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Editorial
January 1, 1798
Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
An editorial argues for immediate decision on arming Philadelphia merchants' vessels for defense, criticizing opposition for postponing due to France negotiations. It contends arming targets France if talks fail, protects trade from Britain or piracy, and is prudent regardless of war's end.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
To the Gazette.
PHILADELPHIA,
MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 1.
The question whether our merchants shall arm their vessels for defence, or not, is postponed by the House of Representatives to February.
The opposition party opposed an immediate decision because they said it would be considered as hostile to France, and as interfering with the pending negotiation.
Some of the Federalists concurred in this last opinion. But, should the negotiation fail, there will no doubt remain as to the object of arming, viz. to defend ourselves against France. Will the anti-federalists then consent to this measure? No. The friends of the merchants and the government, do not appear to have been aware of this. The question ought to have been decided at once on every principle; for at present, no nation could reasonably have taken umbrage at its being determined in the affirmative.
Opposition, by saying that the arming of our merchants would be hostile only to France, give up the question whether our trade suffers most by France or Great-Britain.
Should the war cease to-morrow, the measure of arming our merchantmen would be expedient, if not necessary; for piracy and plundering would probably be pursued by the banditti in the West Indies till compelled to relinquish the business by force.
PHILADELPHIA,
MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 1.
The question whether our merchants shall arm their vessels for defence, or not, is postponed by the House of Representatives to February.
The opposition party opposed an immediate decision because they said it would be considered as hostile to France, and as interfering with the pending negotiation.
Some of the Federalists concurred in this last opinion. But, should the negotiation fail, there will no doubt remain as to the object of arming, viz. to defend ourselves against France. Will the anti-federalists then consent to this measure? No. The friends of the merchants and the government, do not appear to have been aware of this. The question ought to have been decided at once on every principle; for at present, no nation could reasonably have taken umbrage at its being determined in the affirmative.
Opposition, by saying that the arming of our merchants would be hostile only to France, give up the question whether our trade suffers most by France or Great-Britain.
Should the war cease to-morrow, the measure of arming our merchantmen would be expedient, if not necessary; for piracy and plundering would probably be pursued by the banditti in the West Indies till compelled to relinquish the business by force.
What sub-type of article is it?
Foreign Affairs
Military Affairs
Trade Or Commerce
What keywords are associated?
Arming Vessels
Merchant Defense
France Negotiations
Opposition Party
Federalists
House Of Representatives
Trade Protection
West Indies Piracy
What entities or persons were involved?
House Of Representatives
Opposition Party
Federalists
Anti Federalists
France
Great Britain
Merchants
Government
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Arming Merchant Vessels For Defense Against France
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Immediate Arming, Critical Of Opposition Delay
Key Figures
House Of Representatives
Opposition Party
Federalists
Anti Federalists
France
Great Britain
Merchants
Government
Key Arguments
Postponing Arming Decision Interferes Unnecessarily With France Negotiations
Arming Targets France If Talks Fail, But Opposition Will Still Resist
Decision Should Be Made Immediately Without Causing International Umbrage
Opposition Admits Arming Is Hostile Only To France, Conceding Trade Harm Comparison
Arming Remains Expedient Post War Against West Indies Piracy