Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-07-28


have proceeded from the baueful spi-
rit OF that same treacherous policy
which has crimsoned Europe with
blood for fifteen years past.
We may all remember what a pro-
digious outcry there was during the
continuance of the embargo In the u.
States, that the American government
was under the influence oil France /;
and Mr.. Jefferson was invariably re.
presented as having pledged the natl
on to corroborate the schemes of Boz
naparie. This tale was repeated, echo
ed, and reiterated, not only in the U.
States, but in G. Britain, until tue peo-
pie OF that kingdom, or majority of
them, did really believe that this coun-
try was actually united with France a
gainst England, by secret articles
which were not permitted to see the
light. This was the impression which
Timothy Pickering necessarily endea-
vored to make, in the various letters
which he wrote to his secret coadiu.
tors and to printers. It is highly pro-
bable, Notwithstanding the reputed a
cuteness of Mr.. Canning, that he may
have been the dupe of the outcry con-
corning the prevalence of French influ-
ence, and have been so far imposed on
as sincerely to believe that the u. S.
had entered into such stipulations with
France, as would prevent the accept
ance of terms from the British minis
try, or that if terms were accepted, the
acceptance of them would lead to a
rupture between the American and
French nations. Under such impress
sions, have no doubt, Mr.. Canning
sent instructions to Mr.. Erskine to
propose the arrangement which was
concluded on the 10Th of April, 1909.
The acceptance of the proposition by
the American administration, COM
pletely proved the sincerity of the
President, Secretaries & Legislature.
in their uuiformly-expressed desire to
restore harmony between the u. S.
and England.
! Mr.. Canning, who is man of re-
Election, doubtless foresaw the bossibi-
Ety of an acceptance of his offer by the
American government, although he
may have conceived the bro6a6ility to
be that it would be rejected. What,
IN that case, could he have promised
to himself as an equi, -.ent for the in
fanny OF disavowing the arrangement
or his minister? l will briefly answer
the question.
ihe conduct of the British ministry
for many years past has evinced an un-
varying determination to make Great
Britain-compietely the absolute mis-
tress of the ocean. As proof OF this
resolution we need only.to recur to the
Incidents of naval warfare for the last
eight or ten years. No expense, no
blood has been spared to destroy or
capture the aeets of the powers of con.
tlnen.al Europe. The seizure of the
Danish feet at Copenhagen capped the
climax of that ubiquitous policy which
is to give to one nation the entire con-
troll OF the commercial world. But to
eject this with the greater assurance
OF It's. continuance, it became necessa-
ry, not only to seize or destroy the ar
med vessels of different states, but it
was requisite to capture merchant
vessels; for, it very naturally follows,
I II nation has not sufficient quantity
OF vessels to carry on trade, they must
resort to some nation that has and
what people would stand a better
chance to become the carriers of the
world than the British if the Ameri-
cans were out of the way! Thus.
therefore, MIR. Canning must have rea
soned with himself: "If the Ameri-
can government rejects my offer for
reconciliation, it will belle its own de-
clarations, and the partizans of Eng
land IN America will have glorious
opportunity of wrestling the power of
the state from the hands of the repub-
iicans, by preaching up French inau-
ence and hostility to England more
loudly than ever, and Of which the re-
lection cfmy offer will be very strong
proof But, if my propositions should
be accepted, can deny the authority,
sacrifice Mr.. Erskine, and I shall reap
as the reward of this polit;caI ,,;lI.i.i.