The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-05-15

The gentlemen know that It would NOT.
they well know when the House wishes To
give the go-by to petition, it has been
usually by the very motion, which, in this
instance, they advocate. On motion of
reference, debate on the merits is preclu-
ded and, when referred, the committee.
where there is noshopes of success, usually
lets it sleep. But, sir, ask what is the ne
cHssity tor referring this petition to a CON-
mittee what are the objects of refer
ence! l conceive them to be two-one to IN
vestigate some matter of fact; and the
other, when subject is much tangled with
detail, to digest and arrange the parts, so
that the House may more easily comprehend
the whole. This body is too large for either
OF those operations and, therefore, a re-
ference is had to smaller ones. Neither of
these furnish good reason for the nit
ment OF the present petition. The facts are
not denied and, as to detail, there is none ,
1t ends ina FONT, the repeal of the en- ,
barge law-and has been so arcied in
opposition. This House is as fully CONNIE
tent To discuss its merits now, as it would he
| after the report of any committee and the
MOTION to postpone admits of the greatest
latitude OF discussion on its merits. This
| the speech of the gentleman from Virginia
mas proved. He has argued not only on the
merits III the petition, but the embareo
and almost every subject however remotely
connected. / know that the motion IS tan.
tamount to that of rejection in the presene
instance. In fact, it has been indicated
by the mover on that ground. He has Justly
sald, as we cannot grant the relief prayed
we ought to act with promptitut.e and deci-
sion, SO that the petitioners may know what
10 expect. his motion has that character.
IL leaves no expectation where there can he
no rehef. l know, sir, we might have act
ca very dinerentiy; We might have spun
out the hopes of the petitioners. Some NAV
.hink thatit would be sound policy, bu. =
my opinion it would be unYorthy of e
House, CanGor in our govern, r,,ent ia o,.o ne
the 6rst Of POLITICAL vi;'tues-Gi,st ms al w,vs
| done. 't'i' nc
:. since there can be no objection TO the mo-
ton now before tine House, it remains to he,
considered whether the relief PRAYED oncht
to be granted. l am sensible that the may
I'm Is generally correct, that individual pro-
nj is national gain; and that the party in.
'erested is the best judge OF the hazard and
proprlety OF speculation. But there are
exceptions; there are cases in wh,cI, tho
government is the best judge-.and such ave-,
those Where the future conduct of govern
ment is the Cause of the hazard Irecer-
tainly rs the best judge of what it intends :
and In those Casos where it foresecs a ha-
zard, 1t ought in humanity TO the merchants
TO restrain their specnlations. Such is the
present case. Many of our merchants la.
DOR under delusion as to the measures OF
government nor this seem STRANGE.
since some gentlemen, even in this house,
nave taken Up such mistaken views of
things. With such Conceptions of the course
| OF events as the gentleman from NeW-Yorli
thinks will take place, an not surprised
lthat he should advocate the PRAYER of the
pe.ition. lie believes that the embargo
VIII be permitted to expire without anv
nos'lle measure being taken against G rear,
Britain and that in the present state ofour-
preparation 1T would be madness to think
OF war IN sixty DAYS or any shoss per;oJ.
Vsheh hear such language ON this hooE I
10 longer wonder that merchants are nett
uoninS you to make specuiations which j.,
snort time must end in their ruin. | osI-
the gentleman from N. !. who are the tru,
friends to the petitioners--th.+ ma;or;t,-
VINO 'oreSeeins the hazard to which they
wonld De exposed, restrain them from fan.
ing INTO the hands of British cruizers
or the minority who. by SURPRISING the
evidence OF danger, iTidIce them to enter.
INTO the most r'inous speculations Ry The
one, the merchants sill retain their uronnr.,"
ty, deprecated, it is true, in small fIeoiea .
by the ether, It will be lost to themselves
anc their country and will go to auement
the resources OF cur enemy. For, sir, lee
very erroneous estimate of our nrena,,1.
tons, and the time at which we will act
Sur army and measures are not merely or,
paper, as be states but were this the nro-
per time and subject, it could be ebrw,,
that very considerable advances have been
made to put the country into the posture of
defence, and to prepare our forces for an at.
tack on our enemy. So far from being I'M.
prepared, sir, believe that in four weeks
from the time that declaration of war is
heard ON our frontier, the whole Of Upper
and part of Lower Canada will be in our.
possession We will not, hope. wait the
expiration of the embargo to take our staDa
against Engiand-that stand which the.
best interest and honor of this nation have
SO loudly demanded, With such prospect.
again ask, would it be humanity or cruelty
the petitioners to grant heir prayer, and.
by relaxing the embargo in their favor. to,
entIce them to certain destruction
(1ur. Calhonu's Sheechto be Confiruedy
IN SENATE.
.JToud,1v NJ,