The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-02-11

ish government TO open an aniicablc accom-
moda,:on 20 provide substitute TO il, which
should be considered an ample equivalent
The substitute proposed was defined, and OF
a character SO comprehensive, as 10 have rr-
moved, 40 was presumed, every possible OBJ
lection 10 an accommodation. The PROPOSE.
lion before made 10 exclude British sean,en
from our service was enlarged, SO as TO COM
piehend all native British subjects nat already
naturaIzed OF entitled to naturalization under
the laws OF tho United States; this was like
wise rejected.
Your committee have sought with anxiety
some proof OF disposition in the British
governmental accommodate On any fair con-
diiIon the important difference between the
two nations, relative 10 impressment, bot
they nave sought In vain none is 10 be
found either III tie communications OF tho
British Minister 10 The American Charge des
a fairs IN London, or LII those OF the COM
mander Of the British naval forces al Halifax
made by the order Of his government, 10 The
Department of State. They have seen with
regret, that although Lord Castleseagh pro-
fessed "a Willingness in his government 10 re-
ccive and discuss amicably aoy proposilion
having ia view either 10 check abuse III their
practice Of impressment or TO provide sub
sutute to il, he not only declined entering M
10 a negotiation for .he purpose, but discodn-
tcnanced the expectation that any substitute
could be proposed, which his government
would accept. 1t merits notice also, though
il ceased 10 be Cause OF .urprize, that In
the communication of Admiral Warren to
the Department Of State, the subject Of i'm
prcssmcnt was not even alluded to.
Had the Executive consented 10 an armis-
tice OH the repeal OF the orders in council,
without satisfactory provision against inn
pressment, or d clear aid distinct understand
Ing with the British goyernmtnt 10 tina, effect,
in some mode entitled TO confidence, your
committee would not have hesitated 10 disap.
prove IL.
The iDpressment OF our seamen being de-
scrvedy considered a plincipa, Cause OF The
war, the war ought to be prosecuted until
that Cause was removed. The appeal 10 arms
in defence OF right and 10 lay them down
without securing IL, on satisfactory evidence
OF good disposition in the opposite parry to
secure il, would be considered in no other
light, than u reli0qulshmentl OF it. To at
tempt to negociale afterwards, for the securi-
ty OF such right, IN the expectation that any
of the arguments, which have been urged be
IOfc tnc uCIldTdtlOu Ot war atiu Occn fcIcCtcu,
would have more weight, after that expert
men, had been made in vain, would be an act
of folly which would no, fai. to expose US 10
the scorn and derision Of the British nation
and OF the world.
Oa the full view therefore Of the conduct
of the Executive IN its transactions with the
British government since the dcClaration 0l
war, the committee consider il their duty 70
express their entire appreciation OF II. They
perceive in il 6rm resolution TO support the
rights and honor of their country, with sin
cere and commenlAblc disposition TO pro-
mote peace, on such just and honorable con-
d,ions as The United States may with safety.
accept.
Ii remains therefore for the United States
10 take their final attitude with Great Britain,
and 10 mainaln IL with consistency, and with
unshaken hrmness and consistency.
The manner in which the friendly advances
md liberal propositions OF the Executive have
been received by the British govesnmeu, has
IN great measure extinguisb.d the hope OF
amicabc accommodations. II is, however
possible that the British government, after
instructing Admiral Warren TO communicate
to the Department Of State the repeal of the
orders in council, may have declined the AR
rangement proposed by Mr. Russell! in the
expectation that that measure would have
been made satisfactory to The United States.
BE This as II may, your committee consid-
or il the duty of this House to explain to It's
constituents, the precise nature OF that cause,
and the high obligation which At imposes.
From what has been stated, it appears tha,
however great the sensibili,y To other wrongs,
the impressment OF our seamen, was that a.
lone. which prevented pn armls,ice, and In
all probability, an accommodation. Had that
great interest been arranged in satisfactory !,
manner, the Presiden, was willing to rely on
The Intrinsic justice of other claims, and the
amicable spirit in which the negotiation
wou,i have been entered into, for satisfaction
in their favor. Great Britain claims righ. I