Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-07-01

W NioAd'S our neutral rls,ptS, accompanied
with Promises OF non-intercourse with the o.
thor, until it should consent to do the same .
Did the English plenipotcntiary Erskine, ac-
cept this otter? The question is not now,
whether he was authorised, but whether the
terms we're more than just /! Ii not, then En-
gland would not recall her unjust orders in
Council and blcckades not because our non
intercourse with France, in case of her nom
compliance, would not be as cfectual against
the trade OF her enemy as all her cruising
ships; butbecause she feared France would
also repeal her DEGREES, and thus restore our
rishttul trade with both. Have our govern
ment made later, similar, equal offer to
both nationss Has France declared her ac-
ceptance, provided we, with good faith, keep
cur promise of non-intercourse with England,
till she also complies We consider this pro-
viso as an insulting doubt Of our national faith
and hrmness. And shall we justify this doubt,
and break our own faith and promise, because
we fear in turn that the emperor of France
may not keep his promiseI No-Though all
nations should be false, let America be true.
No dishonor attaches to nation deceived by
direct breach of faith. We believe that the
people OF the u. S. have too much common
sense TO prefer the scraps of skulking COM
merce, proved upon by all nations, to pro-
hope at least that England, finding US firm
and persevering in our prudent and peaceful
policy, may discover il to be her true interest
as well as honor, to return to that regard to
law and justice. which formerly secured to
her the confidence of nations, and raised her
TO high pre-emihence in glory and power !;
to that justice without which the world must
rather rejoice in her desolation.
The whole history of America has given
convincing proof of benevolent Providence,
deducinS good from seeming evil. And have
we not now reason to expect that the manu-
featuring spirit, encouraged by the cmbar-
easements on our commerce, may vet in a
national view, more than compensate for all
the evils, which we are sorry to see so many
ct our fellow citizens now suffering from those
embarrassments. For next to husbandmen.
from what class can we expect to find more
strong and brave soldiers in war, and virtu-
GUS citizens in time Of peace, than from our
industrious mechanics and manufacturers !;
and what can tend to make us more an in
dependent nation, free from foreign influence,
than an industry and ingenuity which can sup
Ply us with all the necessaries and eiegances
OF life from our own resources. We wish al
ways to see our agriculture and commerce
aiding each other; while we cannot but rejoice
greater variety of produce, wanted in manu-
features, and always finding a ready sale at
home; promoting internal commerce, & les
sening the necessity of importations. Surplus
productions from our soil, fisheries and manu-
features, we expect to have, " To establish
tor these a market at home" suffering, natl
ons to come and purchase, " zvho inhi6h our.
commerce zvnh theD7," would certainly be
most "unsvist." And if any nations persist
IN attempts to prevent our resort to what
market we choose, we "shuf7a all COM
mercc" with such nations-we can live sin
dependent offheni." And if this produces
war we have no reason to fear. We have
Towering. foreSts, fertile soil, rich mines, am
fife materials for a navy, amamtrefsid officers
and Seamen TO man IT,"
The laws regulating elections are funda-
mental and of primary Importance in every
republican state. Their violation, whether
by the fraud, unjust influence and partially
OF officers concerned in them, or by open riot
and 'tttr'6ulent proceedings in or primary
aSSfmohes," or ungenerous influence of the
wealthy over the poor, by too open ballot,
are in the nature of high treason against the
sovereign people. The House of Represen-
tatives will not fail to pay due attention to
the suggestions of your Excellency on this
subject.
We bless God for our rights of conscience
and that there eriSts general shirt ofH-
6era6ty and tolerance" both among our pee
pie and clergy; and willingness to secure,
by wholesome laws, these sacred rights to
all If any of that venerable order, which
the people always wish to respect, should
- ferchance, zvander into the devious maths
81 Marty hoihicS," they will soon discover
their own impotence and regret the loss of
that usefulness, which it was their duty to
preserve.
10 secure justice by good laws and an i'm
partial administration of them; to promote
ana dlftuse knowledge and morality by semi
Mares OF learning and wise public institute
chs and tree press to encourage nation
al republican spirit, by banishing all regard
Tor the tinsel titles and trappings of monar-
chy and aristocracy; foster a sacred regard
Ion our state and rational Constitutions. dread
ing their arrangements and fearing the very
approach towards their confines, these are
the first care and the first duties of the Re-
pTesentaires of the free people of this state ::
and though on this occasion we have thought
1t necessary and not improper, to follow your
f-Hcehency, IN expressing our confidence in
our constituted national authorities. and de-
termination t. support a union so dear to eve
~ true American; yet in all their proceed
iings the House Of Representatives will strict
~ conhne themselves to subjects within their
own state legislation and state Concerns :1eav-
hig the management OF national and foreign
bitAifS 70 that President and LEGISLATURE of