Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-02-03

something ma,uvsd for your considera;i.
on, which l now invite them TO propose.
The address of Capt. JoNEs was deli
vered in nervous and manly manner, and
was approved by several hearty cheers.
WALTER FRANgLIN then addressed the
meeting as follows
Fellow Citizens,
The Object for which this meeting has
been called was fully stated in the invitati,
on which has been published-it is to ex-
press our opinions of the late measures of
the government of the u. ).
1t is notorious that the wicked and un-
princ,pled rulers of the European world
have endeavored to extend their despotism
to these free and happy shores. They have
attempted to shackle and To destroy the
freedom and independence of our beloved
country. They have seized our property,
annihilated our commerce, and imprisoned
our brave aud hardy seamen-thousands
of whom are at this moment piniog away
their wretched lives in the floating pri-
sons of their oppressor-In addition to
these injuries they have wanton!y and bar.
barously murdered our peaceful and unof-
Tending fellow citizens within the iurisdic-
ton of our own waters.
The constituted authorities Of the union
with the iilustrious Jefferson at their head
havefirmly and undauntedly opposed Them
selves to these unprovoked aggressions,
and after the failure of every attempt to
procure the amicable adjustment of our
differences, they have been obliged to re-.
sort TO more decisive and vigorous pro-
misunderstanding which in the view
of our best patriots appear to be well call
cula'ed to advance the happiness and to
secure the dignity and independence of
the nation. But they have excited the high
displeasure of our enemies, and have draw n
down upon the government the general
hatred and indignation of every foreign
partizan and domestic traitor in the coun
try--They are using every effort to ami
mate the people in opposition TO the go
vernment of their own choice-they are
daily vilifyng and insulting our rulers in
their speeches, their publications and their
public meetings, aid appear determined
to over~helm The administration with a
torrent of falsehood and detraction AID
shall We remain silent spectators OF such
traiterous conduct, and not express "A sim
gle seniiment--No, my fellow citizens,
rely too much or your virtue aud pa!riot.
ism 10 suppose you would hesitate rlo"
ment on the occasion.
will ask you then my fellow citizens,
on this public and solemn occasion--Are
you not willing To pay millions fr d, fence
rather than single cent for tribute?
Do you approve of the measures of the
general government, and are you deter
mined 10 support them
Shall We pledge to our rulers and 10 one
another our lives, our fortunes aud our sa
cred honor, to preserve and r:ain;an th-
freedom and independence OF our conn'
try
The answers which you would make 10
these questions couli never be doubted,
and in conformity to sentiments so fully
and nobIy expressed certain resolutions
aud an address 90 the President of the y.
States have been prepared, which beg
leave 20 propose to the consideration of
this meeting.
Shall they be presented to the chair!
The seyera; questions put by Elr Frank.
;. lin were answered by thousands OF voices
iepea'ediy exclainling--~" Yes---Kes---
Ves.'
- Whereas Great Britain and France in
their fury to destroy each other, have set
at nought the obligations of justice and
the law OF nations x by their DEGREES and
Orders have annih lated tie commerce of
neutral nations, and greatly injured the
United States--And whereas the govern.
neni of the United Ssates has on every
occasion manifested sincere desire to
preserve peace and friendship with al ma.
tons, by maintaining in all their inter.
course, the priocip.es of justice and neu.
trsli'y, and also 81 a vase and patriotic
conduct have sought to promote hs hap.
piress aud preserve the honor. liberty nd
independence oil the people by whom they
were elee; ed--ASd Whereas notul,nstsn.
ding these notorious and well established
facts, there are some men SO Lost 20 VIZ
tue, truth, and patriotism as TO advocate
The cause Ola ioreig1 government, and en-.
deayor to criminatc their own--men who
by their writings and speeches and pub
lie meetings, are jealous to bring into ha
tired and contempt Oh. free form of govern.
Tneuf and in e an asrtfe end