Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-03-10

ton to this subject. IF it be once ad-
mitted that the hostile m sasures of CT.
Britain against the commerce Of the
Omitted States, fare dictated by the set
tied determination Of the ministry to
exercise exclusive dominion upon the
ocean you will find in that principle !,
alone the solution of all our difficulties
in our negotiations with Great Britain,
without resorting to the delusive and
extravagant suspicion of an insincerity
on the part of the administration. That
this is the real principle which has die
eated her measures, think have de-
monstrated beyond the possibility of a
ioubt; and nothing but adverse events
in Europe, or war by the u. States can
in my Judgment induce her to recede
from principle at once so fascinating
to national pride, and gratifying to
mercantile cupidity.
No, sir, l am perfectly satisfied if
The administration were TO send de.
|putation of chosen band of British
partizans, even headed by Mr.. Erskine
himself, that the British ministry
woal not sacrifice this favorite vision
larry project of aggrandizement, upon
the altar of their combined supplicati
ons and interccssions. This is not a
Question of mere complaisance between
1.-THE two nations. 1t is a question of
Ipower, of lawless, unrelenting power
on one side, against right unquestion-
liable, unassuming right on the other.
Mr.. President, does it not appear
from review of all the facts and OBJ.
|servations, have now had the honor
'ot presenting to this senate, that for
beatance has extended to its utmost IL
nit; that without some relaxation on
the part o. the beiligerents, war is inc
vitable, and that we have no expedient
left but to dens 1nstrate by our own e.
nergies, both to u. Britain and France.
how much more interest they have
in cultiyating our friendship, than in
provoking our enmity? Mr.. Presi-
dent, from these observations, it will
be also readily seen that the propositi-
on before us is pitched to key several
tones below that which my wishes and
my views of the public interests would
strike. | hope, sir, IL is still within the
limits of national honor and national
interests. Strike only one key lower,
sir, and fear it will sound in national
disgrace and dishonor. How desira-
bic therefore is it sir, that we should
all, OF all parties, unite in some pro-
position to save the honor and protect
the interests of the nation? And NAV
not this yet be hoped for, waen fede-
ralists as well as republicans have all
entered their solemn protest against
submission? After having displayed
an almost unanimity in favor of re.
lance, may we not hope tor an equal
unanimity in favor of the extent and
mode of resistance May we not in
dulge the hope, that the gentlemen
who differ with us upon political sub
jects generally will now meet us
upon this proposition of. concili.
alton and concession? Particular.
ly, sir, when they must know and see
the dangers of division! When o.
Their nations have lately presented so
anu exam
piles of divisions. That at all times
one party is as much the victim of
them as another that the ruin to both
is equal and indiscriminate, and the
advantages alone to the common adj.
versary of both. And, sir, can il be
necessary to urge any arguments TO
those who have usually associated in
political measures and opinions against
the rulnous effects of divisions a.
mongst themselves Surely not, sir.
The ruinous effects must be obvious to
every gentleman. Is it not better
then, sir! Is it not more honorable.
wise and magnanimous for each gen
tleman 10 concede something of the
particular views which he has tax en- of
our difficulties to the varying views of
his friend and associate, than by peril
naciousiy adhering to the full extent
OF his own, paralyze and destroy the
views of both' The spirit of concili-
alton and concession, is peculiarly re-
commended by the novelty and diff.