Virginia Argus

The approaching session of Congress promises to be unusually interesting. Objects of the first importance will force themselves on the attention, and call for prompt and vigorous interposition. It is well understood that forbearance and conciliation have been carried by our government to their utmost limits, precedent compatible with the maintenance of our independence, has to convince the belligerent powers of our impartiality and justice to all. In our intercourse with them, we have made every concession that could be done without involving us in a disgrace or committing our eventual and essential interests.— Shunning the causes of collision of the old world, we have satisfied ourselves with proclaiming and asserting a pacific policy. In numerous cases, solicitors for peace, we have forborne to draw the sword where the most palpable justice would have been on our side. Having pursued this course, and convinced mankind of the sincerity of our purpose to be on friendly and equal terms with all nations, the time has arrived, when further forbearance can scarcely fail exposing us to the imputation of pusillanimity. Indeed, it is possible that a stronger motive must shape our future steps. Our honor is pledged, and good faith is too precious to us to allow it to be sullied. Wherever that leads, however encompassed by perils or sacrifices, it is our duty to follow. That these sentiments will animate and guide Congress, we have no doubt. They ought to regulate the conduct of every American. But should party spirit, from its untoward disposition to oppose every thing proposed by the friends of the administration, dictate different principles, still as a vast majority of the new Congress consist of republican members, the most implicit confidence may be reposed in the purity of the motives that will guide their deliberations and regulate their measures. No inconsiderable accession of talent, moreover, will be gained by the new legislative body. More than one third part of the members are new, and among these are several whose eminent reputations in their respective states are, we trust, the precursors and pledges for the services they are about to render their Country in these trying times. Some members of the late Congress, it is true, of luminous minds and splendid patriotism, have retired into the bosom of private life. The bold and honest eloquence of an Eppes will be no longer heard—We hope however that his undaunted spirit will continue to be cherished and in the exigency of our affairs, it is altogether premature to portray. Indeed what that exigency will be is itself at present most uncertain. But whether it points to peace or war, it will equally in our judgment demand measures of a firm and positive cast. If the attitude of the British government continues hostile, the question, as we have already suggested, of the armed force to be raised, will present a topic for profound reflection, as on its issue may depend not merely the temporary interests of the day, but likewise those of the remotest posterity. The wisdom of the legislature will be called upon to decide, whether we are to pursue the same general course in this respect with other nations; whether there is not a necessary connection between the means and the end : and, consequently whether if we adopt the former we shall not inevitably reach the latter. Or in other words, whether the duration of free states is compatible with an immense armed force, either land or naval. Nat. Intel.