Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-06-23

to predate on US we will open our ports for
her succor and extend to her the rights Of
hospitality, that after they recruit they may
go out and zviH take our vessels at the very
mouth of our harbors. Though | don't
think contrary conduct to this would ever
keep out the Patriot, or other ship, yet
am unwilling to give them the right and IL
tie to enter. wish to see when the relaxa-
tions on the part of France can authorize
this relaxation on our part. What does the
18th section of the non-intercourse law say?
That when either power shall rescind her
restrictions as they relate to us, we will re-
scind ours as they relate to her this is now
our situation: and it is proposed to change
this situation by expressly admitting the
ships sof G.. Britain and France into our
ports and harbors so that while the Presi-
dent of the U.sStates has very wisely and
very properly changed the situation of re-
lations between this country and 6. Britain,
we arctic change it with respect to France so
as to keep the balance even between fboth.
Suppose the first relaxation had come from
France and the President had suspended re-
strlctions with respect to her, what would
be said, if we would extend this relaxation
to G. Britain to preserve balance between
the one who had and the one who had not
come upon terms want to see the relax.
atoms of France, that authorize our relaxa-
tons towards her; or why we should adj
NIT her armed ships and exclude her mer-
chantmen. | must not be understood as
wishing war with France. l would as
strongly oppose measure of that kind as /
did IN '9S, 80, 1900, and as I did last ses-
sion war with England but situated as
we are with respect to France it will be
highly improper to pass law opening our
ports to French vessels, when in week af.
ter our adjournment we may have accounts
that the great Emperor, taking umbrage at
our acts, had declared war and it is to
hear some tldings from France which may
govern Our deliberations that am for more
protracted session, ¬ be put out of these
walls, before the 18th of July, to be taken
possession of by strangers, to pollute them
by their libations; | look upon this to be pub
lie property, and no one possessing right
to occupy it but BY vote of this house.
| shall listen with pleasure to any gentle
man who will shew the necessity. after all
that passed last session. of the ,,+;i;.-, - H.
~.-l----rr rIIc present.
MIR. G. jackson. It will be recollect-
ed I had on former occasion stated 1T
would be more compatible with or dignity
to prohibit the admission of armed vessels
Of all nations, but gentlemen think that-ua-
der present circumstances, on the tapis Of
negotiation, when every measure is liable
10 perversion, it would be best to pursue the
present policy, and it was on these sugges-
tons that made the amendment to obviate
any difficulties of construction. Gentlemen
oppose itwithout drawing distinction-do
they wish the armed vessels of all nations
to be excluded In answer to the gentle
man from Va. the present amendment is not
an authoritative admission--we merely re-
move the exclusive power. am unwilling
to reply to the arguments of abandoning the
principles of last session, and such like, not
because am afraid to meet them or not
prepared to confute them, but because /
have no disposition to resuscitate the feel
ings of that day, which should under pre-
sent circumstances, be buried forever.
On motion of Mr.. Smile the committee
rose reported progress and gotleave to sit
again, when Mr.. Rhea penn. made a re-
port on the contested election Of VIM. Bay
lies, and before the reading was finished,
there not being a quorum, the house adj
journed.
THURSDAY, 1u1e 20.
The reading Of the report and papers on
the contested election of VIM. Baylles was
finished, and concluded with the following