Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-08-31

inferior topics, but leaving points that
are of even a more odious character,
for. Id.
PnILADELrnIA, Aug. IS.
DECREASE OF OUR MARATIME
COMMERCE.
From the very M ment that Great
Britain assumed the principle of right to
regulate and circumscribe the commerce
OF foreign nations SO as TO subserye he's
own particular interests or necessities,
(Which she did on the 10Th of May 1905,
by declaring upon paper the whole coast
o. the continent of Europe, from the
Eibe to Ostend, in state of blockade.
( without having the force stationed be-
fere those harbors required by the law Of
nations to constitute an investmept) f,
was perfectly evident to every man who
knew any thing of the political circum.
stances of Great Britain. that il was vain
tor any other rationto hope for the CON.
tInuance OF free commerce. without con-
testing for it, and the only que s,ion with
wise statesmen was or al least ought 10
have BEEN the manner and nature of The
contest and how it might be conducted
with least injury to their own country
ard with most effect on their adversary
-Whelher by resaliating with reprisal
and capturing citizen for citizen, ship for
ship, and property for property-Or by
the more pacific system of stasnatIng her
commerce in return Tor her having
shackled ours.
The5Feople Of the United States NAV
make uPStheir minds Tint they must ei-
therB<ye up their commerce 20 the con-
trcl of Grea, Britain or contest he point
with her, in one or other of the above
modes--and the sooner they form thsir
resolution the better il will be both for
themselves and their children. If we ste
willing again TO come under the governs
ment OF Epglsnd, leI US do II al once, and
the tories, who are now distraGliue and
keeping the nation in a fermcn,, will be
quies. But If We really wish 10 be an
independent nation il is quI,e time that
that we should ,ske son- snsssures 10 be
SO. AZ present we arc Carrying on a
most disadvaniageous commerce; which
vii! impoverish the nation and deprive us
oil Tho means OF Resistance.
Our disputes with Grea, Britain are OF
q nature that neither require nor indeed
admit of weeks discussion. She de-
claIcs that We shall trade with no coun.
try Without her permission. If ge admit
this pretersion OF right for day we sub.
Tni.--bnt il We do moi admit it, and Great
Britain insists on it, the matter is at is.
sue, and there can be no greater folly,
nor any scene more ridiculous, than our
sending minister to London, 10 tell
Marquis Wellesley Ina, the American
COVE nnent will not admit principle
which we have. by submitting 10 it fer
four years, eifsGuzlly admitted II would
DuzEe even Mr.. Pibkney, and his lord.
shih, to infer any virtual difference of
meaning in this case, be.wsen The words
admit and submit.
Another point in dispute with Grea,
Britain is the impressment Of our sea.
men. Our government is pledged 10
prote9 the liberty a. our citizens, whe.
thss born in thefcouh,ry or na.uralized.
Coat Britain Smpre rs them, and o.
bliees them 10 fight ID her ships Of war.
and insists on continuing 20 TO so, willis;
we insul, the unfortunate sufferers BIZ
telling them that we do not admit the
right OF Great Britain To put them in
chains, though We sabmis 10 il.
1t 10 really high time that the Amer.
can people opened their eyes TO the real
situation Of the nation. they have been led
away from their true policy in the reno
val of the embargo, by handful of trai-
tors, whose designs might have been
easily frustrated, bad the people been
more on III ir watch. A most unfortu.
nate and uuaccountabie apathy has too
long psrvsded all ranks OF the communi.
iy. aud the consequence is the loss of our
commerce, and the loss Of our chsrsc-
ters G..
Aurora.
AUeUsT IS.
Tbo nesfseh ~.,,r.ot>re are