The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-02-12
Vol. 8.

council, is virtual abandonment OF the
rights Of an Independent nation. He meant
not to driyel out this debate, by following
some gentlemen through their tedious details
concerning the relative importance OF the G.
vents of 1893; let us come home TO
the present times and inquire, what is that
principle Practically considered, II is the
exercise OF supreme legislation over us in
volvng not only all the attributes of legiti-
mate sovereignty, but despotism direct. And
when honoured with seats, in this House,
while entrusted with the interests and rights
too Of tie people OF the United States, she'll
We basely, and without resistance, succumb
To British domination? The question then is,
ought resistance To be made by physical iorccs
He could not but rejoice, that neither the
revocation nor modification OF the French
edicts, enter into the present discussion.
However positive and important the repeal
or modification Of the Berlin and Milan de-
crees may be TO us, they are in relation TO G..
Britain, now merged by her,in considerations
of far different character and import. The
demands made by that government through
its accredited minister here, has thrown tho
repeal Of those DEGREES entirely out OF tho
dispute because, contrary 10 her solemn
reiterated promises, whether they arc re-
pealed or not her orders are to be continued
in force. What now is made the basis of
their revocation. You are required to act
within the territorial limits Of Francc--to
pu: down her municipal regulatons--to over
throw her whole system OF internal trade and
manufacture, whereby a channel may be
opened for the introduction of British manu-
factures into French ports. Is it possible
that any man can Mistakc the secret object Of
such rcquis,ion Can II be concealed that
it is equivalent to an absolute, unqualified re-
lection of every overture for a repeal ON
her par; What pretext of justice has she
for such a demand Are French manulac-
lures admitted into her ports Will she adj
nit them under any circumstance whatevcrs
Does she even permit you, who are TO pro-
cure this advantage for her, TO carry your
own manufactures TO her dominions No. Ii,
then the rcnunciation Of the principle OF her
orders, depends upon our securing 10 her the
introduction of her manufactures into Frances
what are we 10 expect What other resource
than positive resistance have we left We
arc then brought to direct decision, either
TO submit 10 the principle, or to oppose 1t by
force Submit ! did he say he shrunk with
dctcsta,ion from the idea Indeed Inc fel6
humbled by the seeming necessity OF speak
ing OF it; but the gentleman from Virginias
(Mr. Shc6cy) had made il necessary, TO ex-
pose such ruinous and disgraceful course.
Much as he respccted---hc did not mean TO
reflect upon the man, but his arguments he
.bhorrcd.
To his mind, every hope tha. an accommo-
dalion may yet bc affected with Great-Briiain,
appears perfectly uniounded. If therc Is
member of this House, TOO idle 10 cxamine,
or having examined the documents on your
table, has not confidence IN their statements,
or docs dot believe that every effort by nego-
cialion has been made, such a man deserves
not 10 be convinced----o all others, any illus.
ration OF mine is unnecessary Sir, neRoci.
alton has been exhausted there is silent but
con, iusive testimony TO the fact Neither
within this House, nor without 1t, to his
knowledge, has any man, however violently
opposed 10 the administration, vehtured tho
slightest iBtimatiop 10 the contrary--cven
the gentleman from Virginia, acute as he Is,
and hard as he labourcd against the bill, did
no, suggest doubt. If then negotiation is
exhausted, it is fact no where denied, what
alternative have we but TO fight or succumb :
Gentlemen need not dwell upon the miscriess
the consequences Of war. dread the carscS
of posterity more. But, sir, what are ~
causes of war Similar injuries with those
of which the old Congress complained, and
against which they fought. Grcat-Britain
" exercises unboundcd sovereignty on the
ocesn--shc names the ports and nations to
Which alone our me rchandize should be car.
ried, and with whom alone We should trade"
The wanton plunder Of our propcrty---the
unprovokcd imprcssment OF our fellow-citi-
zens-thc assertion of principles and tho
practice upon them, absolutely incompatible
with our ndependencc--Shsll go on No
---Gentlemcn canno, bear to hear the nausc.' I
Gus catalogue OF wrongs repeated, notwith-
standing they will not resent them. Tho !
,amc gentleman from Virginia, acknowledge
cs we have had sufficient and jus,ifable csu-
ses Of war, ever since the years lso5--6A