The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-02-06
SPEECH
Of D. n. WILLIAMS. of S. CARoLINA,
on the Passage Of the Bill for raising a


important a question as the present even
in ordinary cases, it is bothnatural and justi-
fable (; much more SO, in a case which is of
sufficient magnitude, abstractly considered,
TO excite all our soliCitude, now become inf
nitciy more momentous by the course the ar
gument has taken; for the question is, not
only shall the bill pass, but shall there be
war;
After the maturest deliberation, he had
been able to give the subject, he must con-
fess that, he was not perfectly satisfied with
the details of the bill before the House. He
believed it to be fairly liable to the object
ons urged against it, by his worthy friend
from N. Carolina Mr.. Macon.) Sir, the or
ganization of the troops contemplated to be
raised is newt is true, it had been irtima-
ted TO be an imitation of the French organ
ization ; but that is not the fact, and viewing
it as an experiment, he could but distrust it
or any other that should be attempted ct
this time 1t puts down the old system, which
carried us safe and triumphant through our
war, and perhaps might better through ana
ther, than to take up one that is new, untried,
experimental besides, it certainly does es-
tablish a preference in the command of off
GERS of the same grade, in the old and this
new army-he thought the jealousics sn.fici-
cnt already, without adding new causes but
as it isimpossible every member should OBJ
tain his precise WiSIlSSln matters OF detail,
perhaps no one ought sooner tO dissrust his
own Judgment than himself, and as the prn-
ciple of the bill met his appreciation, he
would vote for it, more especially, as he con-
sidered it the first measure of war against
G.. b.
To his mind there appeared to be ONLY
three courses left for the nation Repeal the
non-importation law and take war with
France-makc war on G. B.. or submit to
the principle of her orders in Council.-
Which alternative then shall we accent p
He had no agency in brnging;thc country in
TO its present situations, but it was not there
fore less his duty to exert every eff ,rt to res
Que her from it. The period had arrived,
when he considered Indifference as criminal
that he who was not for the country, was
against it. He was not disposed to repeal
the non-importation law at this time be-
cause he considered, no matter whether
he approved of the fact or not, that the faith
of the nation was pledged to retain it, and
that it's repeal would, of course. be violati
On of that faith nor did he believe that any
circumstance could arise. so imperious i'm
his mind, as to induce him, by any vote OF
his, to violate faith, so dear, and heretofore
so immaculate. The repeal of thar law hap
pen when it may, must necessarily depend
on circumstances that are not vet known.
To yield to the principle of the orders in
council, is virtual abandonment OF the rights
of an independent nation. He meant not to
drivel out this debate, by following some gem
tlemcn through their tedious details concer-
ming the relative Importance of the events
of 'oS let us come home to the present
times and inquire. what is that principle =
Practically considered, it is the exercise of
supreme legislation over us, involving not
only all the attributes of legitimate sove-
reignty, but despotism direct. And when
honored with seats in this House, while en-
trusted with the rights too of the people of
the U. S., shall we baselv, and without re
sstance succumb to British domination The
question then is, ought resistance tobc made
by physical force?
He could not but rejoice, that neither tie
revocation nor modification of the French e.
diets, enters into the present discussion -
However positive and important the repeal
or modification Of the Berlin aud Milan de-
crees NAV be to us, they are in relation to G
b., now merged by her, in considerations O.
Tar different character and import. The do
mands made by that government through its
accredited minister here, has thrown the re
peal of those DEGREES entirely out of the dis
pute; because, contrary to her solemn and
reiterated promises. whether they are re.
pealed or not, her orders are to be continued
IN force. What now is made the basis Of
their revocation You are required to act
within the territorial limits of France-to
put down her municipal regulations-to O.
verthrow her whole system of internal trade
and manufacture, whereby, n channel NAV
be opened for the introduction of British ma
nutactures into French ports. is it possible
that any man can mistake the secret object
OF such a requisition Can it be concealed
that 1t is equivalent to an absolute, upouali.
fed rejection OF every overture for q reneal
OIL her part ? What pretext of Justice has
she for such demand, Are French man.
ufacturcs admitted into her ports Will she
admit them under any circumstances what
ever Docs she ever permit on. who are
70 procure this advantage for her, to carry
your own manufactures to her domipions p
NO. II, then. the remuneration of the prin-
ciple of her orders, depends upon our secur.
ing to her the introduction of her manufac
tures into France, what are we To exnecs
Wnat other resource than positive resis-
lance have we felt , We are then bro,,ol,
tn a direct decision, either to submit tn the
prlnc'pie, or 70 oppose it by force Submit
did ne say He shrunk with detestat;or
from the idea Indeed he felt hunblcd by
the seeming necessity Of speaking oft b,,-
me gentleman from Virginia (Mr. SheITsv'
had made 1t necessary, TO exDose sucl, a nm
nous and disgraceful Course. Much nc bs
respcctcd-hc did not mean to reflect mon
the man, but his arguments he abhorrod
10 MS mind, every hope that an accom-.
mediation NAY yet be effected with G. b.. an.
pears perfectly unfounded. If there is 2
r ~.