Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-05-10
UBLTSH HE'D
ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS,
By JOHN BURKE.
FOREIG.v i.N-IELLTG E.YCE.
LoNpoN. February II.

J. LONDON, February II.
In the extracts which we give from the
National IntehAgeucer, our readers will no
ece report tom the Secretary of the A
merican Navy, which is deserving of their
most serious attention. What we have in
vain attempted during the whole course of
the American war to force on the notice of
those to whom it particularly appertained,
they will perhaps listen to now that it comes
recommended TO their notice by the taunts
OF the enemy. The American cruisers dai.
ly venture in among our conveys, seize pri-
yes III sight of those that should afford them
protection, & if psrsued, "put ON their sea
wings" and laugh at the clumsy English
pursuers.----- TO WHAT'S this owing Cam
not we Guild ships? And will we not learn !,
Or are there soEle fees Of Office, some stupid
senseless routine regulations, in virtue Of
which our vessels are condemned to be un-
equally matched against the enemy, either
for6ght or fight ?-The Secretary Justly
boasts that the American navy is " not ex~
cei!ed in any thing which constitutes efFica
cy' perfect equipment, and general good
qnahnes. his boast is, alas, too true -
But why rs It true and on whom does the
responsibility or this fatal truth rest f? Great
Eritaln was the first naval power in the
world. Woe TO those WHO have Out TO
stake her maritime pre- eminence ~ The
defects in this pare Of the British system.
Continues the American Secretary have
been the theme of criticism and reprehen-
SION tor many years past-"--l'his again is a
melancholy truth aud il is certainly we'll
worth the attention of Pariiament--It must,
indeed, be encouraging to MIR. Madison to
read the logs of his cruisers--If they fight
they are sure to conquer if they fly they
are certain to escape. Nay. if we by CO.
incidence of extraordinary circumstances
happen TO capture one of the fast sailing A.
meiican ships, we either refuse 20 take them
INTO our navy, or we alter them, and con-
vert them into mere tubs. We have heard
Z OF remarkable Fine sailer that was captn,
red and offered to government for sale, but
refused. What was the consequence f? 1t
was bought by London merchant, seat out
under iicence to America, there fitted out
Tor war, and is at this moment most
destructive priyateer.
February 81.
Atlength the Budget of Taxes is OPEN
: ed, and as was anticipated. an immense ad-
ditioH is proposed TO the Assessed Taxes
which are already most burthcnson1e to the
mIddlinS classes of the community, and the
new duty on warehouse and shop windows
VIII aggravate the weight. We Cannot speak
OF the effect " HIGH the increase of duty will
have on the consumption of tobacco and
vine but they are luxuries and every man
becomes his own assessor who chuses to
indulge IN them. rhe proposed postage of
one penny on newspapers mighs be taken
at tour times the sum, it they were permit
ted to so by the packets as well as by the
mail coaches, and surely there can be no ar
gument against allowing their free passage
as far as shall depend on our government.
to every part OF the world. A newspaper
cannot now be- sent to Calais for less than
II guineas per annum, on account of the in
Creased charge made at the POST flee, -
that perqaisite of office ought to he COM
pounded for, and 200, 0o0i. year might ac =
crLe to the revenue from the foreign de.
mand of oar Journals.
From the nc merous specimens we have
had of the veracity of British official state.
ments of the exploits of their arms in the
late contest, one would be inclined 10 con.
clude, that they had made lying virtue -
lake, for one more instance, the follow
ing 81
Two set!s ofpapers have Just been prip
ted by order OF the House of Commons
one relative to The naval force. &c. on the
Canada Lakes number Of ships taken by
the Americans, and by US OF American
prisoners, &c.
Ships of war and armed vessels taken by
the Americans-two of SO. six of TO- two of
IL, two Of 10, and three of guns--contain.
lug 2,0l5 men and BOYS.
ships OF war and armed vessels taken by
the British from the Americans twelve
national ships. and 228 private vessels of
war Containing 1850 guns, and IL ,e68
men.
Number ofseamen captured & detained,
2O,961.
ken, 1907.
The second set of papers contains copies
OF Memorials from manyof his Maiesty's
subjects, complaining of insufficient prn,ec.
ton they are four in number. There
does not appear to be one from I.loyd's."
HOUSE OF LORDS.
Tuesday. Feb. 21.
NHY%L ND MKNIST'RITIOV.
Earl OF DarnIey--iH rising, pursuant TO