Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

I am not partial to any friends except my own, nor so prejudiced in favor of any nation but my own, except their conduct demands that reflection.

A greater national change scarce ever failed than that lately displayed by the French nation.

Individuals may change from caprice and a thousand passions which attack the mind. This is not material, but, when we see a great and powerful nation changing,—changing from that glow of enthusiasm which has long been borne in the bosoms of Americans, what does it evince? It is a presumptive evidence that some great event has caused it. I come forward with no attachment but to our own government, I think none so good: I will say that America, every thing in her, and belonging to her in every respect, is superior to any thing in any other country. This may be thought a narrow disposition, but I am not sure that to be more liberal would be to be more politically wise. I then come forward, not to vindicate the cause of France or Great Britain, nor to depreciate the one in violating the dignities of the other, but only to vindicate our own government because I think it has acted right; It seems curious to observe that, while all nations are employed in the admiration of, our constitution, our government and administration ; our own citizens are the only ones who express dissatisfaction at its form or its conduct. I do not mean to say that all that has been done on the part of the government has been critically right, I will not deny but it may have omitted to do what it ought to have done, or done in some cases what had been better let alone,—but by the great mass of, their transactions they have assumed a situation as respectable as that of any other nation. They very ordeal we had to pass through amidst conflicting nations has been as successfully encountered by the conduct we pursued as by any other path we could have chosen.

I cannot pretend to defend the violations committed by either of the belligerent powers—they have both acted wrong; so much so as to impress the whole world that we cannot depend upon the 'generosity,' or 'magnanimity' of either. But the question is, have we sufficient cause to resent these insults? we all agree that an attempt to negotiate will most safely conduct us out of our present difficulties ;—we agree as to the object. but the manner to effect that object, with honour to our nation is the point on which we are divided : an amicable adjustment of our differences then I take to be the unanimous wish, but upon what terms? On a former occasion it will be recollected that we adjusted a dispute with Great Britain by a treaty. An adjustment not inconsistent with the honour, advantage, or justice of the nation, but consistent with all. This treaty received its proper ratification by every branch of the government, and I believe is become generally popular—however, if it might have not met the acquiescence, it has the compliance of every one ; notwithstanding what some gentlemen would say upon the subject, I cannot believe but, had not the prejudice against the British nation been so prevalent, that treaty would have been satisfactory to all; but notwithstanding that, we have done it to our satisfaction, (I mean by a great majority of the citizens) although it might not be so in the sight of France.

She says by that act we have violated our antecedent treaty with her. Now the question with us is whether this assertion has foundation or not: I must say I believe not. It was not a treaty offensive and defensive we made with her, nor to continue for ever ; this she well knew, else why did she not come forward and say to us, you are under obligation to join us against our enemies! No, they knew the contrary, and therefore could not exact it. We are ready to prove that none of the articles of the British treaty does in the least contravene that with France.

To be continued.