Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
Gentlemen have said, that if we take out the expressions of our sense of
the wisdom and firmness of the Administration of the PRESIDENT, they
cannot find any ground on which to compliment him; if so, he for one
would not be willing to present an Address at all. But his views were
quite different; he thought it could be effectually done without
adulation. He could not consent to acknowledge the wisdom and firmness
of his Administration. Gentlemen had inquired for instances in evidence
of this assertion. He said, that without seeking for more instances,
that of the British Treaty was a standing proof in support of the
assertion. Though many gentlemen believe nothing has been done injurious
to the United States through that treaty, yet I acknowledge I see very
great danger; we are not now in that state of security which could be
wished. It is well known that the operation of the British Treaty is the
groundwork of all the recent complaints of the French Government. It may
be said that many of the complaints of the French Minister originated
from actions previous to the British Treaty. It may be so, but that was
the means of calling forth complaints which, perhaps, would otherwise
never have been made; else why did not this calamity befall us before?
It certainly may be ascribed to that instrument. Gentlemen may talk as
they please about the law of nations; but the law of nations is, that a
neutral nation shall not do any thing to benefit one belligerent power
to the injury of another. Mr. G. said, he thought matters carried a
serious aspect, and he very much disapproved of the declaration of a
gentleman (Mr. AMES) who says, now is the time of danger; we are on the
eve of a war with France, now let us boldly assert our rights. At the
time the British Treaty was debating on, that gentleman was overcome
with the prospect of a war; he then depicted it in horrible forms; but
now how different his language! He now seems not afraid to embrace all
its horrors, and was zealously calling out for the nation to support the
Administration. Why did we not hear this when the British spoliated on
our commerce! If we are upon the eve of a war with France, as the
gentleman supposes, it will be disastrous to this country; we have
reason to deplore it; it will be calamitous indeed. France has more
power to injure this country than any nation besides, and none we can
injure less. What an influence can she command over our commerce? She
can exclude us from our own ports; spoil our trade with Great Britain,
and from her own extensive country; she can shut us out from the East
Indies, as well as the West Indies; ruin our trade in the Mediterranean,
which, owing to the late conquests of the French, may be rendered very
flourishing and important to us; and by her alliance, offensive and
defensive, with Spain, we not only have another enemy, but lose our late
advantages in the navigation of the Mississippi. Suppose, by the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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