The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-10-16

The approaching session of Congress prom
iscs to be unusually interesting. Objects OF
the first importance will force themselves on
the attention, an1 call for prompt and vigor-
Gus interposition. II is well understood that
forbearance and Cancellation have been carried
by our government 10 their utmost Limits,
and that every cxpediept, compatible with the
maintenance of our independence, has been
resorcd &c, to convince the beligerent na,ious
of our rigid impaftialily and Justice We
have extended TO all the powers of Europe
the same principles, and, in our negotiation
and intercourse with them we have waved
every pretension, thA. could be done without
involving Ms in disgrace or committing our
eventual and essential interests. Stunning
the causes of collision of the old world, we
have satisfied ourselves with proclsinipg and
asserting a pacifck policy. In numerous
cases, solicitors for peace, we have iorborne
10 draw the sword where the most palpable
Justice woald have been on our side. Having
pursued this course, and convinced uankind
of the sincerity OF our purpose to DC on friend
ly and equal terms with all nations, the time
has arrived, when further forbearance can
scarcely fail exposing US to the imputation Of
puslaninDi:y. Indeed, ii possible, stronger
motive must shape our future steps. Our
honour is pledged and good faith is too pre-
cious 10 US TO allow it to be sulied. Wher-
ever that leads, however encompassed by per-
lis or sacrifices, it is duty 10 follow.
That these sentiments will animate and
guide Congress, we have no DOUBT. They
ought to regulate the conduct OF euery .fmcr-
lean. But should party spirit, from its unto
ward disposition to oppose every Thing propos-
ed by the friends of the administration, dictate
different principles, still as vast majo.iiy of
the new Congress consist OF republican men,
bers the most implicit confidence may be re-
posed in the purity Of tie motives that will
guide their deliberations and regulate their
measures. No inconsiderabIe accession of
talent, moreover, will be gained by the new
legislative body. More than one third part
Of the members are new, and among these
arc several whose eminent regulations in
their respective states are, VIC trust, the pre-
cursours and pledges for the services they
arc about to render their country in these
trying times. Some members Of the late
Congress, it is true, Of luminous minds and
splendid patriotism, have retired into the ho-
som Of private life. The bold and honest
eloquence of an Eppes will be 10 longer
heard. We hope, however, that his un-
daun,cd spirit will continue TO be cherished
and initiated.
What steps will be taken by Congress in
the ex;gency Of our affairs, it is altogether
premature TO pour:ray Indeed what that
cxigency will be is itself uncertain. But
whether it points to peace or war, it will e..
quaIly, in our judgment, demand measures
of firm and positive cast: If the attitude
Of the British government, continues hostile,
the question, as we have already suggested
Of the armed force to be raised, will present
a topick fer profound reflection, as ON its is
sue may depend not merely the temporary in
terests of the day, but likewise those Of the
remootest pos,eri;y. The wisdom Of the leg
isla;ure will be called upon to decide. wheth-
er VIC are TO pursue the same general course
! in this respect with other nations whether
| there is no; a necessary connexion 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.
NI'ieaOi Ir.eiEgtncer.