Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-06-26

dation but in principle equally supporting a
claim to regulate our external commerce. IN
all cases whatsoever
We behold, in fine, on the part OF threat
Britain a state of war against the UnltedStates;
and on the side of the United States state OF
peace towards Great Britain.
Whether the United States shall continue
massive under these progressive usurpations,
and these accumulated wrongs; or, opposing
force to fore in defence OF their natural rights,
shall commit just cause into the hands OF
the Almighty Disposer of events, avoiding
all connexions which might entangle il in the
contests or views of other powers, and pre-
serving constant readiness to concur in an
honorable re establishment ofpeace and friend
snio. is solemn question, which the consti-
triton wisely coniides to the Legislative DE
rartoent of the government. In recommend
ing 1t TO their early deliberations am happy
in tho assurance that the decision will be wor-
thy the enlightened and patriotic councils OF a
yirtnous. a free, and powerful nation
Having presented this view of the relations
ofthe United states with Great Britain and OF
the solemn alternative growing out of them,
proceed to remark that the communications
last made to congress on the subject OF our
relations with France viii have shown that
since the revocation of her DEGREES as they
violated the neutral rights of the United
States, her government has authorised illegal
captures BY its privateers and public ships,
and that other outrages have been practised
on our vessels and our citizens. 1t will have
been seen also, that no indemnity had been
provided, or satisfactorily pledged for the ez-
tensive spolations committed under the vlo-
lent and retrospective orders of the French
government against the property of our citl-
zens seized within the jurisdiction OF France
] ABSTAIN at this time from recommending to
the consideration OF congress deiinitive mea-
eures with respect to that nation, in the ex-
reetation that the result of Enclosed discus
sions between our minister plenipotentiary at
Paris and the French government will speedi-
" enable congress to decide with greater ad-
vantage, on the course due to the rights, the
interests and the honor of our country
JAMES MADISON.
Washington, June |, 1912
AN ACT
Declaring war between the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland and the Deepen
denotes thereof, and the United States OF
America and their Territories.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House OF
Representatives of the United States OF Amer
lea in Congress assembled, That war be and
the same is declared to exist between the Uni-
ted Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
and the de pen lencies thereof and the United
States of America and their Territories and
that the President of the United States be
and he is hereby authorised to use the whole
of the land and naval forces of the United
States, to carry the same into effect, and to
issue to private armed vessels of the United
States, commissions or letters of marque and
general reprisa in such form as he shall
think proper, and under the seal of the United
States, against the vessels, goods and effects
OF the government of the same United King
dom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the
subjects thereof
H. CLAY,
Speaker of the House Of Represent dtiveS
VIM IL CRAWFORD,
President Of the Senate pro. tenn
June Is, 1872 APPROVED,
JAMES MADISON.
Bv THE
PRESIDENT or THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the Congress of the United
Safes, by virtue ofthe Constitutional Author
~ vested in them, have declared by their act
beaging date the eighteenth day of this pre-
sent month that War exists between the u
nited Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
and the dependencies thereof and the United
States Of America and their territories: Now
therefore, |, JAMES MADISON, Presden
OF the U. States Of America, do hereby pro
claim the same to all whom it may concern
and do especially njoin on all persons, hold
ing offices civil or military, under the authori