Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1811-05-31

prosecuting: auo tue present law, Df pro-
hibiting the importation of property pur.
chased before the law was passed, is pecu,
liarly injurious and oppressive, and especi-
ally to the merchants in New. Haven.
Resolved, That the course of measures
pursued by our government, for number
ofyears past, alarms us with the appreEen-
sion that such measures are intended to de-
press or destroy the active commerce OF the
Eastern and Middle States; and thus to
impair their strength, and diminish their
importance. Nor are we less apprehensive
that this policy aims gradually TO introduce
into this country, the system which pre-
walls on the Continent of Europe. Against
such projects, il is our duty TO demonstrate
with firmness; and to express our delibe-
rate belief, that evils of this serious magnl-
tude, will in this section of the country,
meet with the most determined resistance.
Resolved, That a perseverance IN inter-
dieting importations from Great Britain in
stead Of inducing the administration OF that
country to revoke their orders, will proba-
bly, issue in measures which will subject our
trade to new embarrassments, by giving rise
TO circuitous trade, which make British
chips the carriers of our productions, and by
increasing the expenses of freight, lessen
the value of oui exports. To this we may
add, that such trade, or any measures
which should ultiply the difficulties of ex-
changed productions, would increase the
practice of smuggling, which not only de-
frauds the revenue, but begets pernicious
habit of evading the laws.
ReSe!vea, That acommerce "embarrass-
ed by too much regulation" and restriction,
Is destructive to morality, to fair dealing,
and to that respect for law which cons titutes
the peace and order of society, and the best
security OF free government. Itremoves
the business from the upright merchant,
who respects the law and his oath - and
throwsi; into the hands OF unprincipled men,
who disregard both. 1t multiplies spies
and informers; it engenders distrust among
citizens; it offers a premium for the en-
couragement of fraud and perjury; it cre-
ates litigation it generates contempt for
government.
Resolved, That free trade to the British
dominions is particularly advantageous to
the United States as those countries want
many of our productions, while our citizens
need many of the productions and manufac-
tutes of the British dominions, which the,
furnish in great abundance, and on the best
terms some of which are essential to our
own manufactures.
Resolved, That the attempt to influence
the measures oil foreign governments by pro-
hibiting commercial intercourse with their
subjects, is both nefficacious, and mischiev-
Gus incbFcaci0us, because no nation is suf-
hcieGtli dependent on the trade OF the Uni-
ted States, to be compelled by the want of
them, to changea course Of measures deem
ed essential to its safety or interest; mis-
chievous, because such interruption of our
foreign trade checks domestic industry and
enterprise, impoverishes our own citizens,
impairs our national strength and impor.
lance, and dries up copious source of re.
venue; while ii throws into the hands of
our rivals, advantages which we naturally
possess, and which sound policy dictates
we should not abandon.
Resolved, That an Introduction of the
trade of the United States TO Great. Britain
tends directly to favor the views and second
the operations of her powerful and invete.
rate enemy. We sincerely desire free
commerce with both belligerent nations,
and with other nations concerned IN the
war, upon principles ofimpartial euuallty.
And we still believe that our government
may adjust the differences with the British
Cabinet, on principles compatible with our
interest and with our national honor.
Resolved, That the United States have
no less cause to be alarmed at the enormous
power OF France, than to be indignant at
the injuries and insults which her sovereign
offers to our country. Under his orders,
our ships have been burnt and sunk on the
high seas: our seamen have been imprlson-
cd, aud our property seized, in violation of
a solemn treaty, and contempt of all the
laws OF good faith, OF humanity, and of ho-