The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-06-28

n.i shher thonSh individuals may. and 1t is
TO the nation alone we may look. Since the
enemy asserts and exercises its dominion O
yer so many states. on no other right but that
OF power, we must do the same on the same
authority. over all the seas of the WORLD
In any treaty of peace. we must exchange
the privilege of navigating that coast
and this sea, against the privilege of SEN
ding, our goods into that ste.e or this King
dom. If Bonaparte will become emperor of
Europe, the king of England should declare
himself emperor Of the ocean. We have as
much right to the one as he has to the other.
the right of conquest. 1t is only by proud
tone. and an assuming conduct that we can
make the world feel our strength, and it is not
question of right aid wrong, but a questi-
on of power, that is to be decided. If we
hesitate or compromise, weare gone. The
moment our hearts fail us, the moment we adj
nit it to be a vain task to strugglewith France
tor the terms of peace, which really shall
be safe and honoura5ie, that moment we are
= vanquished nation. Certain destruction
viii be the consequence Of believing that
concessions and conciliatory conduct will
produce in her the slightest disposition of
justice, forbearance, or amty. With the
point OF the sword our treaties must be writ
ten, or the characters will not remain legi-
bic; at the lannon's mouth they must be
maintained. Let those who have pretended
to doubt the obvious and invariable designs
of France, look at the fate of Spain, the most
striking instance of treachery, usurpation,
and ,rapine osthe many that have been of
fcred, and ask what we have to expect from
state of peace The only chance of our
having friends in any part of the world is,
in Cur putting forth a strong arm, and shew-
ing not only that we are neither daunted nor
disabled, but that our strength and our en-
ergy increase with our difficulties. Let us
shew that we are confident of triumphing x
we shall triumph.
The great fault of which this country has
hitherto been guilty, is, that instead of avail
ing itself of its own means of attack against
the most eligible points, it waits the attack
of France, & then flies to render assistance
against her. France generally has been left
TO choose the object of contest, the scene of
struggle. We look on at her, watching what
quarter she will next assail, and then we
prepare to Illustrate her designs, often when
it is too late. With the exception of assist
ing Sweden, and securing Sicily to ourselves
why net secure it till Naples is restored
to its lawful sovereign, as well as secure Ma
deira till Portugal is restored to its lawful
sovereign with these exceptions, as we
have no immediate object in Europe at this
moment With so much disposable force,
such an uneXampled inyincible navy as we
possess, our main efforts should be directed
towards the dominions Of Spain, in America
and India. To attempt the conquest of them
is at once the most difficult, the most exncn-
sive, and the least secure course. Indcpen-
deBce and alliance should be held out to
them. Had this course been taken two years
ago, the countries of the River Plate Lima
the Caracas, the whole of South America
would have been III 4 state Of friendship and
close intercourse with us, consuming more of
our manufactures, returning more valuable
produce, and employing mere of our marine
than the present situation OF the continent of
Europe, has effected. BY this course, indeed
there would not arise a long list of civil and
military employments, to bcstow Oh the pan
dcrs and tools of faction ut home but the
country would DE put to little or 10 expence,
while it would enjoy all the benefits. Sir
Philip Francis, might redlen more than his
liDband, with rage at being disappointed of
his governorship OF Buenos Ayres, and the
long list of place-hunting Foxites named to
situations there, might become disconnected
but the lives OF hundreds of our brave
countrymeii, and millions of the public mo-
ney would have been saved while our rner-
chants would have been carrying on an ac-
tive trade 10 the place. But no, the con-
quest Of colony was deemed of no value by
the late ministry, but just as it enabled them
to provide for hungry s.amorous partizans
Places aud pensions were, and indeed always
have been their chief objects, not commerce
ard manufactures. General Whitelocke
was instructed by Lord Howick, on no ac-
count to declare the people independent No
in that case, Sir Philip and his crew
would not have had their jobs. Onthe same
grounds, We presume, the ministry that pre-
ceded them declined giving Miranda efiec-
tual assistance in establishing the ndepen-
dence of Caracas. The late ministry in
deed, who endeavor to throw the blame of
al their faults on the king or duke of York,
insiduousiy whisper, they would have de-
clared Buenes Ayres Independent, had not
his majesty, recolecting the American re-
volution, and the fate of the king of France,
refused to assist any 'colonists in rebelling a.
gainst their lawful sovereign. But if this was
as true as it is false, it would not be sufici-
ent excuse, since the FOxtes vehemcntly
contend, the ministry for the time being, are
responsible for all the measures of the kings
government, whether they approve of then
or not. But it appears from NVhitelock' S tri-
al. that Bucnos Ayres would even have be-
come colony Of this country, receiving Sir
Philip and his place hunting train, if the En-
glish government would have sclemrly en-
gagged not to restore the settlement to Spain
when peace was concluded But no the
frst'thing the FoXites did when they heard