Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-09-07
SATURDAY MORNING, Sept. 7,

late election in Maryland, 1t affords US no
small consolation 10 contemplate the noble
and independent stand taken by the numerous
Freemen of that state, In opposition to the rul-
inp faction. Let it be recolIected, that they
had not only to withstand the Vaccinations of
almost every Once-hoider of their own state,
from the Governor downwards, but that even
some officers Of the General Government,
stepping from the path Of their duty, had the
cffrontery to interfere thus presenting the
degrading spectacle of men i'll the most ex'
allied stations converting themselves into cleo
tioneering parlizans. Yet in spite OF all the
influence thus exerted, in spite of Mob-Ha-
rangues aud Infamous fabrications,' the Free
men of Maryland boldly exercised their con-
stitutional privilege, undismayed by threats,
unseduced by corruption. And although their
efforts have been unsuccessful, although their
struggle has been unayailing, yet, when we
reflect upon the power brought against them,
we are forced to consider their defeat as glo-
rious to themselves: the Engines of their op-
ponents were as barbarous and destructive as
were the inventions Of the fallen Angels.
Acquiescing as we do in the will of the
majority, we are not unmindful of the truth
that The minority has IFS rights and we trust
that the issue CT this election will convince
our rulers, if thes did not know 1t before, that
there is large and respectable body of native
Americans who Go not approve of the ruinous
course which has been latterly pursued. IL
is useful lesson, and may be profitable.
- An,ong other hes to delude The unsushi-
cious, retort qvas aldastriouSiy circulated
that Great-B Britain had declared War against
The United States !!
1t has been properly asked, if War is
absolutely inevitable, as some boisterous
politicians lave SO frequently asserted,
1ohy does not ihe administration prepare
for it9 Is it not the height Of cruelty to
leave the country exposed to every aggres-
sion and every danger. our citizens prey
to plumber and blapdsheti' What must
be thought OF the wisdom OF that go
yernment which can calmly behold an APP
preaching storm. and use no exertion to
avoid or repeli t9 Surely if our govern
meut seriously expect war, they ought
to make speedy and suitable preparations
for defence, at least, i, not for annc5 anec.
Tt would be absurd in them 10 say, they
do not possess the power; because they
have a precedent in the conduct Of MIR.
Jefferson. who, soon after the attack on
the Chesapeake. did, on his personal re-
spons;bility, direct the expenditure OF up
wards of half million Of dollars for the
purchase Of salt-petre, naval stores. &c.
We repeat. if we must lave Nac. let US
not remain inactive ike iicots until cur
right arm is Topped of,--antil. perhaps.
our principal means are eSaausted,-when
we may kick and below TO no purpose.
/" It cannot. ought not TO be concealed,
g from our planters and farmers, intelii-
Sc gent merchants long ago having reaiis-
{" ed it, that the foreign commerce Of the
8. United States must undergo a great and
/" perhaps permanent reductions" So says
the InteIlisencer Of Thursday. 1t must
be gratifying 20 sour planters and FARM
ers" TO be informed that ste OF things
r,aStensue, which Intelligent merchants
have sREALssED long ago. Ii we ua-
tlerstand this writer's object. he wishes
either to prepare the public for anothef
Embargo, or to persuade the planters and
farmers to eul,irate less Tobacco. Cotton
and Rice than they have hitherto done