Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-06-20
Ir0m tAe L0ndon lsunaagl Repierr.
coMMERcIAL rxrERD1cr1ox.


There arc few persons who could ever be-
iieve that Bonaparte would have been able to
carry lns design OF injuring our commerce to
the extent he has done. Ministers, however,
and those who are intrusted with the affairs
OF kingdoms, ought tohave been apprized of
Its possibility. Men who will begin the
work OF breaking their enemies windows,
ought to consider that their own is made of
glass-aye, and Of c,s7vn-gLaSs too: which
will not stand so great blow or shock as
some other. 1t has been said BY more than
one daily print, that the misery cccasoned
on the continent by these commercial restric-
tons will force Napoleon to relax them. No
such thing IS likely to take place. The dis
appointment OF the merchant is great no
doubt, and his regret proportional; but It
ought to be remembered, before such hone
Is Cherished, that the lower classes of socie-
ty suffer nothing worth speaking Of on the
occasion. The dealer in the prescribed
articles loses his wonted profit and the
hlSher classes forego certain Injuries. The
erect on the continent is only what would be
experienced here if the importation of tea
were prohibited: we should be disapponted
ana VeXed tor a time, but should keep thar
money at home Eyes, hard money) which that
luxury costs US in India, and betake ourselves
soon 70 some other Wholesome beverage, so as
to do almost entirely without it. We IN short
should do as well as we did before shat MA MT
was known in England, or its infusion bro't
INTO general use. The man who has been
accustomed to drink his claret, or other wine
after a meal, would conceive himself mis-
cradle man if deprived of it, Our ministers.
Tor instance, giving each other grand dinners
at the nations eXpence, would deem such
pTivadon, or revolution, the most affecting
winch could befal the country whereas, ifnot
drop OF WINE werctobe imported, the inhab-
l'an's Oh the British Isles would not only live
as long as they 90 now but the lower clas-
ses would have more of the staff &c l;fe 20
support them. That money which IS now e.
pended on foreign vineyards would be appli
ca TO our own corn fields, and thereby their
produce would be increased. 1t MIGHT be
ASKED under these Antedluviannotions, what
the revenue would do without the aid det.i-
yea IRON the duties on wine and other luxu-
riesf Aye, there's the rub - for in This
age OF finance, the skill of minister reste
entirely on the facility of drawing money ont
OF the pockets of the people, by means Of
every thing which goes into their mouths.
ana even INTO their eyes too since we nav ~
dearly Tor light as for any fanpible or foyte-
aole articles Of the whole vocabulary &C CO.
mestlbies. In this instance, a French word
- DSl,cT ulan an English one and we see
mat ministers themselves 20 to France for
words, which better suit them IN the;r ira
JcfS so do commanders for military terms
OF art, when they want the meaning 10 br
Only understood IN certain quarters indeed.
our great men so to France for every tbine
out erf'e'lence; and this they will only take,
as thcy who employ French cooks do manv
OF their made-dishes and entrenefs. !. g. nc
J0rerd meat baHs. TO be serious. then let
US not expect that our bitter ard powerfnI
enemy VIII relax in any measure which he
discovers to be injurious to our interests ri,
security. Let us, by degrees, become fru-
ga; ana prepare, as a place expecting n
siege should do, to supply our own wants ae
much as possible from among ourselves for
u ever war assumed the character ola war
OF determination (6ekium iqfcyuieione1. how
horrible , this war puts on that countcnarce
more and more every day. This cruel war
was generated by Mr.. Pitt, and he, thropch
the good oDices Of his wicked and weak tol-
lowers, has cursed the nation with It in the
manner of a legacy Doctors' Commons
willingly registered it, and that court gave 70
i all the validity and effect it could. Lord
Arden (Mr Pcrccval's brothef) is cerfainly
VeHreDienibcred in this bequcst, and VIII be
more 50 when the whole nation is sensible Of
is full Operation