Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-08-02

hope Of subiugating the riaon arctly with case.
In this sense and with this design alone, did
his majesty adopt those measures which
were to lay abroader fonndationf for the re-
enforcement and completion Of his army.
The enlightened patriotism Of his faithful
subjects promoted the success of those mea-
sures. Every mind was impressed with the
/ conviction that his majesty sought nothing
but well guaranteed repose that nothing
was more foreign from his breast than a
longing after war ). and. that inevitable ne
cessity alone could induce him, to demand
new sacrifices from his people. The 5pater-
nal regulations of the emperor were every
where. carried into execution, with a conf
dence honorable alike to the government
and the citizen.
The true character Of these measures
could be mistaken. or misinterpreted by TO-
reign powers, only in case they were before
resolved to deny Austria the right of self
preservation. Every thing WHICH was es-
tablished at that period remained within the
strictest limits of a just system of defence.
1t was confined 70 the organization and COM
pletion ofthe military powers OF the nation
and SO much the less reason was there to
apprehend that this could give offence TO a.
nv state, as similar, and far more extensive
establishments had been made for several
years. before, and were every day making
not only in France, but. in other adjoining
countries. The kingdom WAS surrounded
bv foreign armies, who were put upon a
war estabiishment; they were dispersed in
their ordinary garrisons, and no where col
lected together, a position exciting less
suspicion an giving less alarm, could not
well be expected from great state.
Even On the part Of the French cabinet
there was no reason to expect complaint ;
as his majesty on every occasion which pre-
sented itself, give proof of his unshakcn adj
herence to the pacific system he. had hither'
to. followed. While, to avoid unpleasant,
discussions, his majesty maintained an un-
interrupted silence on some very essential
matters of compl sint--while, by virtue Of
an arbitrary decree, more than so Austrian
vessels had been taken by French cruizers
Ca procedure which afforded 10 very pro-
missing prognostic of the freedom OF the sea-
the Austrian court was necessarily engag-
ed in repellins from itself and its subordl-
rate agents the fancied or feigned accusa-
tons which were brought forward by rest
less French agents, principally al Trieste.
| Not one of these accusations could be veri-
fed. They were all victoriously refuted,
His majesty did not, however, rest here.
In order 10 close source of groundless, yer
ever returning complaints, and at the same
time give the French government proof
ofreadiness which even anticipated It's de-
sires, and which, as the emperor i.attersd
himself, would allow. no doubt % arise con.
corning his real sentiments, lals aaajEssy did
not hesitate, how severely soevef ibis far-
Their restriction upon tbs iast remains OF
commerce would be felt Ia his maratl7ae
provinces, to shut his harbors ltllougf3 not
required to do so) against the flag OF me
North American stafes,
But nything now had the power to induce
France to estimate more justly the conduct
of his majesty. The steps which his ma
iestv had taken to secure the existence and
independence of his states in case OF a near
er approaching danger, passed in the eyes
of the emperor Napoleon for 50 many IN
warrantable attempts to cQunteract the plans
which had long been prepared, and were to
determine the future destiny Of this king
dom. These steps were treated as hostile
movements against France. The most
anxious endeavors Of the Austrian minister
to set this matter in proper light were
without effect. Their explanations were
not worthy of any attention. The French
cabinet intimated in an official note OF the
I soth of July, 1908. war is inevitable, un-
less the military movements made throughout
the austrian Monarchy be succeeded BY mea.
s....e af q d;rectlu c1ntrQru tendenCQ, and