Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-11-22
TIE 1-2 Cents Singled

IS'u oeSai, as Ia epJoycu within tho
limits of the local sovereignty, and n
degradation of every other nation
from its common rights and equal
rank.
IL 1t be commended that the decree.
as retaliation on the other bslhgc,,
ent, at the expense of neutral nations,
is justified by a culpablc acquiescence
in the prior measures of that belIiger-
ent, operating through neutrals, YOU
WILDE able to deny such acquiescence.
and to urge moreover that, on every
Isupposition, the .retaliating measure
could not be Justly inforced, in relati.
on TO neutrals, without allowing them
atleastareasonable time for chusing be-
tween due meas ures against the prior
wrong, and an acquiescence in both.
The copy OF the representations to the
British government, through its minis
ter here, on the subject ofits orders of
January 1907, will at once disprove an
Iacqdiescence on the part of the u. S.
and explain the grounds on which the
late extension of che French decree OF
November, 1906, is an object OF jujr
lremonsraace.
The conduct of the French govern.
ment, in giving this extended operate
IN TO its decree, and indeed in issuing
one with such an apparent or doubtful
Import against the rights OF the sea,
| is the more extraordinary, inasmuch
rs the inability TO enforce il on that
clement exhibited the measure in the
light OF an empty menace, at the same
time that it afforded pretcxts 10 her e.
nemy for severe retaliations, for which
ample means are found in her naval
superlorlty.
The accumulated dangers, TO which tho
illegal proceedings of the belligerent nati-
Gus nave subjected the commerce and ua.
vigation of the United States, have at length
induced Congress to resort 10 an embargo
on our own vessels, as measure best fitted
for the crisis, being an effectual security
tor our mercantile property and mariners,
now at home and daily arriving, and, ut the
same time, esther measure, nor Iust cause
ot war. Copies of this act were, soan at.
Ter rs passage, transmitted To Mr. Pinkney,
lwrll an authority to assure the British gJ-
vernment that it was to be viewed in this
hight, and that it was not meant TO be the.
slightest impeachment 10 amlcable negocia..
tions with foreign governments. He wasI
requ sted to avail himself OF an opportuni-,
| ~ OF communicating to you and Mr. Ere
wing this view OF the subject, and hope
that you will have been thence enabled to-
present it to the French government. Nj
relying however on that indirect opportu-
niy, send by this another copy of the ACT.
/ with an instruction from the president. thar.
you make it the subject of such explana.i-
ons as Will guard against any misc onception
OF the policy which led 10 IL. IL is stric ,lv
a measure OF precauti0n, required by the
| dangers incident to external commerce.
and, being indiscrimnate in its terms nd
operation towards all nations, can give no
Just offence 20 any. The duration of the act
Is not liked by itself aud will consequent
/ ~ depend on continuance or Cessation OF
IT'S causes, III Il degree suif Client in ths luIp-
ment Of the legislature, TO induce or foroid
IT'S repeal. Ii may be hoped that the in
conveniencies felt from it by the belligerent
nations may lead to change Of the con-
| duct which imposed the iGconvenIences of
4 on ourselves. France herself will be a
sufferer, and some of her allies far more SO.
! IL WILDE very agreeable 10 find IN that con-
sderation, and skill more in her sense of
Justice, sufficient motive to an early ma
Inlfestation of the respect due TO our con-
mercial rights. The examp e would be
} worthy OF the professions which she makes
TO the world ON this subject"
! "February Is. Since the above was writ
ten, have been under degree of ind spo-
sitjon which has suspended the proposed
conunuationof il, and which now will
: b'ige me TO be very brief; the more so, as
the vessel has been some days detained
which was engaged for the special purpose
, OF conveying pubic dispatches and private
letters 70 Europe.
The delay has enabled me to inform YOU
= that Mr.. Erskine, few days ago, comInu.
nicated, Ivy Instructions from his govern. .
ment, It's late DEGREES of November IL, and
those forming sequel TO them. The
communication was accompanied with as.
suranecs, that much regret was fell by his
, britannia majesty at the necess ~ which
e the conduct OF his enemy had created for
measures so embarrassing to neutral com.
merce; and that his majesty would readilv
follow an example Of relinquishing saeh a
course, or even of making relaxations harf
: hasSu with his enemy.
In demonstrating against the Injustice and
n illegality ofthe French decree, am aware
r that you may be reminded Of antecedent in.
> Duries q France and her allies, through Bri
tlsh violations Of neutral commerce. The
{ fact cannot be denied, and NAV be urged