Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-06-20


III their encomiams on g. Britain and in their
structures On France. In respect to the con-
duct OF France, no justification or even apollo
81 viii be offered; but it may still be inqui-
red why Great Britain has not availed her
sell, Gas France has done) OF the benefits
preferred to both, by the liberal act of Com
sress OF the list of MAY 1902 She has con-
demned the French Emperor, for not having
been definite in revcking his etlicts and at
the same time, in every instance, has refu-
sed to revoke her own. IF he is culpable
Tor not doing every thing, Great Britain is
mere SO Tor not doing any thing, required by
justice. Why has she not supported her
condemnation of him, and raised her own
lame, by superior acts of equity and Eberali-
typ
isit, because fearful of the competition of
the United States, she is opposed to pener-
al renewal of their commerce, win she
only be satisfied by monopoly of this, Is
she not convinced, that the mutual interests
OF the two nations demand an amicable adj
Juatnfent OF their differencesa Our govern
ment have given uneqaivocal proofs of an
earnest and ardent desire to obtain that OBJ
Ject. But, because OF that, does G.. Britain
expect to draw or drive us into measures.
"hlcn- contrary to our essential interest,
must Involve us in an unnecessary war, If
SO, II sic will not listen to her wsest states
men, but will support an administration ini-
mical to this country, in a system of evasions,
pretenslons, pTocrastinations and prevaTica-
tons, slc will too late discover her error.
and by eniisting these states in the interest
OF hsr adversary, to which all her measures
tend, VIII hasten her national overthrow
ana by such deplorable event, will extend
i2r ana VIDE the calamitous consequences
n a-,I
Party spirit, the executive of this COM
Inonwealth, during the last year, has con-
mined IN his place, or re-apponted, Syhen
requisite, every state officer under n-
uoi, who has been correct in his h.
and faithful to his trust; disregard his
poiitics and requiring only his support Of the
'caeral and state constitutions, governments
and laws, with a dne regard to the riehts of
otncers and individuals, subject to his official
discretion, BUTT cannot be expected of anv
executive SO far to disregard the sacred obi
cations 6 duty and honor, as to preserve in
official stations such individuals as would a
buse the influence CT their public Characters
by sanctcning resistance to law, or bv such
ether conduct, as will beguile peaceable and
happy citizens into state of civil war
fare.
for our metropolis, have ever entertain
GU an atectionate esteem ard respect and
regret exceedingly, that she has not suppor-f
tea the salutary measures of this government,
OF tne last year. Had this been done, we
mlght nave silenced the demon of party dis
Cord' nave manifested such an invincib.e
determination to preserve our union, as would
nave animated our sister states to similar
measures; and might have DESTROYED the
germ OF every hope to sever the u. States
Oi late years, the dismemberment of our
nnion" has been an avowed object in the
ministerial papers of G. Britain; and to eff
rect 1t, war has been urged against these
states How Notifying would it be, for any
OF our fellow citizens, to find that their pro-
ceedings, unintentionaily, had promoted such
nefarious designs; and had thus entailed on
thein and ON their posterity, an indelibe stain
~ i. IS seldom admitted as an apology, that in
niViduaiS III the adoption Of such dangerous
means had laudable and honest views or
that they possessed fair regulations for
THESE circumstances serving to increase and
extend the evil, excite proportionate de-
gree OF public resentment. Numerous instan
ces q this kind existed at the commence
Inent ot our revolutionary war, and compel
LED our tellow-citizens to exile themselves.
and to spend the residue of their mournful
Gays IN foreign chimes. 1t is remarkable.
likewise, that such Of late years have been
the politics OF almost every commercial me-
tropoiis Of our sister states, as to have driv-
en- from the state legislature. The reasons
assigned have been the influx of foreigners.
and collection in those great seaports of
the declared malcontents of the national and
state governments individuals, who, with
the uniform of Washington, have combatted
the fundamental principles Of our revolution,
as delineated by that reverend patriot. Nav
our metropolis, by regaining the high ground
which she once held, when Americans
throughout Europe were denominated Bos-
tonlans, and Boston was considered as " the
cradle of liberty" "sanetify" these walls as
the permanent seat of the legislature, and
firmly support our national and state govern
rnents, cur union and independence. But al
though the great body Of the people will al
ways be careful TO preserve internal peace,
they must be prepared to meet incessant
plots TO divide and conquer them. And let
me, gentlemen, address your reason, not
your feelings on this important subject. Who
can contemplate without chils Of horror the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Ct our union, and a civil WARP
What isto be expected from these concon,it-
ant evilss We are now blessed by Divine
Providence, above any other nation. We
have national and state Constitutions, which,
by securing the freedom and frequency of
elections; by the short tenure Of legislative
and executive Offices by the requisite qua
lhcations OF those in Office; by the numerous
checks required in free governments and