The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-05-15


longer withstand the cravings of mercan
tile cupidity and the delusive hope of high
prices-U say delusive, because believe
as soon as we resume the trade to France
and Britain, subject to their edicrs, prices
will decline, III have supported the most vi
tsorous substitute for it, that has been pro-
pesed; that is. the granting .forthzcifh, un
der regulations tobe prescribed by law, the
privilege OF convoy to vessels carrying the
produce OF, and owned and navigated Who'll
l. by, American citizens. Had this mea
sure been adopted, it would, at any rate
have relieved us from the present state of
suspense. Our neutral commerce, under
the protection of the national flag, would Ell
ssher be respected, OF we should have war
with the nation violating it. There was an
other motive, which determined me i'm ia
yor of the convoy principle / thought any
thing better than submission to the DEGREES
and orders.
Within the last two months, we have been
frequently amused with the intelligence of a
favorable change in our relations with both
France and England. For my part. / can
see nothing to authorize the expectation of a
speedy adjustment of our differences with
them. Every prospect is Elusive. To-day
we hear Of amicable dispositions to NOR
row of new and unexpected Entertainments.
by France the seizure and confiscation of
our vessels, entering the ports of Spain and
Naples, without Forwarding them not To
enter, or giving them notice to depart. Bv
Britain, the condemnation of our vessels
bound TO the ports of Holland, not actually
invested. The truth is, We should not cal
culate on the advantages of a free and un
restrained commerce, during the present
war in Europe, the duration of which can
no more be estimated than the extent of ;ts
ravages, Mys clearest conviction is. that
we should've on our own resources, and
diminish as much as possible, all depen
tlence on foreign intercourse. IF we wisely
employ the means which providence has 81
beautifully placed at our disposal, we can.
independent OF every nation on earth. CONT
hue free, prosperous and happy. e,
The House of Representative. perceivinp
she propriety of placing at all times. bu.es
pecially at the present, well organized
military force, within the command of the
Executive, for the purpose of furnishing a
prompt security for the nation, in any ex
igency that might occur, passed bill au-
thorising the enlistment of volunteers. to
be trained a few days in each year, and a
detachment OF militia, amounting, i'm the
whole, to 100000 men, to be employed ONLY
An case of actual necessity. Upon this bill
the Senate, from what Cause am unable m
say, have postponed decision until the next
session of Congress.
n blll tor the renewal OF the charter of
the bank OF the United States, has been much
discussed, but it is believed, it will not be
finally acted upon at the present session.
TO my mind,,, there are numerous objections
An reference both to principle and policy, a
ganst the further extension of this incorDo
ration, three iourths of the stock of which
belong to foreigners.
Amongst other laws Of local nature. that
have been passed, one has been enacted to
extend the time for locating Virginia mill.
Iary land warrants.
Upon the suspicion that abuses and mis-
conduct have been practised in the army of
the United States, aud to ascertain whethe r
the mortality of the troops near New Or.
Jeans, resulted from a neglect of them. a
laborious and, doubt not, an extremely ben
eiiciai investigation has been instituted by
the house of representatives into the state
OF the military establishment.
The annual expenditure, OF the present
increased naval establishment, exceeds two
millions OF dollars. Witnessing determi
nation in Congress not to employ the navy
in repelling the aggressions on our maritime
rights, its legitimate object and believing.
unless thus employed, its present enormous
expence cannot be justified l have sup
ported bill for laying up in ordinary so ma
my OF the public vessels as are not necessary
for the defence of the coasts and harbors. /
believe this bill will not pass and in its
present shape it is immateral whether it
does or not because it retains-all the of
icers, most of the navy yards, and all the
expensive parts of the establishment, and
dsmisses portion of the seamen.
Notwithstanding the embarrassment on
our commerce, the revenues derived from
that source, together with the surplusses
that had accumulated in the treasury. and
some inconsiderable amounts received from
the sale of public lands, have been hitherto
found sufficient for the annual appropriate
on of eight millions of dollars towards the
extinguishment of the national debt. (now
reduced to less than SO millions, } indepen
IDENTITY of the support of government and
at the commencement of the present wear
there remained i'll the treasury twelve and
half millions. This latter sum not being
equal to this years instalment of the pub
tic debt and the current demands of govern
ment, loan to the amount of SO much of
fhe principal only of the debt as is redeema.
Bile IN this year, has become necessary.
With perfect consideration,
remain your friend
And obediens servant,
~ THOMAS GHOLSON,