The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-01-27
DOMESTIC.

PEOPLE OF NEW ENGLAND.
ny ALeEREoN SIDNEY.
.(CoN71EUED.)
Peohle of N.eup- England.
But / am prepared to
answer the natural reply of the bigoted par
tizan. "It is not against these men that
level my denunciation.-lt is against your
President and his successor" Patience sir!
You shall have an answer; and such an enc,
that If YOU regard truth, shall seal your lips
i N silence. If the strength of your Preju-
dices will not allow you to acknowledge it's
suficiency, tile exercise of your discretion
will induce you not to comba it. 1t shall
net be a gasconade of words, or sentences
a%rtfully combined to decoy your judgement by
the sweetness of their cadence, or the smooth
ness of their periods. The subject does not
require this, nor do these powers belong to
me. / cannot adorn any subject with the
flowers of oratory, nor dress it in the attire
of literary eloquencc. 1t shal be plain truth
in a homespun dress-but none the worse for
that
ask the opposition for the evidence of Mr..
Jefferson's dislike to commerce. Is it found
in his messages, in his Notes OH Virginia, in
his conduct as a foreign minister, as SeCre-
tary of State, as ice-President, or Prcsi
dent? No! In every instance where that sub
iect has come before him, it is treated in a
manner which bespeaks a high regard for
ATS protection and prosperity. and deep sci
ence in the mystery.
1t was he who opened the markets of
France TO onr Fishermen.
It was he who laid the foundation, to eX-
tend our up the Mediterranean
1t was he who nobly and ably maintained
the modern law of nations-that free ships
make free goods (; and never yielded the point
till, in the opinion of Washington, founded
ON the state of the nation, it had become ne
cessary.
1t was he who always maintained the rights
Of our seamen, & resisted the right OF search
aud impressment, as injurious to our citizens,
and derogatory to our flag.
1t was he, who in his correspondence with
the British and French minister's, indicated
our rights of commerce., in a manner which
excited the admiration of Europe, and fore
ed applause from his opponents.
1t was he, who. with others on the 50th
of April 1884, reported to Congress a rcso-
luton, requiring the states TO enable Con-
gress to the limit the transportation of Ameri-
can products to American bottoms for fifteen
gears.
1t is he, who now maintains, as he ever
has, that the interests OF this nation require
a navigation ATT, which shall limit the ex-
lpttdth)lo vi IN il,an tAi ~ HiC IlIdN
bottoms; and not as his enemies hhjustly
charge, to confine it to foreign bottoms. An
act which the state of this nation, with some
exceptions and provisions, imperiously de-
Inands.
1t was he, who in 1898, with other dis
tinguished republicans of the south, offered
To two mercantile members from New En-
gland, TO aid. with all their influence, the
passa ee If such navigation act. This fact is
now susceptible of proof.
1t was he, on whom, by the activity oe
Mr.. Goodhuc of Massachusetts, was devolv-
ed the duty Of making "a general report on
our commerce, and suggesting the mode by
which it could be secule ed and Increased
An sctivity founded on the belief, that his
views were more liberal and less tinctured
with preferences than those of another sccre-
tary.
1t was he, who reported To Congress, or
this subject; on the 10th day of December,
1893. This report furnishes of itself, con-
elusive proof OF his regard for commerce,
and of his opinion, that the highest interests
pf this nation require that it should be main
tnincd, cherished and protected
In it he says, "our is certainly
OF Il character to cntitle it 10 favor in most
countries. The Commodities we offer are
either necessaries of life, or materials for
manufacture, or convenient subjects OF re
venue: and we take in exchange, either ma
nufactures, wken they have received the
last finish Of art and industry, or mere lux
nries."-"Free commerce and navigation
are not to be giTcn III exchange Tor RESTRICT =
ors or vexations nor are they likely to pro-
duCe Il rciaHa,ion Oftiem."
"OHr navisalion i',Uofucs s IN hiyfcr
considerations. AS a branch Of industry it
is valuable hit as q resource Of dc|cnce,
ESSENTIAL"
'I:s value as a branch Of Industry is en-
HANGED by the dcrendchce of so many bran
tics IN il. In times OF general peace it mul-
tiplies COMPETITORS for employ ,cnt in trans
pnrtation. and so kgeps that az les propcrl IL
Vel and in times OF whr, tlitt is 10 say, when
tl'o'c nations who may he our principal car
ricrS shall be At war with each ether, il
VIC have not within o%ursel, Is the means OF
transportation, oar prcLicc must be exposed
IN bel!igereht vessels. al the decreased ex
pence OF war freight, aud insurance, and the
articles IS hibh will not bearthat. must perish
on our hands"
"BUt iii as a resource for defcHce. nm
our navigation sviH admit nef!Hct. nrgiccl
nor Jorbcarance. TIE position and ci,cum-
stances of the u. States, leave them netting
to fear on their land board, and no;linr &c
desire beyond their present rights. tut of
their sea board, they are open to iril
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