Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-08-31
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
II I CH VI O ND:
MONDAY, AUGUST 81 1919.


When we read in ancient history of the
factions that have distracted and ruined
states, we wonder at the folly of the delud-
ed people, ana never suspect that we are
ourselves re-actiug the same scenes. On
the pages of Livy or Tacitus we clearly dis
Germ, and cordially detest, the articles of de-
magogues and tyrants. We can distinctly
mark. how Rome might have been saved,
and how she was lost; and wonder that the
citizens of that great nation were so easily
duped by intrepid hatterers and profligate
princes. We forget, as we read, that with
respect to what is long past, the present ge-
neration is posterity that posterity COM
mences where passion ends; and that no.
thing but philosophy or death can extinguish
the passions. There is no doubt, that. in
turn we shall furnish a fruitful topic for
some eloquent historian, who, pointing to
our foles, will excite COMMUNICATION or suq-
gest contempt. As the fate of Carthage. of
Greece, or of Rome, afford example to us,
so shall we, in after times, afford an exam
pie to future communities. Mankind are for
ever warned, and forever cheated
But of all the curious circumstances that
will mark our annals, there is not one that
will excite so much surprize as the notion
that French influence prevails among us -
We can easily comprehend how men have
believed in witchcraft, from the inclination
OF human nature to superstition: We can al
SO understand why comets and earthquakes
alarm us, since they may prove destructi>e
to our species. But who can conceive any
rational grounds for an opinion that French
influence exists in our councils and among
our citizens, so as to inspire them with pre-
JUDGES against England, when every fact
that we know proves directly the contrary
lsit that we grow more credulous in propor-
ton to the absurdity of thing?
Look over the face of our country-pene
trate our cities--and what do we find p
Frenchmen No. Very few. In every So
ciety you may meet with Englishmen. They
are courted, caressed, and Aattered. In re-
IS.
Behold our elections. Where is French
man seen pushed forward as candidate for
popular favorl No where. But of every O
Their nation we have abundance of successful
candidates. English, Irish, Scotch, and c. err
man. A Frenchman is nothing in this coun-
try. Even when naturalized, he is, in some
sort, regarded as an alien in the land. Here
and there native of Switzerland has risen
by merit into public esteem: But Swiss has
nothing French about him but the language,
and Cordially detests the government of
France for its tyranny to his country.
Is it in our monied institutions that this
French influence prevails ? Examine the
directorships of Banks and Insurance offices.
Englishmen always have large share of
controlin them, whilst the name of French
man is rarely observed on the list of direc-
tors.
Look at our public Offices. Do you find
them filled with Frenchmen! No. They are
almost entirely excluded. Go to Washing
ton, and ask for Frenchmen patronized by
the men whoare said to be swayed by French
influence, and you will find hardly one
Then ask for the Englishmen patronized by
the same men--you will be able to ascertain
that there are many.
When an Englishman arrives among MS.
he finds himself Immediately at home. He
speaks our language he stands. in no need
OF an interpreter; he makes none of those
ridiculous blunders in Conversation at which
we are prone to smile. Even the outcasts
ofEnglandgrow and fatten on our soil, warm.
ed into insolence by the kindness and coun-
tenance Of our citizens; whilst Frenchman
is cautiously watched, received with coldness.
or treated with indifference.
Some men among us, Of liberal minds, and
who know what is due to hospitality and
good manners, have endeavored to amelio-
rate the condition Of natives Of France in this