Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-03-16

founded upcs a full conviction of her Justice
and sincere disposition TO preserve peace.
Even the democrats affect to be satisfied
with 1t, because as they insist it proves the
efficacy oil the restrictive system Of Mr.. Jeffer-
son.
But the great benefit that will probably
result from it, will be that Bonaparte NAV
be indu cd to force this country from hern u :
trail position. Ballled in his attempts to ex-
clude from this continent the manufactures
OF Great Britain, he will most likely confs-
cate all American property in his dominions
and dependencies and declare war Moth
ing could more than this contribute to give
influence and stability to the British party.
The invidious occurrences of the rebellion
would DC forgotten in the resentment of the
people against France; and they would
soon be weaned from that attachment TO her
which is founded on the aid that was rem
dered to separate from the mother country
While Great Britain waits for this natural,
might say necessary result OF the negociati-
on, would 1t not be extremely inexpedient to
Conclude treaty with the American Govern
ment ! Livery sort of evidence and expert
ence prove, that the democrats consider their
political aScendancy in great measure de-
pendent upon the hostile spirit that they can
keep alive towards Great Britain, and recent
events demonstrate that their conduct will be
predicated upon that conviction: it is there
lore not to be expected that they will meet
with corresponding feelings sincere dispo-
sition on the part of England to adjust all
matters in dispute. They are at heart NOR
tined and disappointed to find that Great Bril-
tain has been i'll advance of the French go-
vernment IN taking advantage of the provi-
slonal clauses of the non-iatcrcourse law and
II they shew any spirit at the next session of
Congress towards France, it will be only be-
cause they will find Bonaparte deaf to entrea-
~ and insensble OF past favorS or that they
may think it safer to float with the tide OF pub
TIC tee!ing which will set strongly against him,
unless he keep pari passu with England in a
conciliatory policy.
When begun my letter. I intended to
make some observations in relation 20 the
boundary line Here 10 or - lines of the
manuscript are erased.]
am, &c. y. 3.
No. Is.
Boston, Nay 5, 1909.
Although, the recent changes that have
occurred quiet all apprehensions of war, and
consequently lessen al hCte Of u SefGrasion
" the states, think it necessary to transmit
by the mail In each week sketch of passing
events.
On local politics have nothing to add, and
as the parade that is made in the National
lntelligencer of the sincere disposition of Mr..
Madison to preserve amicable relations with
Great Britain is in my opinion calculated to
awaken vigilance and distrust rather than in
spire confidence, shall (having nothing more
important TO write about) take leave to ex-
anime his motives. i am not surprised a, his
conditional removal of the Ron-intercourse
Jaw with respect 70 Great Britain, because it
was made incumbent on him by an act of Con-
gresS; but the observations made on his
friendly dispositions towards Great Britain is
a matter ofno little astonishment. The whole.
tenor of his political life directly and uneaui-
vocany coItradicts them. His speech on the
British treaty in 80. His attempt to pass a
law for the conhscation Of British debts"
and British property. His commercial resolu-
tons grounded apparently on anidea of max
ing America useful as a colony to France.
His conduct while Secretary of State: all
form an assemblage Of probabilities tending to
convince me at least that he does not serious
~ desire treaty in which the rights and pre-
tensions oi u. Britain would be fairly recog-
nlZed. 1t seems impossible that he should at
once divest himself of his habitual animosity
and that pride of opinion, which his present
situation enables him TO indulge but above
all, that he should deprive his friends and
supporters of the benefit of those preiudices
which have been carefully fostered in the
minds of the people towards England, and
which have so materially contributed to invi
gorate and augment the democratic party
Whatever his real motives may be, it is in
tins stage OF the affair harmless enough to en-
quire into the cause of the apparent change.
He probably acts under a conviction that in
the present temper of the eastern states a
war could not fail to produce dissolution of
the union {; or he may have profted by the
mistakes of his predecessor and is inclined
to seize the present opportunity to prove to
the world that he is determined to be the Pre-
sident OF the nation rather than the head of a
faction; or he has gone thus far to remove
the impression OH the mind of many that he
was under the influence of France in order
that he may with better grace and OH more
tenabie grounds, quarrel with G.. Britain i'm
the progress of negotiating treaty. What
ever his motives may be, am very certain
his party will not support him in any manly
and generous policy. Weak men are sure to
temporise when great events call upon th I'm
for decision, and are sluggish aud inert AT
the moment whea the worst of evils is mac
ton. This is the character of the democrats
in the northern states. Ofthose of the south
l know but little.
am, &c. Al
No Ia.
BosfoH, Nay 25, 1909.
Ny last was under date Of the san in
slant.
The upeypected cL,,,c,s .t,, -