Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-06-24
TO THE PUBLIC.
FEIIow CITIzENs,

tuous question of declaration of war against
Great Britain. AS that question was consld-
cred only with closed doors, the minority, al
ter falling in every attemptto obtain puollc
discussion, came to determination not to de-
bate question OF so much importance IN Sc
cret. They therefore gave silent vote
Being DESTROYS of spreading my sentiments
before the public, especially with view TO
their reaching that part of the community
which has more immediately honored me
with this confidence, publish my observa-
tons in matter and form, precisely as | m
tended to have delivered them IN the Hopse
Of Representatives. ,. IAGOAhl Il
~-za
Mn. SPEAKER,
81 consider the question now before the
house as the most Important OF any on winch
i have been called upon to decide since
have been honored with seat In this douse
whether it can be considered IN relation to It's
principles or consequences, 1t is no less
than whether will give my vote TO change
the peaceful habits Of the people OF the United
States for the attitude of war and the din OF
arms; and farniliarize our citizens with blood
and slaughter. / ana happy TO find that, SO lar
as nv own conduct is concerned, the clearest
conviction of duty harmoniZes with my own
inclination. Having been long conVersant- In
the quiet walks Of civil life, and In the exer-
else of profession, one important part OF the
daties of which is to inculcate peace and good
will both towards and among men cannot
contemplate my country as on the verge OF
war, especially of a war which to me appears
both unnecessary and inpolitlc IN the outset
Ddwhich will probably prove disastrous IN
the Issue, war which, In my view, goes to
pnt not only the lives and property OF our
most valuable citizens; but also our liberty
& independence itself, at hazard, without ex-
peSiencing the most painful sensations. Be-
leving as / most conscientiously do, that
war at this time, would jeepardize the best,
the most vital interests OF the country which
gave me birth, and in which is contained all
that hold near and dear in life, have, SO far
as depended upon my vote, uniformly oppos-
ed2every measure which thought had di-
rect tendency to lead to war, l voted to fill
up the regiments on the present peace estab-
lishmeut, because the situation OF our affairs
on the frontier appeared to render that mea-
sure necessary, independent of any reference
to state Of war with any foreign power l
( ~S5NNN3
the $4,000 volunteers, and the bill authorizing
the detachment of 100000 militia, because
they were expressly declared to be war Inca-
sures For the same reasons l also voted a.
gainss the l ] 100000 loan as Wei as the reso-
buttons recommending what appeared to me
an odious and oppressive system OF internal
taxation, which a state of war could only rem
der. necessary, but which, on the happening OF
that event, will be found not only oppressive
on the people, but every way inadequate to
the contemplated object. During nine years
in which have been honored with seat In
this house, have, for the most part, content
ed myself with giving my vote in silence. 1t
is believe more than two years since have
taken ZIP any of the time ofthe house IN debate;
but on the present occasion sense OF duty
requires that should not be silent. Howe
verreiuctant some gentlemen may be to listen
to long speeches; shall not lengthen mine
by making any apology for the time / shall
consume on the present occasion.
Among many very wise observations OF the
wisest of men. who, although an absolute
and very powerful monarch, tits observable,
never engaged in any war, this is one. MN
good aaViee .mNke go1r. This IS maxim
which IS peculiarly applicable 10 offensive
wars. ithrespectto such wars as are pure
ly defensive, nations are, many times, not lett
60 their own choice Another nation either
more ambitious or more powerful, invades an
inoHenslve neighbour, with view to con-
quest. The nation invaded has no choice lett
but either resistance or submission. Nc
doubt such unprovoSed aggressions legalize
war. Whether offensive war is in any case
4nd under any circumstances justihable, is ;
Question which ought to be maturely consi
Ncred. Without attempting either decision
or a discussion OF il at this time, | shall taks
it for granted. that il viii be on all hands con
coded vhatoffensiye war ought not 10 be waged
unless where the causes are great, and ths
call peculiarly urgent No one Pfetends tina
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