The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1810-02-21
MIR. FISKsS SPEECH
ON TIE JOINT RESoLYTY0N,
APPROVING THE CONDUCT OF THE RxEcU.
TIvEsoF THn UNITED STATES
IN THE DISMISSAL OF
FRANCIS J.dAfES JdCKSON

has taken IN its embraces view OF the rela-
tons between this country and England, and
from that circumstance derives much of It's
importance, shall not be deemed out of of-
der in entering into an examination OF the
conduct of the British government towards
this country, for some years past. ~
shall not commence this examination by
declaring that have neither British PARTIAL.
ties or French prejudices, or that have no
other object in view but the welfare of my
country |; such assurances equally apply TO-
every topick OF discussion within these walls,
and seem 10 imply a doubt of the Speakers
motives.
From view of the system pursued by
England towards this country, for the last ten
or fifteen years, it must clearly appear, that
her object is to embarrass, cripple, and de-
stroy our commerce. She has been progress
sing in this system, until she has nearly ef-
fectcd the object of her wishes. She COM
menced by interrup;ing our colonial trade,
interpolating new principles into the laws of
nations. Our merchants alarmed at this
outrage upon their rights, this destruction OF
their property, demonstrated against il, and
petitioned the government to interpose for
their relief Our Minister complains to the
British government, he is answered only by
new and extended aggressions. Not satisfied
with interrupting this branch of our trade,
they blockade not only our foreign markets,
but our own ports are infested with their
irigates. Our eyes are made to witness their
depredations in our own waters. / need
hardly mention the conduct of the Cambri-
an, or notice the multiplied captures made on
our coast, for violating these nominal block
AIDES. These things seem to. be no longer
remembered. In their day they occasioned
some uneasiness. Again we complained of
the violation of our rights, and our injuries
have been rcdressed, by the attack upon one
of our national ships, the Orders in Council,
and the continued impressment of our sea-
men. Averse to war, we have demonstrated,
and endeavoured TO negotiate, until there re-
mains no hope of an adjustment b. negocia.
ton.
But Mr.. Munroe's treaty has been several
times mentioned in this debate, and the gentle
man from Connccticut Mr.. Dana} sad that
it was great question, whether that treaty
ought not to have been submitted to the Sen
ate for their consideration and ratfcalion.---
independent of the conditional ratification Of
that instrument on the part of the British
81 ~
be received and acknowledged as a national
compact by the American people. BY that
treaty, we were required to abandon the nav
igation Of the River st. Lawrence, to guar
antee to the British the right Of navigating
the Mississippi. We were to have no other,
but a direct trade to the East Indies. Aid
as it respected the West India trade--why,
inasmuch as the parties could not agree re-
specting it, provision was to be made for set
tleing that,at future period, and in the mean
time, each party should enjoy their rights to
it And as to the spoli.tions and depreds-
tons made upon our property, about which
our merchants had SO loudly complained,
that question was settled by sweeping
clause, declaring, that for all unjust captures
4" hereafter" to be made, we should be indem.
nihed. These are articles which believe
no gentleman on this floor would be willing to
subscribe. Yet we are told, this treaty ought
to have been seriously considered, and some
there are, who have even contendcd that we
ought to have accepted and ratified 1t.
cannot believe that this is the opinion of any
American, who has attentively perused it,
But ii there are any, who believe that the
British government were willing to treat
with US, perusal of this treaty will convince
them that it was only upon terms which re-
quired the almost unqualified surrender of
our commerce into their hands. These de-
grading terms could require no hesitation 20
determine the proper course to be pursued.
And that was, Immediately to return it, or a
prompt ayowal that it would not be ratified
10y our government. Great Britain upon
this, determines to make you feel both her
resentment and her power. A wanton at
tack is made upon enc of our pubick ships,
in our own waters, by the same orders, no
doubt, which directed the bonnbardments of
Cons.antinople and Copenhagen. An act so
outrageous that it occasioncd an universal
burst Of Indignation and resentment, from
the American people, in tone that prevent
ed even the British Ministry from openly a.
yowing 1t, or attempting to Justify it,. As
this attack was by that government, declared
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