University of Virginia Library

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1

THE resolutions proposed by Mr. Madison, upon the principle of securing the
advantages to the navigation and commerce of the United States, which of right
belong to her, and which have been hitherto usurped by Britain, have been postponed
to the first Monday in March, by which time, the public will may be tolerably ascer-
tained, and foreign occurrences better known: A state like ours, whose prosperity
depends upon the regular exportation of bulky commodities, to distant countries, must
be deeply interested to secure the national means of doing it, independent of foreign
revolutions and wars.

The idea of a naval force (heretofore proposed) is yet progressing, attended with
an additional tax ; it is unfortunate that the benefits expected from the one, are by
no means, so certain as the burthen upon the community, which will inevitably flow
from the other, should it succeed.—Demands have been made from a French island,
for aids of men, ammunition and provisions; but as these do not derive their origin
from France itself, it is hardly probable that they will be persisted in, or produc-
tive of any degree of embarrassment.

The subject of the slave-trade, has been introduced by the Quakers, into Con-
gress, and now stands upon the report of a committee, favorable to the object of the
petitioners ; this only extends to prevent a practice of some people, who have lately
been employed, in transporting slaves from Africa to the West-India islands; and is
not levelled in the remotest degree, against the rights of private property.

The Senate doors are to opened at the next session ; an event long desired, and
from which the best predictions are deduced in favor of republicanism.

It would be improper to conceal an apprehension, to meet which, the public mind
ought to be prepared. It is not a secret, that prevarications have been resorted to
by the British minister, to avoid a negociation for the fulfilment of the treaty, and
that his court have almost peremptorily refused to surrender the western posts upon
any event. Time only can develope the real motives of a conduct so unjust.

The late successes of France, against an unexampled combination of despots, will,
I hope, clear away the clouds which had begun to darken our political horizon, and
secure to us peace, the best pledge for liberty, safety and happiness. Should, howe-
ver these precious objects of society be unjustly assailed, contrary to my expectation,
that the efforts in their defence may be commensurate to their importance, is the fer-
vent hope of