The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-12-13
THE DOCUMENTS.

THE publick, in perusing the Documents laid be-
Ancs sCongress at the present session, viii see the
unjust pretensons of the beHgerent powers OF Eu-
rope, who aim deadly blow, not only at the COM
.merce, but the dignity and independence of the
American nation History affords parallel, and
presumption cannot justify, such unmerted as
saut upon the feelings, much more commit, cooy
and calmly such outrage upon the liberties of
free people. We behold, on the part OF Great Brit
ain, more daring demand than she ever before
ayowed which, If acceeded to by the American
government, annhilates dearest and vital in
forests. s ea4a
Great Britain demands as a conditional stipulation
for the repeal of her orders in council, renunca-
ton OF our trade to her enemies colonies and also
act of Congress, authorizing her navy to enforce
our laws, BY capturing vessels found contrayep-
ing the surrendered colonial trade. Admit but this
destructive prncipe--and will America be free
Where will then be the freedom and independence
of this nation Where will then be dignity, and
what nation in futpre would respect us What in
future would be our commerce, and would It be
worth pursuing What would rescue and protect it
from premedtatcd plunder--British honour What
would secure our citizens from captivity--British
hu,nantyl
Fellow-Citizens have our ancestors fought and
bled in vain IIas the just spirit of resistance TO
pei the accumulated wrongs offered to our injured
country and is the love of liberty and independence,
and all that is dear to man, been entonbed with their
odies Are sucir obsequious slaves ogrant all
property, and demand persons enforce her ty-
Fanny.
Tie surrender Of the colonial trade demanded of
Os by Great Britain, does not affect the immediate
interest in essential degree, of the southern, but
efcctually destroys tie commerce Of the middle
and northern states. Sooner ought We to perish,
and be blottcd from the records of the world,
nation, than surrender our dearest rights. 1t is
the hfe-blood and sinews Of our greatnessthc sup
port of our strengtIthe increase OF our wealth, and
the vital principle of all our resources
The hitherto boosted honour of Britain, and her
fidelity and good faith scrupulously to fulfil her en-
gagements is now lost. Her base conduct at Copen-
hagen rendered il suspicious, and her treachery and
deception towards America has confirmed t-Her
Envoy, Mr. Erskine adjusted the difficulties that
isted between the two nations, but Canning, his Maj
esty's Secretary of State in England refused rati-
fcation of this solemn contract, and rejected to
explain the motives that led him not TO sanction il.
Canning the private Secretary of the late Will
ham Pitt-Pitt was true disciple of Lord Butte, and
adopted his notions ct government Bute's admin
stratior nearly ruined The British paticn, and Cam
nng's will complete it. Nearly the whole world is
now lcanges in a wgr against Creat-Brtaip, and can
Great Britain do better without all the world, than
al tho world can better do without herr GrcatBrit-
ain must be honest ard must do us justice, or her rl
in is incvitablc-On her wisdom is suspended the
alternative Of peace war and her political nfu-
encc and consequence dcpendsuPon her decision
The pre sent insult offered to our government by
her Minister, Mr. Jackson Is insult Offered to the
waole American nation. The people compose tbs
nation, and the people board to resent the out
rage as resentment in this becomes duty, and
WHO will pause or delay when duty commsndtl
The present Documents Will serve for future gen
era,ions 70 see nc impcrious demands OF naughty
nation, and VIII record the firm resistance of srtu'