The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-06-02

iic has given tie credit due for the revoca-
tion of li,sr DEGREES. while he has bestowed
on those inories which remained unredress-
ed their merited Censure. Of England he
has spoken in terms of censure only, because
she had in no respect changed her unfriend-
Iy policy. Thus the whole subject or our
toreign relations is presented fully and fair
~ before the Legislature and the public, &
! am happy to add, that so far as an opini-
Oh can now be formed of the impression
III ade, the public sentiment is in strict har-
p,nny with that expressed by the executive.
Few, if any, seem TO be willing to rehnluish
the ground which has been taken by the
importation act; and most seem TO be
resolved, if Great Britain does not revoke
her orders in council, to adopt more decisive
measures wards her.
If the United States experience any en-
barrassment in the course which they are
pursuing in support of either rights, or fail,
in the ultimate success, it will be owing to
the conduct of the French Government 1t
cannot be doubted. if France remains true
to her engagements by a faithful observance
of the revocation of her DEGREES, and acquits
herself on the various other points on which
you are instructed to the just claims of this
country, that Great Brit ain will be compell-
cd to follow her example; in which event
the war will immediately assume a new
character, such as has been the protested
wish of both belligerents. mitigating it's ca
lamities to both of them, as we'll AS diffu-
sing the happiest effect on neutral states
The part which France ought to act is a
plain one. 1t is dictated, in every circutn-
stance, by the clearest principles of Justice
and soundest maxims of policy. The Pre-
sident has presented to view, in the Mes
sage to Congress, the prominent features of
this plan by stating equally our rights and
injuries. 1t will scarcely he necessary for
me to go into any of the details, which are
already so we'll known TO you. / will brief
ly advert to them. 49,"
1t is not sufficient in the final decision of a
cause brought before a French tribunal,
that it should appear that the, French de i.
crees are repealed. An active prohibitory
policy should be adopted to prevent seizures
on the principles of those DEGREES. All that
is expected is that France will act in con-
tornity to her own principles. If that is
done, neutral nations will then have an i'm
Portant object before them, and one bellige.
rent at least prove that it contended for
= principle rather than power that it sought
the aid of neutral nations in support of that
principle, and did not make it a pretext 20
enlist them on its side, to demolisb its enc
mics. The abuses that are practised by
French privateers in the Baltic, the Chan
mel, Mediterranean and wherever else they
cruizc, have, of late more especially, reach
ed an enormous height. In the Baltic thew
have been more-odious from the circum-
stance that it was expected that they had
been completely suppressed; there. Fill of
late these abuses were imputed to the pri-
yateers of Denmark, which induced the
president to send a special mission to the
Danish government, which, it was under
stood, was producing the desired effect
But IL IS now represented that the same e.
VII is produced by collision between the
privateers of Denmark and those of France.
Henceit assumes a worse character; to
seizdres equally unlawful, is added by car
fying the causes to Paris, still more oppres-
sive DELAYS. -.
If the French government is not willing
to adopt the general rule alluded to, in ia
vor OF American commerce, it is presumed
that 1T will not hesitate to define explicitly
che causes OF seizure, and to give such pre-
else orders TO its cruiZers respecting them,
with an assurance of certain punishment to
those who violate them, as will prevent all
abuse in future. Whatever orders are gil
ven, it would be satisfactory to this govern
ment to be made acquainted with them
lhe President wishes to know, with great
accuracy, the principles by which the
French government intends to be governed,
IN regard to neutral commerce. "A frank
explanation on tins subject will be regard
cd as proof OF the friendly policy which
France is disposed to pursue towards the
T.. S.
Whatadvantage does France derive from
these abuses? Vessels trading from the u.
States can never afford cause of suspicion
on any principle, nor ought they to be sub
Ject seizure. Can the few French priva-
teers, which occasionally appear at sea,
make any general impression on the com
merce OF G: Britain? They seldom touch
British vessel, Legitimate and honorable
warfare is not tn cir. object. The unarmed
vessels OF the U States are their only prev.
The opportunities of fair prize are few, e.
ven should France maintain the British
+. rinciple. 'Can these few prizes compen
safe her for the violation of fer own prinri-
pies, and tor the effect which it ought, and
cannot fail, to procure here q " ."
Indemnity must be made fer spolations
ON American property under other DEGREES.
On this subject it Is unnecessary to add any
thing toyour present Instructions. They
are detailed and explicit.
The trade by licences must be abrogated
cannot too strongly express the surprise of
the President, after the repeated remop-
strances OF this government, and more es
Pecially alter the letter of the duke of Ca
doreto Mr.. Russell of the
last, informing him that that system would
HALL with the Berlin and Milan DEGREES. thst
at should be still adhered to. The exeoua-
furs OF the consuls who have granted such
ilcences would long since have been revoked
II orders to them to discontinue the prac
tlCe had not daily bpen eynecte1 -, 9.