Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-02-03
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
RTC II M o " u.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY, S, 1879.

Those who really wish for war, and thos
who only pretend they wish it--thosc VIII
are for resistance or for stbmission--in shor,
those who are in fun or in carncs,--may no,
rely upon it that one of two things IS Ger
tain: l. Either Great Britain must recede
9. Or, the United States viii make wa
| upon her. This opinion is not founded upor
| a knowledge OF the secrets of the cabinet
| nor upon participation in prevailing in
trigues; nor is IL uttered with a party or fac.
tious political view: But il is founded upor
the properties of human nature, upon the
true character of the American people, and
is expressed to warn the public that the
time OF tritling IS past and that, as it is eS-
tremely probable that the British will not
recede, to admunish individuals and families
70 make Up their minds 70 n war condition.
II IT be asked whence ard how this concli-
sion'is drawn / answer, first: that the re-
proachcs of the world have fired the Ameri-
can heart, and this fire is deadly. / answer,
secondly: that whether the late acts of Con-
gress be Intended as scare-crows or not, they
have been passed with the avowed intention
OF making War; and that TO recede from
this position, under the present irritation of
American spirit, would turn the present party
opt ofpowcr, aud would place one in Office
that would makewa Upon these grounds
the opinion is most confidently delivered to
the public, that, unless Great Britain recedes
war must take place The writer of this
article is one who has always thought, in as
sorting our rights, we ought never to lrameour
measures upon suggestions & hopes of what
the belligerent powers of Europe might do:
he has uniformly considered it ridiculous for
six millions of people, ever and anon to be
running down as it were to the shore to ask,
sehat ncgya Jroni England ? Fhar nesuS
from France? He has preferred the max
im, which has never failed in private life,
and which can never fail in national sense,
RGshcct yourself and the syorld svY likewise
respect you The writer has always believ-
ed that Mr.. Madison was determined, when
ever Congress sliewedthe proper disposition,
to propose war measures: He has seen him
do so: He has seen him urge them. The
only doubt Of firmness arises from the con-
duct of the Legislative Body If the
late treasury budget rights them from
their duty-f local considerations are to
outweigh the general welfare-the MEM
bers OF that body infallibly seal their own DO
litical Perdition. This article will be closed
with single remark, suitable to the occasi-
on. Much has been said of intrigues for the
presidency-that such, or such a man. was
combining with such and sxch another man
to fix himself or themselves in the first Off
ces of state IF this were true; if it were
possible that any individual should be pre-
sumptuous enough to dare to force himself
into the presidency by private intrigue, ouey
the heads Of The feo,tie, there is a moral
certainly that that individual would not sue
coed; and the circumstance of his making
the attempt would be solid reason for exc
Guiding him forever. The man who desires
the suttragcs of free people, should gain
then. by great actions performed for their
oeneht, and not endeavor by a selfish cum
ming to tack them to his fortunes.