Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-06-10

>'.'Dse' 81 VIII pTOOuCe SSrlOuS SueCtS
on France and England the COM
merce OF France is carried on entire
ly by American vessels the connec-
ton with her colonies kept up, and
the colonies themselves fed from the
United States. l can perceive no adj
vantage from the course she is pursu-
ing towards our commerce, which
will compensate for the loss of it to
her people.
There is no country more interes.
ted In our commerce than England {;
we purchase twelve millions sterling
OF her manufactures annually, supply
her West India colonies with all the
necessaries of life, and her manufac-
lures with raw materials, cheaper and
In greater abundance than they can
be obtsined elsewhere.
At any time our. market would be
highly important to England; but in
her present situation it is indespensa-
bic her ships are excluded from the
whole OF Europe, and her PRODUCT
ons prescribed wherever found. The
interruption of our trade will force us
to manufacture the articles we want,
and while she loses for ever the most
profitable branch of export, we shall
become really independent, and fur
nish within our country every requi-
site tor convenience and comfort.
1t will no longer be in the power of
foreign nation to disturb our prospe-
rity.
If the sacrifices we have made to
preserve peace, should fail to produce
that effect, We shall feel more fully
justified in resorting to stronger mea-
sures. To meet this crisis appropri-
ations have been made to fortlfy and
defend our sea port towns addition
al troops have been raised 70 protect
the territories and frontiers, and 1OO,-
600 militia and 25, 600 volunteers pla-
ced in requi<iton, to repel any attack
against the United States. The ex-
tent OF the country, the choice an enc
my will have in the place of landing,
& the impolicy OF embodying large
standing force equally efficient, have
suggested the policy of relying on the
militia for general defence in the COM
mencement of war. In a war with
England serious invasion cannot be
expected, her enterprises will be ma
val, directed against our towns, for the
defence OF which few troops viii be
necessary, because the militia are fit
ted neither by their dicipline or habits
to perform garrison duty. 1t would
therefore be an useless expense TO
maintain a large force for the defence
of the interior country. During the
war in which France is engaged, the
same policy is equally united to the
unsettled relations with that nation.
1t is fortunate that the embarass-
ments OF the people will not be encrea-
sed by the imposition of heavy bur
thens, and taxes to supply the dehcien-
c, In the revenue, and meet the I'M
avoldable expenses of preparations for
national defence.
By the prudent management of our
money for the last seven years, there
has been accumulated in the treasury.
an excess OF eight millions of dollar
over the expenditures, and diminu
ton OF the public bebt to the amount
OF thirty three millions of dollars has
been effected during the same period.
these two sums may be fairly consi-
dered as the comparative resources Of
the government, to sustain a war at
the two periods; we may in fact be
said to have amassed a sum of forty
one millions of dollars applicable to
public uses. This view of our finan-
ces, while it inspires confidence in TIE
capacity of the nation to surmount its
difficulties, furnishes the best com
mentary on the reduction of national
expense during peace. 1t supercedes
the necessity of imposing heavy
contributions when the people are
least able to bear them. 1t affords the
means of waging a defensive war,
when the interruption of trade di
minishes the revenue, the pressure OF
public engagements, impairs public
credit, and the scarcity of money en-
hances its value, beyond the interest
the nation can afford to pay.
have endeavored to convey to Won