sprng to the c!ar:our, which had been rails
ed against the Continuance OK the measure.
The Essex Junto. taking the hint. immedia-
tey began to ponr forth that incessant stream
of Petitions To tne President of the United
States, which drew from him the first and
finest sentiments Of an American patriot -
l.ut this hint and the efforts, which il inspir-
ed, for the revocation of the Emborgn, are
not vet e2c;,r~sted. These who are frank G
nough to avosv their opposition to this mea-
sure, viii. merely us,. these events as a
handle 10 rouse the preiutiices -. the people
against it, by pointing oue the bene.ics ,.s
those branches of trade, from which it cuts
ms off witt, the ports of Portugal and Spain
Those who would blush 70 avow themselves
the willing slaves of British tribute; will try
To screen their antipathy TO the Embargo I'M
der the guisc of this proposition Some will
ven attempt to bring it into dsreputc, by
enstng all the feelings of the nation on the
eide of the persecuted patriots of these de-
ented countries
Against ali these attacks, however, there
are considerations, which will rise i'm arms
IsIotu tong will these countries be able to re-
sist the superior skill of the French9 Eow
snnch will the profits OF this trade exceed
The risks and captures accruing from the
cruizers OF France ?--But there is one
objection, which presents itself to the open
ing ola trade with Spain or Portugal, or o.
ther friendly powers, which it seems impos-
sibIe to repel. This proposition may thus
be stated:
Does not every sentiment Of national ho-
nor and interest clearly forbid the revocati-
on of the embargo with respect to G. Britain
and France, until thev have made a revoca-
iion of their infamous edicts? Should not the
same consideration prompt us to reject eve
~ measure, which may Soto defcat its ope-
ration as to thost powers Would not f,ar-
nal repeal of the embargo be sufficient to
make it completely unavailing-at least with
as well take IL off with respect to the British
empire, as legalise single vent for our ex-
ports, through which almost as much of the
trade OF the u. 5. would 60 to G.. B. as her
necessities require i--These propositions
seem almost too clear to be disputed. A few
remarks however, may place them in their
proper light.
Was this scheme adopted-were congress
pass law, authorising our vessels, f y er-
ample, to- clear ont for the Spanish and Portu-
lgnsc ports, but forbdding them to go to the
French or British ports under the severest
penalties what would be the consequences /.
These regulations would not cut off the
trade between the u. States and Great Bri-
tain. On the contrary, two means present
themselves for their evasion or violation.
lst. Vessels, which have thus obtained a
clearance for the ports OF Portugal and Spain,
might sail aircctly to the ports of G.. Britain
To an admission into these ports, their wart
cfregular papers would be no insuperable
impediment The British have oiready
shown themselves to be no very conteraoti-
bic adopts in the science of encOurae ulg our
own citizens to violate Tie embargo. The in
atructicns to their cruizers, specially com
Inanding them to let our smuggicrs pass to
the British Islands without moestation,
prove this. Cases are not even wanting in
which the same tender indulgencies have
been held ont to them in the ports of the
another country. NAY, it is even asserted,
that British Collectors have been mstruc led
not only rot TO furnish nobar, but Tn Weld eve
~ Jacii;tg to the American vessels, that
should reach port nf Great Britain without
having oi,taineda regular clearance through
our own Custom Houses.
When snch invitations are held forth, the
tllurements Of good market would some
times he sufficient 10 draw the dishonest
smngg!er from his fCti,inus course, into Bri-
tish ports. Ifthere were no o'he1' nlcans of
dispos'ng OF their cargoes to the British, i. is
certain that many of them would pursue this
dangerous c,:annel. 10 some of them il might
he III different whether they ever returned to
their country and thus the penalty of the law
would he defeated The rest more sanguine
Ct success or daring in their enterprise,
would trust for their protection to sly and
""ry veracious f'rotest against The 7vindS and
he 7uQUes.
Rut the generality of our vessels would
lcci no jnducement or necessity to ruu
these chances. There is another plain
and very convenca course through which
the honest merchant might maintain the
commercial intercourse between the u. s.
ard &. I'm this course there would be no
risk in violation Of the laws of his coup-
try.--~The trade itself would naturaifu fall
in:o this channel.