The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-07-29

upccual 10 the crisis, the most fatal consequences
woald have resulted from IL. The proofof their weak
ness would have been recorded; but not on them a.
lone would its baneful effects have been visited. II
would have shaken the foundation of the govern
cnt ITSELF and even Of the sacred principles of tho
revolution, which all political institutions de-
pend Yielding TO the prctcntions of foreign pow.
er, without making manly effort in defence Of our
rights, without appealing TO the virtue of the peo-
pie, or TO the strength OF Union, it would have
been charged and believed that these sources lay
the hidden defects. Where wonld the good people
cf these States have beed able TO make another stand
Where would have been their rallying point The
government OF their choice having been dishonored,
IT'S weakness and that of their institutions deinonsra-
cd, the triumph Of the enemy would have been COM
p!ete II would also have been durable.
The constituted authorities Of the United States
neither dreaded anticipated these evils They
had full confidence in the strength Of the Union, in
shc krmness and virtue of the peoples and were sat
isied, when the appeal should be made, that ample
proof would be afforded, that their confidence had
not been misplaced. Foreign pressure, it was not
doubted, would soon dissipatc foreign partiaiites
and prejudices, if such existed, and unite us more
closely together as one people.
In declaring war against Great Britain the United
States have placed themselves in a situation to re-
tort the hostility, which they had SO long suffered
from tl,e british government. The maintenance of
their rights was the object OF the war. Of the de-
slre of this government TO terminate the war on hon.
the proposition made to the British government am
inediatcy after the declaration Of war, through the
Charge dAfares of the United States at London,
and by the promptitude and manner Of the accep-
tance Of the Mediation OF the Emperor OF Russia.
1t was anticipated by some, that declaration Of
war against Great Britain waild force the United
States into a close conncxion with her adversary.
fnuc to their disadvantage. The Secretary Of State
thinks it proper TO remark, THAI nothing is mere
mole from the fact The discrimination in favor Of
France, according to law, in consequence of her
ceptance OF the proposition made equally to both
powers, produced difference between them in that
special case, but in that only. The war with Eng.
land was declared, without any concert or commun.
icAtion with the French government; it has preduc-
ell no connexion between the United States and
France any understanding as to its prosecution,
continuance, or termination. The ostensiblc rcla-
ton between the two countries, IS the true and only
one The United States have just claims on France
for spohations their commerce on the high seas,
and in the ports of France, and their late Minister
was and their present minister is, instructed, to de-
rnand rcparaton for these uries, and to press
with the energy due to the justice of their claims
aud to the character of the United States. The
suit Of the negotiation will be communicated Con-
grcss in due time. The papers marked ], contain
copies OF two letters, addressed from this Depart
n,ent to Mr.. Barlow, one Of. the 10Th June, 1912,
ust before the declaration of war; the other Of the
1tth July following, which shew distinctly the rela-
ton existng between the United States and France
at that interesting period. No change has since
cured i'll it. Ali OF which is respectfully submitted
JAMES MONROk.
Department Of State, July IL, 1873
The President Of the United States
The Documents accompanying the above Report
will be given in our next