Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-04-06

tend war IS not unavoidable with that pa-
t;on i confess, Sir, l should think war
with ENGLAND, one of the greatest evils
which could befall the country, not only
from the suferings which 1t would infilet
unon us !: but also from the fatal connec-
ton with France to which it would give
birth.
/ We have seen what has been the course
&c the Government in relation to Britain -
and | will beg a few moments to examine
what has been its conduct IN regard to
lsxanee? The last proposition made to
Britain is well known. The documents
5p]lv disclose it /; but what at the same time
was proposed to the French government:
This we know little OF. We have not peeh
furnished with the correspondence with
that government, on the subject. The trans
action is covered with dark and lmpene-
trabIe veil. The President tells US IN MS
message that the same proposals were no.
made 10 the two belligerents, and 1t Woun
seem from what he hints, that the otter 10
France in case she repealed her decfees'
was 10 Join her in the war against England.
I It cannot be denied, that we have lost more
by the spoliations, and have been more mar
raised under the arbitrary acts OF france,
T than OF England. By the treaty OF 1900,
We gave up more than twenty millions OF
dollars which had been seized, and conts-
Gated in France. Since that time we are
officially informed, that an amount nearly
equal has been seized, and coEh2cated or
sequestercd. She has wantonly burnt our
ships on the ocean and made no compensa-
ton. Her Berlin decree of the 21st OF
November, 1905, commenced the present
system of Outrage upon neutral rights. In
effect it interdicts all trade with England
and her colonies. This is followed by the
Milan decree of the 17th Of December,
1907. Under this edict an American yes
sci which has been searched, or visited a.
gainst her will, by British cruiser, or IS
proceeding to, or returning from England,
is Liable to be captured as good prize. And
finally, to co mplete this monsuous system,
comes the Bayonne decree, the 18th OF
April, 1903. which declares every Ameri-
can vessel found upon the ocean, liable to
seizure and confscation. Opposed to these
accumulated violations Of our neutral rights
what sep has our government taken against
France
Have they passed a non-importa:ion "a,
issued proclamation, or imposed an en-
barge? The last measure is general in its
trims, but is arowedly against England a
lone. No, they have contented themselves
with memorializing, remoDstrating and pro-
testing. Against England We took every
step short of war, against France We have
employed nothing but gentle words. Has
your government then shewn an equal re-
sentiment against thu wrongs suffered from
these two powers!
Il may be, from the habit of enduring,
hat we do not feel an aggression from
France with the same quickness and sensi-
b lty that we do from England. Let us see,
81, the same conduct observed with regard
to both belligerents letSs see the impee.i-
ments to friendly settlement with G. Bri-
tim removed let us witness sincere effort
made, to regulate the intercourse Of two
nations by a treaty formed on principles Of
mutual concession, and equal interest, and
will answer for it, If Great Britain per-
sists in her orders, that you viii find no d.
vision in this country on the question whe-
Their Ne, shall submit TO them or resist their
execution.
Permit me, Mr.. President, to detain
you few moments longer. am sensible
that | have already trespassed upon the in
iutoence OK the senate and shall hasten
to conclude the remarks which | have
thought it of importance to make up
on the resolution which has been SUBMIT
ed.
The objects of the resolution are embar-
go, non-lntercourse and non-importatlon as