Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-04-24
DRBATE IN SECRET SESSION,
CONTINUED.
RO USE. OF REPRESENTATIVES,

address to The house, urging them to ponder ;
and desist from the dangerous course they
were pursuing, and forwarned them OF the
calamitous consequences that would lnevlta-
bly, result.
Mr.. MitohiN, of-fNScw-Y ark, said in view
ing political subjects and dangers, some are
inclined to look through political microscopes
which diminish them; others, mlsled by
their ilnaginations, look through political te-
lescopes, and are as apt to magnify and en-.
nance them.-Ie, for one, was for viewing
our situation with his naked opticks, tor look
ing at it as it really is. He could not be con-.
sidered as less alive to the interests and hap
piness of the inhabitants Of that city, respect
ING whom SO much sensibility has been eX-
pressed, than any other gentleman. There
were his intimate friends, connexions, and
what little property he possessed. No one
could feel more for their sufferings under COM
mercial restrictions, or in case OF an assault
upon it by the enemy. And if he was to Con-
suit only his personal sensioilities, they were
all in favor of the people ofthat country, With
whom We are to enter into conflict. lie has
no prejudice against them. He there recely-
ed his education. He has lived in North &
South Britain From actual residence Be-
knows them from the Grampian Hills to Do
yer. He knows them, however, to be
proud, overbearing nation. From former re-
sidence, and also from recent intelligence,
{and that within few days by late arrlvais)
he knows that they consider US sort OF gen
Grafton whom they have right to desplse.
We are viewed in this unworthy, degraded
situation, not on account of our want OF reSour-
ces or population but because they believe
we cant stand together-that we have no con-
hdence in ourselves-that we cannot lead ar
mics iato their countries. Their object has
been, since the year l806, to divide and dis
tract us, and to prevent our taking efficient
measures. Sir, what has been the cause OF our
present condition; it iswell known; IL 1906, he
was made the organ Of his constituents, as other
gentlemen were for Salem and other CONNER
cial places, to present to congress their plants
and wailings, on account ofthe grievances they
suffered upon the subject of carrying colonial
produce & the continuity of the voyage. The ar
chives of this house will prove this, They
declared they should be ruined if the British
doctrine should be countenanced. The 60
vernment were goaded by these applications
for relief. The government began, and con-
tinued with pacific measures, until we have
got into our present situation.
Mr.. M. said he would aver, there was ne
yer atime when there was more internal good,
more real practical independence, more what
the heart desires and can enjoy, in any civil
lied nation, than we now enjoy. A popula-
ton of seven millions--the arts and manufac-
lures fourishing in a high degree--are we
then to be frightened---to listen to the notes
of holiticat screech-oevlS? We are the hap
piest nation OH earth. He could, to be sure,
with melancholy countenance, SO INTO any
family, and give lecture on the weakness OF
the flesh, on the cala,nities of human life, and
miserable exit. But how much better are
we off than any other people Our lot has
fallen to us in pleasant place, and we have
goodly heritage.
He said he recoIlected when he was boy,
that he and his companions would get round
the Greside, of a winters evening, and talk OF
ghosts, till they were all afraid to go to bed
and lucubrious anticipations of the danger of a
war with England, he thought was of piece
with the childish apprehensions alluded to.
With regard to the nation with whom we
are to contend, and whose prowess Is SO terri
bic in the opinion of some, he is proud to see
gentlemen around him, who dared In IVA to
enter into the conflict, when we had popu-
lation of only three millions. He did not think
ang Que would be afraid to face nation whose
mead of issuch cnaracter--one who was some
years since, expelled Jockey Club, and who
was lately turned out of doors for his unwor-
thy conduct TO his neighbours wife. II c,af-
ring Of hands. The power with which we
are to contend, is not so terrific and almighty
as is imagined.
Sir, we have intelligence by the. last mails
from the Capes of Virginia, that the vessels
of that nation are capturing ours from the
Chesapeake to France, within leagues of
our coast, laden with produce of our own soil,