The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-05-13
NEWPORT: f:
WEDNESDAY,, MAJ IS, 1912.

and requesting our Representatives In Con-
gress, to call the attention OF the General
Government to our exposed situation in case
of war, and to request provision for an ct
fcient defence. This motion was seconded
by federal member, and committee was
accordingly raised, consisting principally OF
fcderalists, to report the resolution The ted
eral members OF the committee, instead OF
pursuing their appointment, reported re-
monstrance agains, the general government,
and the bittcrest thing their venom could IN
tite. With this soothing introduction they
prefaced their application, or rather demand,
TO have this part of the country put in con-
dition of complete security. This pointed
insult was offered to government with the
view of defeating the object of the proposed
resolution.
Nothing can more s,rikingly display the
desperate lengths to which the federal party
are disposed to go, in order TO prostrste our
country at the feet of Great Britain. 1t shews
they are ready to sacrifice their own personal
interest and security, to this favourite object.
Should we be involved in the calamlies Of
war, our coasts ravaged, our towns consum-
ed, and our people slaughtered, It will be but
poor consolation for the fsderalists, having
prevented our being guarded against these
evils, that they had obtained the pitiful tri-
umph Of voting this insult upon government.
The Republican member proposed substi-
tute for this remonstrance-a substitute that
would be in conformity to the object of his
motion, and OF the appointment OF the COM
mttee upon it. But this federal assembly re-
jected the substitute and adopted the remon-
STRANGE. That the public may know what
was rejected by this patriotic body, copy of
the rejected resolution is subjoined.
Cohy oflhe PROPOSED Resolution.
Whereas the situation Of this state renders
it peculiarly exposed to danger in case of a
war. The waters of Narraganset Bay would
let the fleets of an enemy into the heart of
the state, enable them to lay our commercial
towns under contributions or in ashes, and
make predatory incursions on our extended
shores in every direction. And whereas tho
commoGiousness of these waters, the facilities
Of ingress and egress, and the advantage they
would give the fleets OF an enemy possessing
them, of commanding and cutting up the
commerce Of the whole country, would prob
ably make this point of the Union the first
object of the enemy. And whereas the dan
ger Of war is now imminent, and the most
timely and vigorous precautions ought to be
taken to be prepared for that event. And
whereas this State is now in a very defence
less condition Voted and Resolved by the
General Assembly, that our Senator'S IN Con-
gress be instructed, and our Representatives
be requested to press upon the General Gov
ernment the necessity of providing means for
the immediate and efficient defence OF this
exposed part of our common country: To
explain the nature and exigencics Of our Sit
uaiion To represent the state OF the torl-
fications about the harbour of Newport The
necessity Of completing those which have
been begun and are unfinished, and Of erect
ing others Of stationing a body of regular
land forces on the island of Rhode Island of
providing number of 6cld-picces to be kept
there and of furnishing arms for the militia
of tina most exposed parts Of the state +: 10
represent the nature OF the several passages
into the Narraganset Bay, and the necessity
Of providing means OF naval defence, In addi-
ton to Notifications and land forces The
exposed points to be covered by such mari
time force, the most advantageous and conve-
nient stations for placing it, and the character
and quantity Of such force necessary to be
employed Our Senators and Representa-
tves are enjoined and requested to pay par
tcular attention TO these resolutions, which
is to procure provision by Government for
the immediate and adequate defence Of this
state, If the evils Of war are not to be avertcG.
Among other strange things done by our
federal legislature was the passing an act TO
exempt the society Of Friends from all mill
tary duty, without any Communication whatever
they have also annuled the law which ex
emp.ed other citizens from military duty
We shall soon obtain copy of this law, which
has excited the indignation even OF many fed
eralists, when it shall be properly dissccted,
and exposed in Its true coors. The patriotic
resolutions, adopted by our very fafriotic lc-
gisiature, shall also be seasonably noticed.
The tory paper printed in this town, in
speaking Of the doings of our scise and hatri-
o,;- leoisIa,ure in their late system of pro-