The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Ghost from the grave" to tell with which power it would be made. But are we in a condition to go to war? Would war repair our wrongs, or retrieve our losses? The most justifiable war would prove a deep calamity—without producing one salutary benefit. Hence how solemn and serious is the responsibility of our present rulers.

It is impossible to conceive why the sound of war should, at this particular moment, be rung in the ears of the Country. No fresh provocation has been received from either power. If there be cause existing now for such a measure, the same cause was in existence three years ago, in its fullest aggravation. A rupture, or verbal construction, with a foreign Minister, will surely never be deemed sufficient cause for war; nor ought such an event, between liberal and enlightened governments, to be considered as creating any additional impediment to amicable discussion. We hope that this will prove the fact in the present instance.

The true policy of this country is to cultivate, by all honourable means, a continuance of peace with the whole world. The government, in pursuit of this desirable object, ought sedulously to maintain a strict impartiality with foreign powers. Unfortunately, during a former administration there was too much apparent ground for suspecting it of an undue predilection for France. This suspicion evidently had a most deleterious influence on the conduct of the adverse Belligerent. It still perhaps adheres to them in a great degree.

It would be an incalculable blessing to this country, if the present administration would, in the face of the nation and the whole world, wipe away this foul imputation.

We are led to these remarks by reflecting on the singular article, (published in our last,) purporting to be extracted from a French Journal. This article announces positively the rejection by our government of Mr. Jackson, the British Minister. Although we ourselves are not prepared to say, that this furnishes evidence sufficient to fasten on our government the charge of collusion in this business with France, yet we seriously apprehend that there are many worthy well disposed minds whose feelings and fears will be forcibly excited by the circumstance. How desirable is it, that these sensations, so repugnant to American honour, should be completely quieted! How important is it, that the odious suggestion which the publication conveys, should be refuted, to the satisfaction of the whole world? And cannot this be done? In sober earnestness of heart, we call upon those who have it in their power to perform this grateful service to the country.