Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-30

have fixed their hearts and staked their hope
upon this question and its management, as tn
great and efficient means to regulate the Presi
Dental question for some time to come. L,
them "THIs is THE ROAD TO BYzANTruM," OF
which they are moving in gallant array.
1 Tedious as these details are, which hav,
swclled this address to an extent much beyonc
our wishes, we are compelled to meet obiec
tons that are gravely and industriously pu
forth, however unsound in their view or un
founded in fact-and we must take notice of
last objection, relating 10 the Colonial Trade
which charges the administration with the los,
of,his trade--6rst, from ne ect to give ins,ruc
| tons 10 our minisler,-and secondly, by omit
ting to recommend the repeal OF the discrimi
mating duties--and lastly, they are blamed for
| abandoning terms that were asked by forme,
adminis,ration--which terms, il was ascertain
ed, could never be granted.
We will meet these objections by plain
statement, Of the facts belonging to the case
and although none would more sincerely de.
plore the loss OF The direct trade with the Bril-
fish West Indies, and none would be more
prompt TO resent its loss, where it could be as
cribed 10 bad conduct, than ourselves, yet we
are far fom duplicating The conduct OF others
by indrlensible suspicious or attacks TO answer
political ends
1t is presumed that the Administration is not
held responsible for any measure that took
place before it came into power--it will be ui-
necessary therefore to look back beyond the ter
minolion Of the negotiation in the hands Of Mr.
Rush, in the year ls24-This unadjusted ne
go,iation left US at that time in possession Of
very advantageous trade with the British
Yves; Indies, and at the time it was suspended,
1t was with an understanding that The negotia-
ton should be again renewed at future time,
In the appointment Of a successor to MIR. Rush,
the strongest evidence was given that could be
given, in the selection Of Mr.. King, of desire
10 pursue this negotiation effectualy aud with
advantage to the country. The established di-
plomatic character and eminent qualifications
Of that gentleman, together with his known &C
,cep,able and high standing at the British Court
were the best pledges OF this-5ut the history
of the world is full of examples how unforeseen
occurrences have frustrated the plaus Of human
wistiom-Mr. King, unfortunately and unex
pec,edly, was taken ill on his voyage to Eng
land, and after his arrival there continued 10 be
an afflicted and debilitated invalid-in so much
so, that he was incom2 etent 10 any thing like
labor, and could only attend to some mi
nor subjects that remained uhadjusted, that
were less difficult of arrangement. But it
is said he received no instructions to ena-
bic him to renew the question on the Co.
lonial Trade, il his health had improved
The reason he did not receive these instruc-
tons is obvious, viz: because no intimation had
been given on the part Of the British Govern
ment Of disposition to renew The negotiation.
After the suspension Of the negotiation in the
hands OF Mr.. Rush there was but little reason
TO believe, from the correspondence, that we
could speedily obtain the terms proposed by our
Government; and therefore, as we were in the
enjoyment Of good trade, there was no induce
ment on our part TO press the subject. Our
greatest interest was, In having the trade per-
manently secured by treaty, rather than to leave
i, to the mutable and unsteady arrangements
of legislative acts on both Observation-Disclosures
therefore OH our part, so far from being fault,
was rather advised by policy. Some time alter
wards, when the British Government appoint
ed two ministers 10 renew the negotiation, and
sent information Of it TO our Government,
through Mr.. Vaughan, the British Minister at
Washington, in March, 1926, with an invitation
to unite another Minister with Mr.. King, on
account Of his i'll health; the selection Of ano-
Their Minister engaged the immediate attention
Of Mr. Adams, and whilst he was consulting
with gentleman who should go out for that
purpose, a letter was received from Mr.. King
begging TO be recalled, and stating. that he had
no longer hope Of recovering his health-the
truth of which has been lamenta5ly confirmed
by the death of that distinguished man, who
was soon after gathered" to his associates, the
departed Fathers of the Federal Constitution.
The Administration could but yield to the petit
ton Of Mr.. King, and minister Mr.. Gallatin)
was Immediately appointed with ample pow
ers of Cancellation, and hurried on to London
with all convenient dcspatch.-Where, upon
his arrival in August, instead OF meeting with
the British Commissioners 10 enter upon the
negotiation, as he had been invited, he was met
by the British Order in Council OF July pre-
ceding, in,erdlcting her Yves, India ports 10
our vessels. Mr.. Gallatin used every exertion
to revive tho negotiation, 1.-THE British Gov
eminent, up to the last accounts, have proved
inhexihle.
| Its further stated by Opposition, that Pres
tident Adams neither recommended the repea
of the discriminating duties, nor did he counte
nance the proposition brought before Congress
for that purpose. He did not recommend an!
IL ~ 90