The New Hampshire Gazette

ARMED NEUTRALITY.

It is asserted with great confidence in the British papers, of the latest dates, that the Armed Neutrality is proposed to be revived in the North of Europe: and it is added on the same authority, that the Emperor of Russia will appear at the head of it. Every body must be sensible of the importance, to this country, of such a happy event. This armed Neutrality forced the British Nation to negotiate a Peace, in the American War, sooner, by a whole campaign, than she otherwise would. It then consisted of naval detachments from Russia, Sweden, Holland, and other nations; and the power, exhibited was superior to that of any force which any single country could produce against it.

Every body knows the principles on which this formidable establishment was made. The Powers at Peace could be no longer plundered with impunity by the Governments at War. France, Spain and America, and indeed every other Maritime Nation, acceded with pleasure to this institution. England did not. But even England was obliged to acquiesce in its authority.

It is also well known, that as soon as the French Revolution began, and the Coalition was formed to arrest its progress, that the Empress of Russia. and the other powers in league against that illustrious. Commonwealth, suspended its operation under an idea, that the French Nation was not to be considered as a regular Government. England then began her predatory enterprises on the American Trade. And it appears that she has taken more than two millions of dollars, belonging to our Merchants: at least, Mr. Fitzsimons, of Philadelphia, so declared to Congress in a late session, to induce that honorable body to provide for the British Treaty.

The Armed Neutrality renders free bottoms a full security for even enemy's goods with but few exceptions. The right of search is thus necessarily relinquished by the Hostile Nations, and the vessels of the Neutral Powers have thus a free navigation. It has been said that this scheme was first suggested by the celebrated. Count PALLAS, others say the Count VERGENNES; all agree however, that it was a most sublime invention. Perhaps there is not a people who would profit by it more than the Americans; and if we have not the courage now to seize the glorious opportunity, we deserve not our independence. Nay—We have not our Independence. For how can a nation at peace pretend to its Freedom, when its vessels are liable to capture and adjudication; under foreign laws, and in foreign tribunals?

Great-Britain is in no situation at present, to contest this point—against even Russia. She will not therefore make the least difficulty, when every Government is combined against her. It is understood that the Court of Denmark proposed this very plan to the late President, but it was unhappily rejected. As the most important points will be agitated in the approaching Congress, the papers respecting this proposal ought certainly to be submitted to the public.

If the war continues we have no other alternative than immediately to close with this proposition. It will scarcely be worth the while to harangue upon the quantity of linen which Mr. Gallatin brought with him to America— The business is, to extricate our Trade from its present embarrassment, and to oblige all Nations to respect our Flag.