Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-04-12
SHALL THE OCEAN BE FREE /?

SHALL THE OCEAN BE FREE
This is the question which at this mo-
ment agitates the world. Destined by stu
ation, by the habits which form the second
nature of society, the IT. S. will be mari
time and commercial people. To us then
the issue of this question is, next to our in
dependence and liberty, the most momcn-
tous that can be agitated
Has IL beer free httherto2
Every man can answer the question.
Every man can say, who has destl Dyed
the freedom OF the seas ana the peace OF all
the world.
There is an article published said to be
from the French minister for foreign fairs
we believe it 10 be authentic, and enquire
not how il came to be pubiished-it merits
attention, for ii speaks language, dignifi-
ed, and fraught with the most solemn truths
after the declaration Of Copenhagen, that
there should be mn neukyaks-the mission
and the arrogance of Rose, were necessary
effects OF an original cause--and after the
declaration at Coheahagen, by Cdthcayt and
Gambler, that there should be no neutrals,
what had America to eXpect--the most en- :
ried, the most frosher0us, and therefore
the most hated and feared of all neut,als.
The vast crisis which approaches, has
been long oretold-and if the infatuation of
partial and mOmentary avarice, will disre-
gard all considerations of national and per-
manent independence end prosperity, in or
der to crafty that avarice, it will bring the
dispute to that issue, among ourselves.
are we ready to abandon the principles
of the revolution.
Are we ready to abandon the principles
OF the armed neutrality of 1880
In
these questions-their nature ard charac-
ter is common-and involve considerations
which we shall lay before cur readers in n
more deliberate form.
For the present, ard on this letter of
Champagny we now say, that it contains
most solemn and serious truih s--than it re.
lation tothe U s. it speaks the language of
liberality and friendship-that in regard TO
me tyrant OF the seas, 1t speaks very far
short Ut the enormities committed against
us by c. Britain.
With regard to the policy Of he u S. it
has been and is pacific, but never can this
nation abandon 10 any power, the rights OF
an independent nation This the missionary
of England on the 18th of last month re-
CURED of our government to do.
Yet we have not seen a single word ut
tered against the audacious and iDSolent de-
mand.
Rose demanded Of us to recall our pro-
clamation, and stain our shores by admit.
ting into our ports the blood stepped mur
derers OF cur citizens, the insuiters of our
flag.
ChamhaSny, the French minister, calls
upon the u 5. to assert it, independence,
TO maintain its rights, to Viadicate its indie
Pendence.
NNhat 10 $40 co o. ..-. = :.
satisfaction with the former-whi.e the lat
ter is represented as guilty of AZ much VIC.
lence as IT New York had been Copenha
gencd
The people Of America should perus, and
re-peruse that dignified and inimitable let
ter OF MIR. MadiSon 10 Mr.. Rose---it should
be in the hand Of every youth and in the
heart OF every upright man --.8urora.
1t IL reported that Mr. Gallain has resigned
his Office OF SECRETARY Of the treasury and
that Mr.. Duyal has been nominated 70 succeed
him ri.
The difference between government Gre
ated by AM for the people, aud a government
established by force or fraud and constructed
and administered only for the benefit of few,
may b. seen in the difference OF salaries. For
example,
The regular salary Of the
King Of England, is S4,4lO. 600 vear.
Besides innumelablc per-
quisites and privileges
The regular salary VI the
President Of these United
States IS g 25.O9O.
Aud no pcrqusites.
The Prime Minister Of En-
gland has S 10000 a wear.
While The Vice President
Of the United States has
but $4,000
The three principal sccrcia-
ries Of England have an
ggally $4,000 each.
While the Secretaries ofthe
different departments of
the American Govern
ment have but $1,000.
And 90 on with other Offices.
What wonder that Office hunters and idle and
vicious cAaTsetess should prefer The Byifisk q 9.