The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-07-09
FROM rnE NA-IoEAL 1NrELL1cEwcEa.

The beTigercnts. ON both sides, have done
great INJURY to the u. States IN many W avs,
and justice is expected from them on every
ground OF complaint. 6. Britain violated our
neutral rights by her paper blockade, of
the continent by condemnation, of Ameri
can vessels and their corgoes i'm her adm-
rally courts. contrary to her own previous
assurances as we'll as to the established
rights OF the sea by her impressment of
our seamen; by infesting or rather block
aiding cur ports with her squadrons, at diff
Serent times
France violated our neutral rights by her
paper blockade OF the British Isles aud by
seizng and condemning American vessels
engaged IN that trade by declaring vessels,
visited by British ships, denationQiised and
liable to capture on the high seas by
burning ou;' vessels at sea, in cases where
there could be no pretext for more than
sending them into port for trial. She has
also done us great injury by the seGuestra-
ton and conhsCation of American vessels
and their cargoes in the ports of France and
elsewhere, under several DEGREES. retros
pective. as we'll as arbitrary and unjust
No part OF any of these claims on either
power has been relinQuished, that we know
OF, ny our government nor do we believe
chat REIMBURSEMENT of any part has been.
or is contemplated by it.
;. In the proposition which was made to
Doth parties by the law of March LIST. 1909,
an case either revoked its DEGREES violating
our neutral rights, to. enforce non-inter.
course on the o.,er, if it did not follow the
example, 1t was rot supposed that a good
intelligence with either, on that point, would
prevent 1t on others. It was rather to be
presumed. that it would pave the way to
just accommodation with the power &C
cepting 1t, on every other, ground of vari.
ance. Had the arrangement entered, into
with Mr.. Erskne been confirmed by his
government, it cannot be doubted, that such
was the expectation of our government, nor
is there rea sonable cause 10 suppose, that
that expectation would have been ayain
one.
In the proposition made more recently to
both parties, by the act of May LIST, 1910,
to enforce non intercourse on that which
should revoke It's cdicts, to the exemption
OF thai which revoked them, the same ex
pectation is doubtless INDUCED of all the be-
Nehclal consequences that were looked for
IN the ether case 1t remains to be seen
IN what degree this will be verified.
In the case with England, the government
OF the y. b did what it had engaged to do
tthas done the same in regard to France.
tits as wise as it is just, for every govern
ment that respects its own honor, and the
opinion of the world, to perform it's part in
every engagement it enters into. If it does,
It's example tends to produce good effect
Wit the opposite party, and to secure its
co'ep'i nee. 1t this latter party fails to
comply. under such crcumsta noes, the ma
eion whfch has fuifilledits engagements, and
preserved IT'S faith. will stand on strong
gro nd abroad as we'll "a al home. 1t will
hno itself in situation to pursue it's lust
claims with that power as well as with the
Other. w;th more united sentiment. and
with greater force
The government of the q. S. stands
pledged to do its duty under the law, and
IN every oher circumstance, and is respon-
sbe to the nation for the performance of
that duty. If it sacrifices any right. or
peglects any interest the censure of the ma
tion will fall on it, 1t must do what NAV
be fairly expected from able, vigorous and
honest councils, according to the means en-
trusted to ii. If the government acquits it
self to the just claims of virtuous and
well informed people, and the belligerents
or either OF them, should still adhere to
their obnoxious edicts, an appeal will be
made to the wisdom of the Congress. and
of the nation, at the next session, emil yhtee.
ed, as we shall be, by past experience and
intervening events.