The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-01-01

u
This the only question now under considera-
ton, should feel great Snwillingncss Chow
ever clear our claim might be) 10 involve the
nation in war, for the assertion OF right, In
the enjoyment Of which the community AT
large are not more deeply concerncG. The
true question in controversy, is OF very dit
fcrent character il involves the interest CT
the whole nation Ii is the right OF export
ing tho productions Of our own soil and IN
dustry, to foreign markets : Sir, our vessels
are now captured when destined 10 the ports
: of France, aud condemned III the British
courts Of Admiralty, without even the pre-
text of having On board contraDand OF wa:,
enemies property, or, having III any oiher
respect violated the laws oil natoins Those
depredations on our lawful commerce, under
whatever os,ensible pretences conmitted,are
not 10 be traced to any maxilns q; rules OF
pubrick law, but 10 the maritime supremacy,
and pride of the British nation. This hos
tile and unjust policy o! that country towards
us is not TO be wondered at, when we recol-
lect that the United States are already the Sc
cond commercial nation III tie world. The
rapid growth OF our commercial Importance,
has not only awakened the jealousy oil the
commercial interests OF Great Britain, but
her state ,mcn no doubt anticipate with deep
concern the maritime greatness OF this he-
publick.
The unjust and unprecedented demands
now make by Great Britain, hat VIC shall
cause the markets Of the continent TO be o.
pened TO her manufactures, fully Justties the
views have suggested
That we as neuIrai nation should inter
fcre between beiligerents IN their municipal
regulations will no, be contcndcd Tor by any
one. From ihe course pursued by th&i ma
tion for some years past, II evidently appears
that neither pubiick law nor justice, is made
by her the test of maritime rights.
What, Mr. Speaker, arc we now called
upon 10 decide ? lit is whether we will resist
by force, this attempt made by that govern
nent 10 subject our marilimc frigbts TO the
arbitrary and cap,iclous rule OF her will for
my part, am not prepared to say that this
this country shall submit TO have her com
nercc intcrdicted or regulated by any foreign
nation. Sir, Iprcfcr war to submission.
Over and above these unjust prctensions
OF the British government, Tor many years
past they have been IN the practice oil inn
pressing our seamcn from merchant vessels
this unjust and awless invasion oil personal
dignity, calls loudly for the intcrpositon OF
this government. 10 those better acquant.
ed with the facts in relation 10 IL, l leave 1t
20 fill up the picture. My miad is itreaisil-
bly drawn to ,he West.
Although others may not so strongly iecl
the bearing which the late transactions IN
that quarter have on this subject, upon my
mind they have great influence. 1t cannot
DC believed by any man VINO viii reflect, that
tho savage tribes -unlnhucnced by other pow
ers, would think OF making war upon the u.
States. They understand too well their cwn
weakness aud our strength. They have al
ready feit the weight OF our arms they know
they hold the very soil OH which they hve, as
tenants at sullerance :-How then, sir, are
we TO account for their late conduct In one
way only /; some powerful nation must have
intrigued with them, aud turned their peace
ful dispo,i,ion towards us into hosiiiucs. u.
Britain alone has intercourse with those nor
thern tribes therefore infer, that il Bii,ish
gold has not been employed, their baubles
and ,rlnkets, and their promise OF support
and place OF refuge, il nccdsul, have had
their effect.
Ii am right in this conjecture war is not
10 commence by sea or land, il Is already be-
gun and some OF the riches, blood OF our
country has already been shed yes, Mr..
Speaker, in one individual has fallen, the
honest man, the orator, and the soldier.
That he loved his country, none can doubt
he died to preserve It's honour and its fame
mean the late commander of the cavalry
you, Sir, who often measured your strength
with his in forcnsick debate, can attest that
nc In good degree, wps the pride Of the
western country, and Kentucky claimed him
us a favouritc SON. For his loss, with those
who fell by his side, tho whole western coun-
try is ready TO march they only wait for our
permission aud ,ir war once declared, /
pledge myself for my peoplc--.hey will a
ycnge tnc death Of their brethren.
Another consideration drawn from our past
conduc, demands the course we have propos-
ed in the year sos Congress declared thu.
this nation had but three Alternatives left