Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-06-22
From fhe Narional latelSgencer.
POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS.

H
Nothing IS more striking in the attendant Cir
eumstances Of the overthrow of Bonaparte than
the little effect which his downfall has produe.
ed upon the government Of the United States
The occurrence is seemingly regarded by our
rulers merely as apolitical phenomenon, calcu-
lated to excite astonishment more than to in
spire sentiment of regret. This arises, it is
presumed, from the total absence of sympathy
between the late Emperor & eur national admin.
istratori the latter having nlwa's regarded Ma
poleon az person who had, in no small degree,
been instrumental in preventing the institution
OF free form of government in France on a
stable basis. 1t was impossible not to admire
the genirs ofthe man, his gre at talents, and
: that which his enemies, even in dethroning him,
allowed him to possess, \ certain grandeur Of
character. But there was not a single point a.
bout him that would excite affection in the boz
som of an american srepubiicsn. The covers
ment Of the United States. had no rigaf 10 IN
terfere with the internal regulations Of the
French people & whoever they chose 20 Gle.
yite to the throne, was, as a matter Of course,
considered and treated as the chief OF the ma
tion. flour President had been the least IN
eiined to serve Bonaparte, he would never have
given facility to the passage Of General Moreau
to Europe. 1t would have been easy, upon va
rious grounds, to hare refused permission to
Moreau to leave this country Mt the time he did.
But there was considerable feeling for that UNI
fortunate officer. He was regarded as an e1-
lie, who had been prosecuted for his friendliness
TO government that would be favorable TO the
people at large; and it was thought here that
his presence on the European continent was cal
culated to do more good than evil to the cause
Of liberty.
But, in truth, the little sensibility which our
rnlers have manifested at the downfall of the
first military sovereign of the age, is principal
ly the result OF the moderation of their own
conduct, and the consistency of their policy,
with respect to Great Britain. The American
government never took advantage Of the iris
umphs Of Napoleon nor of his gigantic power,
TO demand of England any thing that was UNI
just. And there is not, it is believed, at this
moment, solitary claim or single argument,
which the Executive oft United States IL not
as ready to urge as when the legions of France
held Europe in awe. 1t Is conviction of rec
titude, springing from this source, that enables
our rulers to look, with unatered countenance,
upon an event the mnst extraordinary and SUR
prising. We were in no way committed with
Bonaparte we had no secret understanding
with him, no treaty of alliance there was no
common tie; and his degradation, therefore,
gives no shock, and occasions no agitation =
Difficult as it was, in the perpleSed condition
Of things beyond the Atlantic, cur administra-
tion invariably avoided shy connexion with Eu-
ropesn states, that might have tendency to
make US dcpcndent on fransactionsia snat
auartef, ana embarrass us by occurrences IN
which We had no agency op influence.
The Consciousness of virtue. which supports
an individual in adversity, AMI which fortifies
him to sustain and overcome difficulties, is the
same with that which at this time produces that
dignifcd composurc so manifest In 6ur cabinet
a calmness that reproves faction, and must be
pleasing to every rational man in the union
1t will be the pride and boats of republicans,
that the men TO whom they have conGded the
great national trust, have behaved so wortIiiy.
No arrogance when England stood alone No
humiliating cries now That she seems TO be
colossus in power. BeiIolding our attitude, the
enlightened men of the British empire must
themselves applaud us. Thc course We have
pursued will bear criticism. Our diplomatic
correspondence will bear perpetual inspection.
Our rights were dear to us when Napoleon
hourished. They are still dear to us when
Bourbon regps. Our statesmen agued till the
moral sessorium of Oh. adversary became cal
lous TO reason. 1t was then only that we drew
the sword. Come what will, may that hand pc.
IRISH that will not strikef for the country!
WASHINGTON CITY, June IA.
C,by of n Ietfer fo,, Ca,,, (Iovrr.,, O., en-. c....