Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-11-15
tiers and enforce those la VS. which they dis


approved.
He thought it due to the character of the
nation to investigate this subject, the con-
stitutionality OF the laws, the propriety of
their continuance, the manner in which
they had been carried into execution, and
| the manner IN which they had been eva
ded. Whilst he did not wish to precipitate
the discussion, much less the decision, yet
he thought the day mentioned by the gen.
| tleman from Pennsylvania was too distant.
The people had certainly looked forward
to the meeting of Congress with considera.
bic solicitude, as much excited by the EN-
barge system as by the situation of our TO-
reign affairs. The people the u. States,
(said he) do not believe that they are CALL
ed upon TO decide between the embargo or
war. We who originally oppose the en-
barge law, believing that it would be ru-
nous to the nation, are under no obligatio,,
to propose the substitute which is called
for, and which we would have proposed,
though 1t would not have been adopted, had
not the embargo been put into operation.
Mrs f.. apoogised COR his warmth on this
subject by alleging the sensibility he had
felt at the allusion of the gentleman from
N. Carolina.
| Mr.. Aston explained that he had not
said or meant, that it would be seen from
what quarter of the Union" opposition
came.
Mr.. Macon could see no advantage in
posiponlng decision of the question be-
!, ing himself ready to meet it at any moment.
The very proposition of the resolution
would excite all the attention of the sea-
ports and awaken all their anxiety. He
thought it out OF order now to discuss the
merits of the question.
4 4 caNA L 4
all times to treat with the greatest delica-
cy all motions and propositions of an or
binary nature. But there were times in
which his feelings compelled him to depart
from the ordinary rule. This was one
lie had voted against the consideration Of
the resolution because he would reject with
that indlrniiy which it deserved an alb
stract propos ton at this time to remove
the embargo and because he thought
! prompt rejection would mark to the foreign
world the temper of the country He sug-
gested, since il was to be discussed, that
the discussion should be postponed while
| till time was given to digest the volumi
nous mass of documents laid before them.
For in these documents were contained the
best arguments in favor of the embargo.
Mr. Eppcs W 5 willing to vote IN favor of
the comm tment of the mot on; but did not
wish the delusion under winch some portion
of the people of the u S. labored should
longer continue. He wished them to an
derstand what course would he pursued
If, said he, it be the opinion of the Repre-
sentatives of the North that the Embargo
should be taken off and no other measure
substituted, the majority governs in a Re-
public, and | should with every good citi-
zen submit to its decision but should e
yer feel for the eternal Disgrace of hat ma :
ton of which should then feel it a
misfortune to be member. As it is nv
opinion that should the embargo be raised
! other measures ought TO be adopted, whe-
Their ! meet with the support of the house
or not, will at least evince to the people
whose Representative am, that will not
submit To British or French tyranny, but
hand down to their posterity ummpaired
that liberty which their forefathers so no..
| bly, achieved.
Mr.. E. then proposed the following re-
solutions, as an amendment to Mr.. Chitten.
denis motion.
"Resolved, that from and after the
| day of next all intercourse between the
u. D. and Great Britain, its islands and
| dependencies ought TO cease and determine
| Resolved, that from and af,er the
| day OF next, all in ercourse between the
U. S. and France, is islands and Deepen
denotes, ought to cease and determine
"Resolved, that provision ought to be
made by law for arming and equipping for
Immediate service thousand militia
in addition to the force already authorised
| by law"
| The Speaker Informed Mr.. Eppes that
these could not be received while another
question was pending and Mr.. Eppes
withdrew them for the present.
Messrs. Biackledge, Clopton, and c. w.
Campbell declared themselves positively
opposed to the motion in its present alb
siract form. We have not room to detail
their observations. They were however
of the same tenor as those of Messrs. Smile,
Troup, and Eppes.
Messrs Cook md Cuts spoke in favor Of
an immediate consideration of the subject
from its Importance to the mercantile in
| terest.
The resolution was then made the or.
der of the day for Monday next; a motion
for postponement till Monday week havin5
been negatived.
EXECUTION AND EVASION OF THE
EMBARGO LAWS.
Mr. ELLto offered the following resolution
Resolved, that the Secretary of the Treasu
ry be directed TO Icy before the House of Re
prcSentatives copies Of all Instructions wnicI
have been transmitted by him to the collector
If the revenue aud other officers Of the Unite
4 States. rellffun ~, rft.