Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1808-02-01

source ofswealth and greatness to the nation.
AS to the first idea, they were certainly IN
error, g for the natural limit OF a republic IS
that distance from the centre whichwl barely
allow the repre- sentatiyes OF tie people 70 J
meet as often as may be necessary Tor he ati-
ministration of public affairs.f Other rea-
sons may have Undue ed the purchase Of Loui-
siana. But let me not reblazon the torch OF
faction The nations of Europe, and part /
cularly Britain, are alarmed lest our lntefier-
ence in their carrying trade should destroy
that branch of their commerce, which IS the
support of their navigation, and the iounda-
ton of their naval strength. The aeventu-
roas character and enterprise OF our citizens,
area clear proof of what we are capable OF
becoming. The European powers, Since The
formation Of our governments, have been jea-
ious of our exalted greatness, and with cau-
tious eye have watched our rising commerce
with such close scrutiny, that feuds and Jea-
Iousies have existed, and will always exist, on
account of it. What.can ever prove great
ser cause of national prudence and foresight
than the defence of our navigation, the slneWs,
the vitality of the American eagle. lie M
mense revenue which our country has hereto
fore received from commerce, clearly slle~s
that it is our interest to protect the carry ing
trade, In order to prevent the monopoly OF 10
reign nations & the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF our pro-
fits. A passive commerce needs not navy 70
SUPPORT it, and therefore the maritime nations
of iIurope will ever use all the strength q IN
fuence in their power to crush the raVlgauoh
| of the United States in its infancy, lest Il
should attain to herculean strength'-V G
know too well by experience, that direct tax
es do not answer. We know too well, that
the farmer and the landhoiser lily brook the
inoaisitorial tone of the collector. 1t is the
carving trade which has excited the Jealou-
sizes of England, and the maratine power CT
that naton may at any time lay restraints on
our navigation, which in tie end would a
mount to an almost to;al loss of liberty -
What have the nations. of Europe contended
foy but the CARRYING trade. 1t is the carrying
| trade which will exalt our country to the sum
nit of wealth and glory. A nation whose
soil Is fertile, and whose people are mdustrl-
Gus, ought surely to have market Tor the
earnings Of their labor. tits this which AMI
mates Industry. 1t is this which causes a n.
vaty between the agriculturlst and .manuiac.
turer. This gives life and spirit to the NATL
on. Is there any encouragement to tie cult
vator OF the soil, when all lis magazines are
crowded with the snpcrRuities Of lis produc-
tons, which, with the aid of commerce might
have proved an ihexhsus ibc fund ofwea'th 10
| himself and his country. anG could there DOS
sIbly be a greater encouragement TO tree
people, when they know that thel, labor is OF
no consequence to them; when these fields
| winch heretofore produced the honest hus-
bandman comfortable livelihood, 10 longer
receive his kind attention, and instead OF be-
ing worked with that labor and ease, which
unite love for the soil, and source of riches,
that ardent glow of liberty AID patriotism.
which taught him 70 love his property, ard
| know the true value of us county S interests,
become waste and over-grown VIII the thorns
and thistles of sloth, effiminacy and national
kigib riety. That man who admires agricultu-
Fai pursuits, and who, at tie same time wish
es to extend their happy influence, must con-
clude from ire force of things, that agFicul.
ture dies, where commerce receives Slight,
I If we wish to preserve union, if We wish to
see Europe supplied from the granary of A
merica, ii finally we wish to see the agricul-
turahst and merchant united by the same ties
of interest and welfare, we can never think of
refusing to commerce all ouraid, all cur pro-
lection we wish to behold our country
hourishing, ard taxes collected frem impcr-
ceptible consumption, surely the people viii
view commerce. as tie distinguished centre
Of their greatness, as the only solid safeguard
of their union and independence. They will
endeavo: to fortiiy and preserve their com
mercial rights, by every bulwark they are ca
pable of-recciving. For am convinced when
we renounce our navigation We surrender cur
Independence. To guard and preserve the
interests OF commerce, and to gain respect
add esteem from, the nations Of Europe, We
must establish such navy, which, i not ca