The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-08-27

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10 rehngnish o'lr orDn /? Does WashiDgton's
admonition 20 that far ! Does 1t follow, that
because it would be improper TO Intervene
our destiny with that of any part OF Europe"
we ought TO submit TO the outrages which
any part of Europe may choose, 10 the wan
tonncss of power, to inflict upon Us i he
bes, illustration Of Wsshing,on's sentiments,
in this respect, is to be found IN his own po-
licy during the period of his presidency. In
proportion as ne kept aloof from European
brois, he firmly maintained the rights of bic
country. We all remember the mission oi
Mr. Jay, and the concomitaDt measure OF
embargo in 1894. In his message TO Con
gress, on the 2d Of December 1893 he says,
+" I cannot recommend to your notice mea-
surcs for the fulflmsnt of our duties 10 the
rest of the world, without again pressing up
on you the necessity of placing ourselves IN
a condition OF complete defence, and OF ex-
acting from them the fulhlment OF fheir du-
ties towards u.s." I" There is rank due 10
the United States among nations which
will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by
the reputation of weakness"
Had the mission of Mr.. Jay not ended in
treaty, war would inevitably have been recon-
mended by President Washington against the
British. They had in 1874 commenced the
same systematic spoliations upon our COM
merce as they have carried on, in u more sg-
gravated degree, for the last seven years. In
a message 10 Congress, on :he I'd Of March,
1894, he communicated a report from Ed
mund Randolph, then Secretary OF State, re-
capi.ua'ing, under six heads, the various
existing charges against the British. These
were |. Plunder of American vessels by
English prvatecrs 2. Impressment of A
merican citizens 8. Restricting corn and
provisions to British ports alone a. OBJ
structions 10 our carrying trade S. lnterdic-
lion TO American bottoms of trade between
France and her colonies And, 6. The NAL
conduct of the Admiralty courts in the Brit
ish Islands. france had offended too but
Washington selected Great Britain.
And what is the reason that Washington
succeeded in bringing Great Britain TO terms
sufficient 10 prevent hoslilities /! Why, his
name, his reputation, his great Standing with
the nation. lie overawcd faction he kept
down opposition the British feared TO renew
wa: with the United States under his auspi-
ces they knew that he would unite the pco-
pie to mn. He was the hero Of our coun-
try, he had led us triumphantly through tbe
war Of the revolution his companions in
arms were spread throughout the unisn /;
they could every where attest his probily aad
his patriotism. Madison, although not less
yrtuoas nor less wise, does not enjoy the
same good fortune. His fame, it is true, has
spread over the states the force of his ia
tcllectual powers has been felt in Europe az
we'll as IN America ! but ne has rot had tkc
same advantage Of successfully combating at
the head of armies the foes of his country
Too young during The frs, part of the rcys-
lu,ionary war and drawn of to other though
not less useful pursuits since, he has never
had an opportunity of being seen in that bril-
liant situation, which, however bloody and
disastrous 10 the human race, never fails TO
TX the admiration OF men, and 10 inspire
them with confidence in the individual who
occupies it. All have heard OF Madison, but
he is not kno7on to all as Washington was.
Hence, calumuy has had more room to work.
tlis policy has been rcviled, and his measures
uniformly misrepresen,cd. Factions have "a
risen and upon these factions, which die
not exist to any formidable extent during the
administration Of Washington, Great Britain
has built the hope of resisting with impunity
our demands for Justice. Under Washing
ton she believed us united, and to q very
considerable latitude, she yielded to our re.
monstrances under Madison, she thinks US
divided, and she has refused to make atone
ment for the most unjustihabc wrongs Has
she still basis for her hope, in the con,inu-
ance of opposition to administration Let the
recent conduct Of the House Of Representa-.
tives of Massachusetts,, let the language Of
some half dozen of the federal newspapers,
les the Pamhbief of rhe .fddressers Themselves,
answer the question.
Among other reasons assigned against
war (at page 6) by the pamphlet before me,
is the form and instability Of our national gov
crnment. The true answer to this argument
is severe structure upon those who use 1t.
1t is obvious, that in government like ours,
its stahiliiv and iis duration both depend upon