Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

The True Policy.—The great mass of the people, of both political parties, are sensible, as Col. Pickering declared in Congress, that Great-Britain has done us many wrongs. We have ample cause for war with both Britain and France. And however we may regret it, if it be commenced, of which unfortunately there is too much prospect, there will then be neither majority nor minority among us. And though we may differ as to the propriety or impropriety of our government cutting off the negociation with Mr. Jackson in the manner it has—and on this point there is certainly a diversity of opinion—yet in the event of war, there would be but one opinion as to the justness of it, and we should all unite as one man in the support of the government of our choice, charged as it would then be with a solemn duty of vindicating, by THE POWER OF THE SWORD, the unquestionable rights of our injured country. In no other way could we expect a triumphant war to be followed by an honourable peace. We have been told that we are too moderate and pacific. But we must be pardoned for again recommending moderation to our countrymen at this great crisis: Sooner or later they will thank us for the admonition. We solemnly declare that our editorial labors are by far less grateful to us than would be those of the tented field in the cause of our country. We know what War is, and we also know how duly to appreciate its evils. Our hope of the preservation of Peace it is true, is but a faint one, but we wish to cherish it to the last. No one can honor more than we do the patriotic spirit of the Federalists, which is now so proudly and triumphantly repelling the infamous accusation of the Democrats that they are a "British Party." That accusation, we trust, will never again be repeated. For ourselves, we have ever detested the idea of British partizans or French partizans, and ever shall. We are INDEPENDENT WHIGS of the "OLD SCHOOL." But we must be permitted to repeat, that while a ray of Hope remains, we ought to preserve our Country from the calamities of War. We presume not to dictate to our Countrymen, but must boldly proclaim our idea of the True Policy of the U. S. at the present most momentous period. Let those imbecile, half-way measures, which have so long distracted the nation, invited aggression, and ruined our commerce, be at once and forever laid aside. Let the nation be put in a state of Maritime defence, by immediately commencing the building of the so long contemplated six 74's and frigates. Let the WASHINGTON policy, so long neglected, be again resorted to—PEACE—if possible. But EQUAL AND UNBENDING OPPOSITION TO THE UNJUST PRETENSIONS OF BOTH GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE. And then WAR WITH BOTH THOSE POWERS UNLESS THEY ABANDON THOSE PRETENSIONS.
(Freeman's Journal)