Virginia Argus

From the Baltimore Whig.

I sometimes read the papers on both sides of the question; and I have at last found out that there is an only American side and a British side to it—say what you please. But, to put it past doubt, I mean to propound two or three questions to the federalists: if they, or any of the Washington society, answer fairly, I will give them credit for being candid for once.

QUESTIONS TO THE FEDERAL PARTY.

What is the reason, that you abuse Bonaparte for rescinding his decrees, as to us; but apologize for England though she keeps her orders in council in force?

How comes it, that you are very angry at Bonaparte for releasing seventeen American vessels; when you don't say one ill word against Britain for condemning eighteen of our ships and cargoes in one day, and the sentence applies to fifty-four, nay to hundreds?

You say England is our very good friend, and has done us no essential injury! If you consider the illegal destruction of our trade and the kidnapping of our men by England, as trivial things; I ask you; what you will admit to be an "essential injury" on her part?

Don't you think that Britain should pay us for the property of which she has robbed us, to the amount of about one hundred and fifty millions of dollars in a few years?

What right has England to interrupt our commerce with any nation on earth? Ought not neutral trade to be free?

How far ought we to follow English notions and fashions?

What have genuine Americans to do with English monarchy or French despotism, but to avoid both forever?

Were we not inoculated with the former of these disorders before '76'; and being cured of it then, why should be we infected with it again?

The federalists recommend British principles to cure us of French influence—but, why should we have either? or if we have, how can a plaster applied to the shin, cure us of the tooth ache?

Did you ever see a single patient under the imaginary disorder of French influence; and if you did, why not give him a strait waistcoat or mad shirt?

Are not American air, diet, principles and patriotism, the only true antidote to all foreign diseases of the body politic?

A little more, and I have done:

Since England prohibits our manufactures why ought we not to shut out hers?

If we consent to an ignominious trade with those who rob us, and murder our citizens how can we expect to obtain redress, or respect?

I allow the Washington society of Maryland; alias, the St. George's society, three days and three nights to answer the foregoing,

A '76-ER