Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-02-10

submission we discard from our consider
alton. But how shall we avoid it? Not
by repeating the embargo without substi-
tuting some other measure, not by per-
uniting merchantmen to arm, nor by
granting letters OF marque and reprisal
the first would lead us under the baleful
influence of the orders in council, or by
resistance, into war, which is inevitably he
issue of the last. AS war then cannot be
avoided without submission, and as the spi-
rit OF the nation is prepared for it, we
cannot forbear from expressing our .opini-
on that fbe sooner the better. We should
by this means purge the country of toryism
and disaffection. And il provision were
made 20 sequester all the debts due from
the citizens Of the United States to the SUBJ
Jects of Great Britain, to be held as pledge
for the Naturalization of,such of the citi-
Gems of the United States as shall have
suffered from the ship of war, privateers,
or from any person or description of per-
sons, acting under the commission, or au-
thority of the British king, in contraventi-
on of the laws of nations, and in violation
OF the rights of neutrality, it would at least
have considerable tendency to spread "a
larm among the British merchants.
We have lately heard some of the fedc-
raiists complain that no proper distinction
was drawn between those who are really
friends to their country, and those who
merely put on che mask to hide their dis
affection or toryism. It is true that we
have uttered our prescriptions against those
OF the latteridescription, but we again re-
peat what we Often have said, that there
are many whom we believe are actuated
by the purest motives and whose bosoms
glow with lively emotions in behalf of their
country's happiness. To men of this des-
cription, we shall always pay that respect
which is due to the Independence of opinI-
on, but TO the hypecrite and apostate, we
shall always shew our contempt and indig-
nation. At this embarrassing and awful
! crisis, " is the part of patriotism to sacri-
hce all p 'rty luminosity and intolerance at
the shrine of our couatry's honor and pros
perity. The name of federalist, however,
IS kind OF sanctuary, to which every class
OF the opposition resort, and no matter what
IS the real CAST of politics., it is considered
by many as an impresnabe shelter. In
drawing then the hypocrite anu the apos-
tate from the disguise in which he coils
himself, it is necessary to give him the
name which he assumes, and the tJ'ue cha
rdcter which he possesses. 1t is well
known 70 every body, that as soon as A sub
lject of Great Britain &c touches the sacred
sol'' of America, he mime iately affects
| TO he federalis., and wishes to exact all
the respect and confidence which is due to
the genuine lover of mis- country. 1t much
to be lamentcd too, that this deception is
so often successful Hence the name has
become so odous and the denunciation so
general and undistinguishe3. To the ho-
nest federaliss we offer our pity for his de-
fusion, but at the same time we shall me-
yer be 50 Incorporate as to condemn him
for Want Of patriotism.
The following address to this President of
the United States has been adopted by
the Legislature of Virginia. In the
House of Delegates, Ayes 12s Noes q
The Senate were nearly unanimous.
SIR,
THE General Assembly of your
native state cannot close their session, with
out acknowledging your services in the Of.
fee which you are just about to lay down,
and bidding you respectful and a.fection.
ate farewell. We have to thank you for
the model Of an administration, conducted
on the purest principles Of republicanism !;
for pomp and state laid aside; patronage
dis :lrded internal taxes abolished
hoss Of superiluous officers disbanded the
monarchic maxim /" that national debt
is national blessing" renounced and
more than thirty three millions of our Gebt
discharged the native right to nearly one
hundred millions of acres of our national
domain extingushed and, without the
guilt or calsmities of conquest, vast and
fertile region added to our country, far
more extensive than her original possessi-
ons, bringing along with it, the Mississippi
and the port OF Orleans, the trade of the
west to the Pacific ocean, and in the in.
trinsic value Of the land itself, source Of
permanent and almost inexhaustibIe re-
venue. These are points in your admin
istration which the historian will not fail
to seize, to expand and teach posterity to
dwell upon with delight. Nor will he for
get our peace with the civilized world, pre-
served through season of uncommon diff
iculty and trial; the good will cultivated
with the unfortunate aborigineS of our cuun-
try, and the civilization humanely EXTEND
ed among them the lesson taught the
of the coast of Bdrbary, that we
have the means of chastising their pratt
cal incroachments, and awning them into
justice and that theme on which, above
all others, the historic genius will hang
with rapture, the liberty of speech and of
the press, preserved inviolate, without
which genius and science are Given m