Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-01-19
[coNrIsUED.]
iS. Pickering's Speech c0ntinnea.]

III. PickeYins's Speech continued.
Gentlemen have said much about insur-
rcction; and, in language notvery concilia-
tory, pointed all their illusions 70 the peo-
pie of New England. Our rulers pro-
bounced them retels, more than thirty years
apo: while many then unborn now wish to
cover themselves with their mantle, ana to
Share. the honors of'the patriots OF seventeen
hundred and seventy-slx.
But sshy should gentlemen be surprised
that great csscontpats prevail IN the country ];
and that the legislatures, with deliberations
and selemnity which should command at
tcnsion, have pronounced their opinions
of the embargo. Gentlemen will recollect
that t.erc he revolution began, of which
Boston was the cradle. And if they will
turn to the declaration of independence,
taey viii and one OF the reasons for the CO.
sloaies separating themselves from 6. Brl-
i tam, and announcing the governments OF the
king, was their enac$ng laws : COR catti'ssg
S c5 or tra6se 1risli az The 1u2yld.'
Mr.. President, IN q pubic document on
sclsr tables, we are told, thar after aperiod
81 twenty ave years OF peace, hardly inter-
fuptsd by transient hostiiities, and Of pros
peri. un parailelesI IN the history OF nations,
sSte States are FOR the FIRST time, since
tie treaty which terminated herevoitltiona-
~ war, placed III a situation eqa.siy dill :
cult. critical and dangerous
That our country has enjoyed such uneS-
anapled prosperity ! readily agree; but the
present IS not the SrSt fi.te ti'at these states
: have been placed in a dL8@@e'tsat, critical and
1QngsvassS situation.
The gentleman from Connecticut yester-
day noticed the most difficult crisis. In
l793, it required ali the flrmness and I'M
mense popularity Of President Washington
10 stem the torrent Of popular delusien, that
was hurrying the u. St. into the vortex OF
! the French revolution.
In 1874, the same steadiness, the same
undertaking pursuit Of the public welfare,
4 in spite of popular ciamor and formal oppo
sition, were necessary to institute mission
TO Grear Britain, TO negociate and settle with
that government questions OF the hlgaest
moment TO these states, and whica, 1t they
remained much longer unsettled might en-
danger the peace OF the nation. Inc nego-
citation, committed tothe conduct Ola states
man. than whom our country has produced
!. not one more firm, more wise, or IA sresup-g
right, was, BY bis canSior, ability and declsl-
on, Brought 30 a happy conclusion, IN tewsr
months than some more modern negoela,
tors have occupied gears, without being
brought to any conclusion unless their at
\ ter ftgittre may be called a coacl4sioa.
In 1895 the United States were agitated
= to their centre, by the opposition 10 the Bri-
fish treaty. Artiul and aspiring demagogues
seized upon the known preludices OF the
people in regard 10 the two great oontending
nations and exerting al, their faculties to
keep up the popular delusion, hoped that,
BY the lound and extended clamor, the pre-
sidrnt would be deferred from ratifying the
treaty which Mr.. Jay had SO happily con-
Guided. Here again were displayed che
frmness and patriotism ofWashingtcn. Al
ways determined to pursue the true interests
ofthe people, although at the hazard of his
own popularity, he ratified the treaty. Here
it was presumed all opposition would cease.
But 1t again appeared, and with more for
midable aspect, in the national legislature.
But | will not dwell upon it. The treaty
was finally carried into execution. 1t had,
however, one more enemy to encounter.
Revolutionary France, wishing c involve
as in war with Great Britain. which this
treaty (merely of amity anS commerce had
prevented, pretended that it was equivalent
TO treaty of alliance with Great Britain.
And seizing upon this pretence, at once to
gent her resentment, aud crafty the rapaci-