The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-06-05

wards 10 the more civilized department OF
the union, to our cities, 10 our iiresides, where
the mode OF attack again appears adopted TO
The scene OF It's operation, and glozing civi-
lized British spy is found, like the serpent IN
Eden, tempting our weakness with untrled
changes, and with all the witness of his na-
ture beguiling us 10 our perdition.
But il Is unnecessary, we repeat, TO dwell
on the host OF excitement which march be-
fore and beckon us to combat. We have
borne more than ever any people did without
an appeal 10 arms. We have left unattempt-
ed no striving for adjustment. We have ex-
pended all the stores OF pacifcaiions ard DO
not brandish the sword with the right hand,
till the olive branch has withered in the left.
We have deprecated long enough our unap-
peasablc nsidious assailants, more dreadful,
more pernicious in their ambush, than they
could be in fragrant war. We have been
more plundered of our treasure, while suing
Tor accommodation, more abused, more in
Jured, ihan We should have been in the same
period OF hostilities and the current Of our
national character, OF our national existence,
fciow-citzens, is gliding out Of view, while
we llnger On the shore, vainly imploring tue
monsters OF the deep to spare us.
The season Tor action has arrived--arriyed,
did we say as our fruitless but laudable ex
ertioRs 10 avert the last resort painfully prove.
1t arrived but too long ago: And, placing our
highest trust in that Being, who sometimes
In his insciutable providence afflicts the lust,
but often requites their constancy, we are
likewise full Of confidence in the people of
these United States, in the righteousness of
their cause, in ,ha alacrly and energy of their
aioused endeavors. We call to MIND, fellow
citizens, the former struggle with Great
Britain when without arms or ammunition.
soldiers or officers, garrisons or ships, treasu-
ry or preparation of any kird, without even
compact or government besides a common
sympathy and common enthusiasm, the then
thinly scattered people Of the Atlantic coast,
snufhpg sublection on the gale at distance,
erected themselves like column, on whose
summit foated the banners of liberty, and a.
lone on the delenccless beach breasted the
onset of vain glorious undismayed
at rcverses, unsubdued by piivations-peyse-
vering, indefa,igable, NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
advancing 10 discipline, organization and VIC
,ory--achieving at the end of seven years
Of toll and alternative fortune, that indepen-
dence we now in our turn challenged to
sustain. We call TO mind, fellow. citizens,
the yet more distant annals, the discovery OF
7 our beloved country, when Columbus, the
type of the American character, in a frail
barque, with disafctted and coward crew,
bouyaDt on the traCtless and unknown deserts
OF the western ocean, braving all dangers and
doubts, more terrible than dangers, still kept
due onward his undaunied course, ill these
shores appeared--the reward Of resolution
and Just coDtdcnce---these shores, now
covered with populous, powerful and mar
tial Republic, whose CiliZens need nothing
but TO be Nresolved and Justly confident in
themselves, 10 conquer, like Columbus, and
the heroes OF their own revolution, the seem
ingly stupendops obstacles which infatuated
in nIustice opposes TO the accomplishment OF
their final and permanent emancipation.
Resolved, AS the opinion of this meeting,
that the only efficient remedy for the pro,rac-
led and aggravated evils which afllct cur
country, will be found in prompt, vigorous,
open war with that power whose edicts block
ade the entire continent OF Europe, save only
such parts as require our instrumentality TO
circulate her products, and supply her naval
and military eXpediticns-whose fleets not
I Only plunder our lawful commerce upon the
| high seas, but blockade our own harbors, anG
| vio!ates,he-libcrty of our citizens by the Ia
| gitious crime of impressmen ment--whose coun-
| ellis have the audaoi,y to avow these crimes
| as their permanent system Of maritime rights
and stimulate our citizens to acts Of fraud and
| violence, in order TO sustain her monstrous
scheme of universal monopoly, piracy and
| smugglins--A prompt and vigorous war !.
| not for the limited and impoverished COM
! merce OF the moment, but for our imprescrip-
| ,ible rights of sovereignty, the Liberty of cur
| citizens, and the future free circulation of
| the immensely accommodating surplus pro-
ducts, Of this free, fertile and extensive con-
tinen,. These are legitimate and inevitable
causes of war.
Reeotvcd, That the liberal and impartial
J conduct of the Executive of the United States
more especially in the military and naval ap-