The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-11-22

OUR FOREIC.v RELATIONS.
If commerce is considered as among our essential
and indispensable rights, think it must be 1t be-
comes autyto defend it by all practical means, a.
ganst unlawful aggressions.
How shall this be done may not the defence cost
than it is worth and hazard other interests at
least as dear to America the questions.
1t is readily admitted that the support OF navy suf-
fcent to cope with the maritime powers OF Europe
would be impracticable. The resources of the ma
ton ought first to be applied the defence of oar own
shores Within own proper Jurisdiction every In
vader should be made to feel power and respect
our rights. - $3.50. g r,'..s Is, 49,
Tothis primary object, it is presumed all viii agree,
the national resources ought to be directed But how
shall we protect property and defend our rights
on the ocean NH,1
cannot better express nv ideas on this subject than
in the words of the venerable ADAMS, who has dis
played that profound knowledge of the resources, the
interest the genius and hope may add the destiny
of America, which enttle his remarks 10 the highest
consideration ,s s1s
"Authorzc our merchants to arm their vessels -
give them special letters of marque to defend them
selves against all unlawful aggressors, and take burn,
or destroy, all vessels or make prizes OF them as en-
enics, that shall attack them. In the time, ap
ply all our resources to Tie building Of frgatcs -
some in every principal seaport These frigates
ought not be assembled in any port to become
object of an hostile expedition To destroy them
They should be separated and scattered rs much as
possible, from Ncw-Orlcans to Passamaquoddy.
fond Of the plan Of building line of battle
ships. Our policy is fight squatrons at sea, but
to have fast sailing fgates TO the and make
Impressions on the enemies commerce; and in this
way we candc great things Our great seaports, and
most exposed frontier places ought not to be neglect
ed in their fortifcations. We may depend ueon
shall neref Be reshected foreign porrers, until they
that sensible Of The great ryhich the III
mighty, IN his be'euoent grdence has PIT in hands
No nation under the has better materials arch-
tects or mariners, for respectable maritime power.
fhave doubt our people, when they the neccss-
~ viii cheefuly pay the taxes necessary for their de-
fence and to support cur union, Independence and
national honour. sst
When our merchants armed, if they are taken
they cannot blame government. Ii they fight wcll and
capture their enemies, they will acquire glory AMI en-
couragcment at home; and England or France may
determine for themselves whether they viii declare
war ! believe neither will do it, because each viii
he afraid Of our joining, the other II either SHOULD,
in my opinion, the other will rescnd; but ifw should
have both to fight, it would not be long before
the ether would be willing to make peace; and
not much difference between fighting both, and fight
ing Err; land alone" ,sfs
It is with nations as with ndiv;duals--the man who
maintains his rights and his dignity home is less IL
able to insults abroad. BURGERS and highway rob-
bers shun those who furnish themselves with arms and
know how to use them. I.centious avaricc loses
much of its appetite for pillaSc in the prospect of
summary justice, and even stern necessity becomes
reniss in its demands when resisted pi ct a,s. The
man who grudges the expense Of pair Of pistols,
and powder and ball, to protect his property from
reeboters, invites attack and will not excite much sym
pathy If he meets with loss. The more resolutey
repel injuries the less exposed to their
petition.
These maxims are so deeply founded in human ma
ture and confirmed by the experience of all ages and
nations that they scarcely need the illustration of
own example in the affirmative or negative 1t is
time we adopted middle course between that prod-
gal heroisin which would exhaust all have in de-
fence, and that calculating, peace-loving economy
which in its election between hi6asr and defence,
looks only at the amount of their cxpcnces.
BY yielding to freebooters on the common highway
of the seas we invite further encroachments and put
at hazard our independence and every substantial
right which distinguishes Us freemen. The tram
son from taking and property by sea, to taking
them by land, is easy and natural in the mara,ders
and those who have wrought down their minds to that
point of degradation which jusfes the one, will end
acquiescence in the other in their 10 infamy
Unless, therefore, we arc prepared to surrender
our independence at dscrcaiionto dissolve the body
corporate of the nation and become ourselves horde
Of Spectators and freeboocrs, is clearly inter.
est defend rights, and avengc wrongs with
encrgyb by sea well as by land. Boston Patriot