Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-06-01

cures equally unlawful, is added, by carry
ing the causes to Paris, still more oppres-
sive delays.
III the French government is not willing
to adopt the general rule alluded to, in favor
of American commerce, it is presumed that
it will not hesitate TO define explicitly the
causes of seizure, and to give such precise
orders toits cruize,s respecting them, with
an assurance of certain punishment to those
who violate them, as will prevent all abuse
In future. Whatever orders are given, IL
would be satisfactory to this government to
De made acquainted with them. The Pre-
sident wishes to know, with great accuracy
the principles by which the French govern
ment intends to be governed, in regard to
neutral commerce. "A frank explanation on
this subject, will be regarded as proof of
the friendly policy which France is disposed
to pursue towards the U. States.
! What advantage does France derive from
these abuses! Vessels trading from the
United States can never afford causeof sus=-
picion on any principle, nor ought they to
be subject to seizure. Can the few French
privateers, which occasionally appear at
sea, make any general impression ON the
commerce of Great Britain? They seldom
touch British vessel. Legitimate and ho-.
norable warfare is not their object. Tha
unarmed vessels of the United States are
their only prey. The opportunities OF fair /,
prize are few, even should France maintain
the British principle Can these few pri,
yes compensate her for the violation of her
own principles, and for the effect which it
ought, and cannot fail, to produce herce
Indemnity must be made for spoiations
Oh American property under other decrees-
On this subject, 1t is UNNECESSARY to add any,
I'M how
are detailed and explicit.
The trade 10y licenses must be abrogated-
cannot too strongly express the surprise Of,
the President; after the repeated remun-.
straaces of this government, and more es-
peciaily after the letter of the Duke Of Ca.
dore to Mr.. Russell of the last,
Informing him, that that system would fan
with the Berlin and Milan DEGREES. that il
| should be still adhered to. The exequaturs
OF me const,is who have granted such iicen-.
ses would long since have been revoked, IL
orders TO them to discontinue the practice,
mad not daily been expected, or, in case
they were not received, the more effectual
lintefpcsltion OF Congress to suppress it. 1t
Wiz &c rtainiy he prohibited by law, UNDER
severe penalties, in compliance with the re-
commentator OF the President, if YOUR des-.
patches by the Constitution do not prove, that
your demand On this subject has been duly
attended to.
It's expe ted also, that the commerce be-
tween the United STATES and France ana her
allies VIII be placed on the basis of 4 fair re-.
ciproclty. Il the oppressive restrictions
which stili fetter and harrass our commerce.
| there are not removed, it cannot be doubted
| that Congress VIII, as soon as it appears mat
suitable CT ange may not b. expected, inn
pose similar restraint on The commerce of
France. Shcud such state of things arise
between the NO countries, you will readily
perceive tine obvious tendency, OF, rather.
certain effect on the relations which now,
subsist between them.
Fhis is short sketch of the policy which
1t is expected France will observe in regard
to neutral commerce, and the other jass
claims of she United States A complianSs
! with it, will impose on her no onerous condi-
tons; no concessions IN favor Of she Uni,e6f~-
States. She will perform no act which she
is not bouna TO perform, by strict regard
to justice. Size viii abstain fr, % none, the
abstinence froei which is no, III cd, by
the principles which she asserts AN ro-
fesses to support What is alsoof creation,
portance, the course pointed 6ut csnnut fail
prove, in al us consequences. q she high
est advantage toner.
Among the measures necessary to upi o,H
the attitude taken by this government, i; is
iioiC t1dt a iaN. $. l..
thorising ali merchant vessels to ara IL heir.
own defence. If England alone, 81 nain-s
tanning her Orders in Council, vjolaees our
neutral rights, with her only can INV coils.
sion take effect But III authoris ~ rner-,
chant vessels to arm, the object vii be to
enable them to supp srt their rigilt, tgsinss
all who attemptt to violate them This con-
sideration ought to afford a strong sddit cn4
motive to France to inllibt her priva,eers
from interfering with American vessels.
The United States will maintain their neu-'
trail rights equally against all nations who
violate them.
You will find among the documents
which accompany the Presidents message.
a correspondence between Mr.. Foster and
me, by which the difference relative to the,
attack on the Chesapeake is terminated,
1t was thought advisable not to decline the
advance Of the British government ON this
point, although none was made on any other.
and as the terms offered were such as had
been in substance approved before, To ac- &,
cept them. The adjustment, however of
this difference, does not authorize the ex-x
pectation of a favorable result from the Bril-,
tlsh government on any other point This
government will pursue the same policy to-.
wards Great Britain, in regard to other iD--
Juries, as if this had not been accommodate
ed.
You will also find among the printed do.
euments, correspondence with Nh Fos-,
ter, respecting the Floridas. Tc bis Emon-,
STRANGE against the occupation of Wests
Florida by the troops of the United States.
be was told, that it belonged to them by a
title which could not be improved And to
that relativeto East Florida, he was informs.
in To-. (