The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-10-11
WAsHINGroM. Octoh.r =

fr-. . -. :
Abe approaching session OF Congress
promises to be unusually Interesting. OBJ
jects OF the first Importance will force
themselves on the attention, and call for
prompt and vigorous nterposition 1t is
well understood, that forbearance and con-
Citation have been Carried by our govern
ment to their utmost limits. and that eve.
ny expedient. compatible with the main.
tsnance OF our independence, has been re
sorted to, TO convince the belligereut ma lions
OF our rigid impartiality and Justice. We
have extended to all the powers OF Europe
the same principles, and, in our negocia-
ton and intercourse with them we have
waved every pretenson, that could be done
without Involving US In disgrace or COM
uniting our eventual and essential inter-
ests Stunning the causes OF collision OF
the old world, we have satisfied ourselves
with Proclaiming and asserting pacific
poiicy. In numerous cases. soiicitou. .or
peace, we have forborne TO draw the sw ord
where the most palpab!e justice would have
been ON cur side. Having pursued this
course, and convinced n ankind of the sin
cerity Ut ous purpose TO be ON friendly and
equal terms with all nations, the time has
arrived, when further torbearance can
scarcely tail exposing us to the imputaton
OF pusillanimity. Indeed, ii possible, stron-
ger motives must shape ouI future steps.
Our honori is pledged. and good faith is
too precious to US to allow it to be suliied.
Wherever that leads, however encompass
cd by peris OF sacrifices, it is our duty to
follow.
That these sentiments will animate and
guide Congress, we have no doubt They
ought 10 regulate the conduct of every
American. But should party spirit, from
Its untoward disposition to oppose every
SaI h,r f-,.x -. A.
ministration, dictate different principles,
sill as vast maturity OF the new Con
srsss ceasist OF republican members, the
most implicit confidence may be reposed
IN lhc purify OF the motives that will guide
their deliberations and regulate their mea
sures. No inconsderabe accession OF a.
lent. moreover, will be gained by the new
legislative body. More than one third part
OF The members are new, and among ,hese
are several whose eminent regulations in
them respective states are, we trust, the
precursors and pledges. Tor the services
they are about to render thei, country in
these tryiag times. Some members ofthe
late Congress, it is true, of luminous minds
and splendid patriotism, have retired into
the bosom of private life. The bold and
honest eloquence of an Eppes will be no
longer heard We hope, however, that his
undaunted spirit will continue TO be cher
ished aud initiated
WHAT steps will be taken by Congress in
the exigency of our affairs, it is altogether
premature to pourtray. Indeed what that
exigency will be, is itself at present most
uncertain. But whether 1t points to peace
or war, it will equally, in our judgment,
demand measures OF firm and positive
cast. 1t the attitude of the British govern
ment continues hostile, the question, as We
have already suggested, of the armed force
to be raised, will present topic for pro-
found reflection, as nits issue may depend
not merely the temporary interests of The
day, bu, likewise those OF the remotest
posterity. The wisdom of the Legislature
will be called upon to decide. whether we
are to pursue the same general course in
this respecE with other nations whether
there is not a necessary connection between
the means and the end and consequently,
whether If we adopt the former. we shall
not inevitably reach the latter. Or, in other
words whether the duration of free states
is compatible with an immense armed force,
either land or navaL-.Wat Int.