Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-02-28
[CoNT1NuED.]
I1fr. CHESS Spoefl3e0nchtded.]

The next. or the Fox administrator
seemed to think there was some hazard ana
delicacy, in making this unprovoked attack
upon the rights of all nations, and seemed
70 entertain some doubt of the practlcabillty
of the proAigate system: but they were
compelled by the infatuated Jurlsts OF the
day to make some essay towards carrying 1t
into effect, witness their orders OF January
S.1SO7. in interdicting neutrals from gong
from one port to another port OF entry.-
This extraordinary order too, was issued
only seven DAYS after signing a treaty OF a
mity and commerce with the y. ). But,
Sill, this partial compliance with the Puoilc
sentiment could not retain them IN ONCE
The little respect they retained tor neutral
rights, and their timid doubts, were among
the causes which drove them from othce to
make way for an energetic administration.
One totally destitute of all respects for pub
tic law, for neutral rights: destitute OF all
the scruples and obligations OF justice. l
propose to give short sketch OF the history
of this energetic administration:
1st. Asiss operations have affected other
nations;
2dly. As they have affected the United
States.
Let us see the consequences which have
resulted, and which are likely TO result from
this energy, originating IN folly and in pride.
Stimulated to its end in utter disregard Of
every principle Of justice and Of public law,
and directed to unattainable objects. Per-
NIT me, sir, In this exposition to pay some
attention to dates. They will serve to illus
trate some of my ideas. The change of
ministry took place either in the month of
January or February, neutrality-suspicious.
for executing this lawless system of energy
were made with great activity, and in the
month of August following, they were
made to burst upon the head OF an unsus-
pecting and unofeuding friend.
In that month, surrender Of the Danish
feet IS demanded. This demand is found
ed upon false suggestion: that the Danes
had, by secret article in the treaty OF Ill
sit, agreed to give up their fleet to France,
70 facilitate the invasion Of Great Britain.
This suggestion was utterly false and I'M
founded, and SO the ministry were fatly
told to their faces in parliament afterwards,
by lord Hutchinson, at that time miRister
at the court Of St. Petersburg. Upon the
refusal of this Ubiquitous demand, Copen-
hagen was Immediately sacked, and pro-
Aigate and in6liscriminate slaughter of men,
women and children ensued. The Danish
feet was forcibly seized, and borne off in
triumph. But, sir, with their unhallowed
trophies, the British bore off the distrusts
and detestation of the world and left be-
hind them the hatred and the enmity OF
Denmark. Do you believe, sir, that the
British ministry, or the British nation, have
gained any solid advantage by this wanton
display of energy? Do you believe, sir, that
the loss of character, and the snn.ity of
Denmark, are compensated for by the
booty of the Danish feet, which Great
Britain did not want? No, sir: the one
might excite in the nation thoughtless and
transitory exultation but the others are
durable losses and stains, which time itself
cannot wipe away, so long as history shall
remain to record the acts of men and OF ma
tons.
The next effort to display this energy
makes Its appearance in Sweden. A nation
fighting for its independence against all Eu-
rope, and protected from their lawless pow
er more from the inaccessibility of the coun-
try, It's lakes, morasses, &c. than by its re-
sources and arms. Under these circum-
stances, sir J. Moore, gssal solitary chief,
is sent to offer to the kisy ,: Sweden, the
aid of British cc.cassaG,1, ss,bshly the