Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-05-23

last session, the state. of our laws,
which has had the effect of placing
the two belligcrent powers on a foot
ing Of equal restrictions, and relying
on the conciliatory disposition Of the
United States, had transmitted to their
Legation here, provisional instructions,
not only to offer satisfaction for the
attack on the frigate Chesapeake, and
to make known the determination of
his Britannia Majesty, to send an En-
vov extraordinary with powers to con-
clude treaty on all points between
the tive countries; but moreover, to
signify his willingness, in the mean
time, to withdraw his orders in couu-
Gil, in the persuasion that the inter-
course with Great Britain would be
renewed on the part of the United
States.
These steps of the British govern
ment led to the correspondence and
the Proclamation now laid before you !;
by virtue of which, the commerce be-
tween the two countries will be renew
able after the tenth day of June next.
Whilst / take pleasure in doing JUS
tice to the counsels of his Britannia
Majesty, which, no longer adhering to
the policy which made an abandon
ment by France, of her DEGREES, pre-
requisite to revocation of the British
orders, have substituted the amicable
course which has ISSUED thus happily !;
[ cannot do less than refer to the pro-
posal heretofore made on the part Of
the United States embracing like re-
storation of the suspended commerce,
as proof of the spirit of accom- oda-
ton which has at no time been inter.
mitted, and to thu result which now
calls for our congratulations, as corrob-
Grating the principles, by which the pu-
bile councils have been guided during
period of the most trying embarrass-
ments.
The discontinuance of the British
orders, as they respect the u. States,
having been thus arranged, commu-
nication OF the event has been forward :
ed, in one of our public vessels, to our
Minister Plenipotentiary at Paris !;
with instructions TO avail himself of the
important addition thereby made, to
the considerations which press on the
justice of the French government re-
vocation ofits DEGREES, or such modi-
hcation of them, a. that they shall cease
to violate the neutral commerce of the
United States.
The revision of our commercial
laws, proper 20 adapt them to the ar
rangemcnt which has taken place with
Great Britain, will doubtless engage
the early attention of Congress. II
will be worthy, at the same time, of
their just and provident care, to make
such further alterations in the laws, az
will more especially protect and foster
the several branches of manufacture.
which have been recently instituted or
extended by the laudable exertions of
our citizens.
Under the existing aspect Of our af-
fairs, Ihave thought it not Inconsistent
with AUST precaution, to have the gun
boats, with the exception of those at
| New-Orlears, placed in a situation, In
curing on expence beyond that requi-
| SieS III NuSii PACoCi VdIlCu, dIlu COnVe-
nlency for future service, and to have
the crews of those az New-Orleans re.
ducedto the number required for their
navigation and safety.
Ihave thought also, that our citizens
detached in quotas of militia, amount
ing to one hundred thousand, under
the act of March 1903, might, not i'm
properly. be relieved from The state in
which they were held for immediate
service. A discharge of them has
been &C cordiugly directed.
The progress made IN raising and
organizing the additional military
force, for which provision was made
by the act of April 1908, together with
the disposition of the troops. will APP
pear by report which the Secretary IF
War is preparing, and which will be
laid before you.
Of the additional frigatcs required,
by an act the last session, to be fit
ted for actual service, two are in rea-
diness, one nearly so, and the fourth is
expected to be ready in the month of