Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-11-04


cherish, until safety forbid we were destitute OF
such experienced officers and disciplined troops,
as seemed requisite 10 meet the well ttitored
hosts of one of sne most formidable nations in the
world, whose perpetual wars keep her in con-
sta readiness for any new military enterprise !;
a Il Notwithstanding we suffered some disasters
through the failure Of a few VINO did no honour
10 their commissions, yet, in short period was
our army so otiicered and disciplined, that when
ever the enealy came in contact with equal,
and often an inferior number OF our troops, he
was Compelled to yield the palm OF victory, and
either surrender, or retire from the scene OF nc.
ton, confused, disgraced and abasheed. Wit
ness our ilustrous victories near the shores OF
Erie. Even our militia have trampled on the fad
ing laureis of British prowess. What was the
fate of Proctor in the west Let Harrison reply.
Where is that formidable army that invaded from.
the north Let Provost inform. Where are the
boasting legions, flushed with European victo-
ries, that assailed the south! Let England answer
with sigh Let Jackson point to their relics |;
while tue faithful page OF history records Their
doom
Our naval victories has been no less conspicuous
On the ocean, and on the lakes, our flag has
waved triunphnit over Britans wounded PRIDE,
ard expiring naval glory.
In the Mediterranean, the brave Decatur, and
his gallant fellows, with but part OF their little
squadron, have, in the space of = few days, hum
accept peace Dictated by the victor. This, Sc
veral of the great naval powers OF Europe, have
frequently attempted IN vain.
who, then, but with { blush can speak of the
weakness ofour government, TO withstand foreign
invasion
And has Il not proved equally adequate to the
suppression Of insurrecton Has not every for
mer faction been crushed in its FIRST overt acts of
opposition And where is that most TO Inidable
of all factions which threatened the dsnember-
ments ofthe union, and the total subversion of
cur constitution and government Although it
was long disseminating its poison, and originating
Its plssis, it persisted ut last IN embryo. Happy
for its supporters that it ended in resolutions aud
declarations : for, had their threatened HOSTILE
ties actually, commenced, they would have been
trampled in the dust by the very people they
were endeayoring to allure to ruin.
do not make these remarks with design TO
revive and strengthen those party projudces,
which unhappily exist among us, but 10 increase
our confidence in that government which we have
adopted and TO excite our energies, to counteract
every attempt to overthrow it--for well know
that a republican government rests, principally
on the union OF the people. A union formed and
maintained, for the support of rational liberty,
both civil ard religious, IS an object so dear 10
me, that have not failed to recommend it on all
suitable occasions, and hope ever to recommend
il by correspondent, example.
Ireioice, that we have been so far united, that
the constitution of this, as well that of the u.
States, has survived the violence of the storm, 8.
defied the threatening surges OF the times. When
the citizens of this State saw an attempt at such
alteration in their constitution, as would re-
move the election and accountability of many OF
Their officers, at greater, and truly dangerous
distance from them-without distinction OF party,
they rallied round the standard of their liberty,
and in the exercise of theirsoyeregnty, secured
the happy form and princip of government,
whose peculiar blessings they had long enjoyed.
am far from believing that any human govern
ment is so refined as to admit of no improvement
yet amendments should be made in a time of e-
neral tranquility when the passions and prejudi-
ces of the people are ut rest; when they can en-
ter upon the most cool and deliberate investiga-
tion--and then should they proceed with the ut
most caution for when right IS once surren-
dered, it is seldom regained, Nt by wading
thro' seas of blood, and ten, too frequently, the
most desperate efforts are in vain The strug
les of France in her first revolutions to enanci-
pate herself from the CALLING CHAINS of despousm
are am awful lesson to the world and should
teach us the danger and folly of neglectng our
yiehts even while in the most quiet possession,
lest. by our supineness We lose those measurable
blessings, which we have been able TO retain,
through the difficulties and dangers OF WARRIOR
The aspiring and ambitious, ever ready to
grasp the rights and privileges OF the people The
moment they are within their reach. i.
Not having, of late, been engaged in the bust
ness oflegislation and fearing that have already
trespassed upon your patience, shall not at
tempt, at this time, to point out such alterations
and amendments in our laws, the change of
times, and other causes, may require.
The education of our youth IS an object of such
importance, that it cannot fail of exciting your
attention, and receiving your fostering care.
In the full and prosperous tide of commerce.
trust YOU will not neglect our infant manuiac-
lures, which if rightly improved Cannot fail TO
increase our wealth and real Independence.
shall, at all times, firmly rely on your cor
dial support in the faithful discharge of the ar.
cuous duties that deyolye upon roe and having
endeavored to impress your minds with due
sense of the responsibility that rests 20 he re-
presentatives Of free people, entertain the
highest confidence IN your wisdom and integrity
to perform every legislative duty, and esI ally
to supply the various ofcss within yom iurisdc-
ton, by the appointment Of such persons as arc
lovers Of justice, aud subsidy qualified to FIJI
their several stations, SO as shal conduce TO the
safety and happiness ofindiYiduals, well as the
honor and interest of the state.
All such communications as / may receive for
your consideration, either from the genecal Co
vernment, from sister States, or any other source
will be seas0nabiy laid before you
shall, Gentlemen, cheeriiiliy coDcnr with you
IN every measurs, calculated to promote the wei
fare of our constituents and it is my ardent de-
sire that a spirit of harmony may prevail among
US, and that the blessing ofthat Supreme Being