Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-06-11

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would have been renewed; but instead OF
such mutual intercourse, France hath smut
her ports against the introdnetlon OF so'he =,
our most important articles OF produce anu
trade, unless under conditions Infringing inc
free exercise of our sovereign rights, wlthlh
orr territorial jurisdiction. She hath also
Subjected our commerce with her to oPpfes-
sive and yexatious restraints, and to eXorbl,
tant duties, amounting to an Introduction OF
all beneficial or honorable intercourse
And whereas, if such revocation OF her e
diets had really and bona fde taken eftect,
'(asfpood faith among nations enjoined) instead
of being partially suspended, tor the lnsidiouS
purpose of engaging America IN immediate
war with Great Britain, the United States had
other we'll founded demands against france,
for indemnity and restitution of property, a.
mounting to millions, unjusty seized and
detained in various ports OF Europe, whefe
her control and influence extend) under tflvo-
lous pretexts, " none of which had even the
semblance Of RICH to support them" when
demands, although so just, she hath mani
tested no satisfactory evidence or disposition
to compensate, although direct applications
have been made to her for the purpnse-and
what is still more outrageous, long since the
nretended revocation Of her obnoxious DEGREES,
French national ships, without the shadow OF
trial, have captured and burnt, or sunk, (at-
ter first plundering) the vessels OF our ciu-
zcns on the ocean, the common highway OF
all nations, while in the pursuit OF lair and
neutral trade" acts SO atrocious In their
kind IS would almost forbid US to imPute them
hol OF avJds
70 the contrary, ouinced by the remonstrances
of orr minister at that court on the subject,
hath been treated with silent contempt, as dis
respectful to our government as 1t is wound
ing to its honor, although demanding the most
prompt disavowal, and infection OF punish
ment on the offenders.
With these multiplied aggressions before
us, and many Others too disgusting to emu
merate-We, therefore, this day assembled,
feeling lively interest for tie independence,
for the honor, and for the welfare OF our COM
mon country, cannot refrain from expressing
our lust indignation and adherence, at the
outraees and injuries which both the great
belliperent powers of Europe have inflicted
and still continue to inGict upon our country +;
and declaring as our opinion, that the United
States have, at this time, s have had tor years
past, legitimate causes OF war against both ".
Britain and France But before this last ap-
neal can be resorted to with effect (all pacific
alternatives being tried in vain) it behoyeS our
rulers to put in requisition the whole resour-
ces of the nation, and provide suitable and
adequate means to meet the conflict with
prospects of success. 1t is not for acquisi-
lions of territory that the United States are
inpe!led TO resort to war; 1t is in defence and
for the preservation and protection OF our ma
rhine rights, alike inuoded by both eggressors.
IN such juncture, our national efforts ought
TO be called forth, and directed to provide and
Increase those means, which are best adapted
to their defence. Such policy, if steadily pur-
sued, we are persuaded would give content to
the commercial states of the union, and ultl
mately attain the great object IN vlew-the
efficient protection Of our commerce.
1t cannot escape our notice that the wishes
s. expectations of our government, as we'll as
of our citizens, TO preserve peace WITH all ma
tons so essential TO our prosperity and hap
piness, have heretofore prevented our rulers
from adopting those preparatory means OF de-
fence, which perhaps; cautious policy and
prudent foresight might we'll have suggested.
But it is not our present business to complain
of what might have been done, and which
passing events indicate ought to have been
done but to look forward and provide an eff
6cient safeguard iE future under cover of the
national arm.
We are constrained therefore, to declare as
our opinion, that the u. States are at this time
in the same embarrassing predicament, as they
were in November, 1903 The committee of
Foreign Relations at that time having stated to
the House of Representatives in Congress, al
ter full detail Of our ggievauces--that " the
necessity, if war be resorted 20, of making it
at the same time against both nations, and
those nations the two most powerful in the
world, was a PRINCIPAL cause Of hesitation" -
That there would be none, in resortng to
.L,+ IF