Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1813-01-27


preservation and the happiness of its
methbers, Therefore no principle ought
to be admitted among the civilized states
Of the world. which shall impair or
weaken it; much less which shall efface
and obliterate the vir,uous instinct
Every nation seems to have been con-
WINGED of the truth and of the value of
this natural love of country In none
has it been neglected; and in all some
means, though not always the same,
have been taken to cherish, encrease,
and animate it for the public good. In
this one point mankind are agreed: that
while it is honorable to die in defence
of our country, it is base forany man to
leave it IN the time of foreign war when
he may be useful at home. In this ma.
tons have agreed, because it is the ma
tural sentiment of every virtuous mind,
and is the main foundation of political
welfare and private happiness.
1t is rule of the social state gene
rally recognised, that the children OF CT.
| tlzens follow the condition OF their
fathers and succeed to all their rights.
1t is an implied part Of the compact be-
tween civil society, and each member OF
it the former desiring it fer the sake
of its preservation, and the latter deslr-
ing it for the sake of his children
Children then are the citizens Of the
country of their fathers by tacit con-
sent, and their rights and their duties
are coeval with their birth. If native
citizens have their birth rights, they also
have their birth duties or obligations
Their birth duties are enhanced by the
protection afforded to hem by the pub
lie power during their Infancy and their
education, and for these they are under
obligations of fidelity, love and gratitude
How long are these natural obligations
to continue in force, or can they be law.
fully dissolved by voluntary emigration
into foreign nation, without the con-
sent OF the nation of which he is ma
tive member, and from which he emf.
CRATES, are questions which have been
seized by the practice of nations tor
centuries past, as well as by the concur
rent opinions OF the wisest civilians.
In Eng land, in France, in Spain, in all
the great nations OF Europe, the prlncl-
pies that natural fidelity or allegiance is
unalienable but with the consent OF the
nation, is in full force. In England ma.
turaI allegiance can be deprived only by
act of parliament, even the king, who
can graft lcence to leave his doml-
mons, cannot absolve the tie of natural
allegiance. So in the other countries
named, it can be- done only by an act OF
the sovereign power.
In modern days there is tacit per-
mission given BY the community TO" an
individual to quit the state OF hich he
is menb&v. provided 1t be not IN such
a conjunc.u:e when such an &C. viii be
detriM ental to his country, but it docs
so emigratr, still his native country re-
lains the right to recall him when the
public cxigcrcies Shall require it, a
| rieh, rarely exercised, but it has lately
been exercised during toe present war
between France and England BY both #
those nations. Recently The Prince Re
gent of England has by proclamation or
dered all British seamen to return from
foreign service, and the Emperor has
ordered all Frenchmen from foreign
parts 10 return home.
But this voluntary emigration being
allowed only when no prejudice VIII tol-
low to the nation, it can be lawful tor an
individual to leave his country only when
|, il is OF peace.
Vattel saws, &" that in time of peace
and tranquility, when the country has no
need Of all her children, the welfare
even of the state and that of the citt-
gems, requires that any Of them may
travel for the management Of their own
affAirs, provided that they be always
yeadv to return as soon as the Public in
tcyest recalls them. The political laws
Of nations vary greatly in this respect
Among some al citizens are constantly
permitted 10 absent themselves, erceff
in the case Of actual s0ar, and even to
anti the country entirely when they
thi,k proper. This hee"ee is in ats 07v"
nCture contrary TO me wF.t"fe ana sag
tg Of the ssciety, and can no 'vhrre BE-
toj,rated but in country 7vtheut re-
sourcps NEGOTIABLE Of suhhorting the esanf
OF The inhabitants" Book sec s2l.
IN another place he uses these Words
as to those who have the co"ard'ce TO
abandon it (neapipg his native country
in a time of danger seeking to secure
themselves, instead of defending 1t,
| .hcy maniiestly violate the fae' Of soe'e,
IN BY which they engaged to defend
themselves in an united body and In
concert. These are Infamous deserters
which the state has right to punish
severely" Sec. 22O.
| Il may be asked, who is to judge and
decide when an individual may leave his
n.,;ve country, and when not This Is