Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

ADDRESS
Of the House of Assembly to the People
of Upper Canada,
The House of Assembly having nearly
completed the necessary business for
which they were called together, beg
leave before they return home, to lift up
their warning voice to their constituents
at this eventful crisis. The Declaration
of War issued against Great Britain by
the United States, when first announced
appeared to be an act of such astonishing
folly and desperation, as to be altogether
incredible, and not only excited the greatest
surprise among the inhabitants of this province,
but among the great majority of our enemies themselves.
So many cogent reasons from interest, affection and virtue,
pleaded for an opposite policy, that the most intelligent
became the most credulous. That a government professing
to be the friend of man and the great supporter of his liberty
and independence, should light the torch of war against the only
nation that stands between itself and destruction, exhibited
a degree of infatuation or of madness, altogether incomprehensible.
'It cannot be,' said the wiser part of our inhabitants,
'the United States will never declare war against a nation
which has uniformly treated them with kindness and respect,
whose fleets protect their commerce, and whose armies support
their freedom and independence.' But the men at present ruling
the States, infatuated, or as their more enlightened countrymen say,
bribed by the tyrant of France, regardless of the best interests of their
country, and the feelings and affections of the great majority of their own
people, have commenced hostilities against our mother country while treating
their vessels with hospitality, and instead of threatening their liberties,
offering the most equitable terms of accommodation. This war, on the part
of the United States, includes an alliance with the French usurper; whose
dreadful policy has destroyed all that was great and good, venerable and
holy on the continent of Europe. The government of this bloody tyrant penetrates
it to every thing-it crushes individuals as well as nations; fetters thoughts
as well as motives, & delights in destroying for ever all that is fair and just
in opinion and sentiment. It is evidently this tyrant who now directs the Rulers
of America, & they shew themselves worthy disciples of such a master. Already
have they seduced two provinces from Spain. They first tempted the people to
rebel against their lawful government, and then they deceived and oppressed them.
They chose a time, to themselves the most inglorious, for this infamous conduct,
when Spain overwhelmed with calamities and fighting most nobly at home for liberty
and every thing dear to man, was not able to send seasonable aid to her distant
colonies. It is certainly not the least wonderful among the occurrences of this
astonishing age, that we should find a nation descended from Englishmen, connected
still by the same language and laws, by consanguinity and many similar habits,
not merely eulogizing the implacable enemy of their parent state, but joined him
in the war; and while pretending to nourish the purest principles of liberty,
bowing the knee before the foe of all just and rational freedom, and supplicating
his acceptance of tribute and adulation.
From this degrading picture, at which the friends of mankind and posterity will weep,
we turn with joy to you. in many of whom have already risked your lives to maintain
the unity of the empire--we are confident that the same spirit still animates your
breasts and those of your children, that you still retain the same love for our
excellent king, the same veneration for our free and happy constitution that you
exhibited during the American war. You preserved your loyal principles amidst the
most dreadful political divisions and most implacable hostilities; you were not to
be cajoled by those wicked and designing men who looked for private gratifications
in the public ruin. You were not to be deceived by their slanders on the parent state.
You felt no hardship, no cruel oppression. You saw no examples of inhumanity and
cruelty; these were imaginary evils invented for the most wicked purposes by those
who sought for gain amidst slaughter and blood. You resisted their influence, and
you acted nobly. You were not indeed successful, but the attempt covers you with
glory. When we picture to ourselves the sublime prospect which the world would
have exhibited this day, had the population of the neighboring states preserved like
you, their filial love, we should not have now beheld the continent of Europe
groaning under the yoke of a sanguinary tyrant, nor his satellites in America
studiously imitating his ferocious example.
It is therefore from former experience that we look to you for the SAME PATRIOTIC
principles, principles which enabled you to face death in its most dreadful attire,
principles which exalt human nature, and which have been warmly cherished by the
most virtuous and renowned in every age; and surely when we are attacked by the
same enemy, who once already aided by the mistaken lenity of our mother country
and the misconduct of her commanders, were able to drive us from our native homes
and possessions to this province, a people whose lands are manured with the blood
of our friends and kinsmen, who drove our wives and children from their houses
into the woods, or threw them into dungeons, and who now envy us the habitations
which through the blessing of Providence, the beneficence of our parent state and
our own industry, we have gained from the wilderness--we are confident that you
will display the same energy, and certainly with better hopes of success. Great-Britain
will not now consider Americans as perverse children who may be reclaimed, but as her
most malignant foes. Her commanders will not, as formerly, temporize and raise hosts
of enemies by their misconduct and delays, but they will hasten to punish them with
all the rigor of war.
Already have we the joy to remark, that the spirit of loyalty has burst forth in all
its ancient splendor. The militia in all parts of the province had volunteered their
services with acclamation, and displayed a degree of energy worthy of the British name.
They do not forget the blessings and privileges which they enjoy under the protection
and fostering care of the British empire, whose government is only felt in this country
by acts of the purest justice, and most pleasing and efficacious benevolence--When men
are called upon to defend every thing they hold precious, their wives and children,
their friends and possessions, they ought to be inspired with the noblest resolutions,
and they will not be easily frightened with menaces, or conquered by force. And beholding
as we do, the flame of patriotism burning from one end of the Canadas to the other, we
cannot but entertain the most pleasing anticipations. Our enemies have indeed said,
that they can subdue this country by a proclamation; but it is our part to prove to them
that they are sadly mistaken; that the population is determinately hostile, and that the
few who might be otherwise inclined, will find it their safety and interest to be faithful.
For nothing is clearer than this, that if there be any person so base and degenerate as
to join the enemy after having taken the oath of allegiance, he not only forfeits his
property but his life. The British government never will make peace with the American
states, till full and ample indemnification has been received for all depredations
committed in this country; nor will we permit a single traitor ever to return. Let those
who have come from the neighboring states consider this well, and assure themselves,
that as we are eager to reward loyalty and affection for the government, so are we not
slow in punishing treachery.
Innumerable attempts will be made by falsehood to detach you from your allegiance;
for our enemies, in imitation of their European master, trust more to treachery than to
force; and they will, no doubt, make use of many of those lies, which unfortunately for
the virtuous part of these states, and the peace and happiness of the world, had too much
success during the American rebellion. They will tell you, that they are come to give
you Freedom--yes, the base slaves of the most contemptible faction that ever directed
the affairs of any nation--the minions of the very sycophants who lick the dust from the
feet of Bonaparte will tell you, that they are come to communicate the blessings of liberty
to this province; but you have only to look at your situation, to put such hypocrites to
confusion. In order to insure our prosperity and happiness a constitution has been given
us, modelled from that of our parent state; not the hasty production of a day, but rising
out of the experience of centuries. A governor standing in the place of his majesty, a
Legislative council composed of a select number of the principal inhabitants of the Province,
and the representatives of the people fairly chosen. In the appointment of a Legislative
council, a reward is presented to those who shall deserve well of the public, and a foundation
laid for an influence different from that which is produced by overgrown wealth. Honors are a
cheaper and more effectual mode of remunerating valour, genius and singular attachment, than
any sordid or pecuniary benefit. They are such rewards as meet the feelings of the generous
and noble minded. and they nourish that pure and exalted ambition which gives life and energy
to public affairs, which rouse the most dignified principles of action, and extinguish that
low groveling policy which only aims at despicable gratifications.
If the real foundation of true liberty, and consequently of solid happiness, consists in being
amenable only to the laws which we or our representatives ordain, then are we in possession
of that liberty and that happiness, for this principle is fully recognized by our excellent
constitution. Your house of assembly are truly elected by the people--consequently all have
a share in the government, because all have a vote in the election of those who make the laws.
If these laws are not favorable to virtue--if they are not clear and precise, we have nobody
to blame but ourselves, and we have the power of altering them.
The time for which our representatives are chosen, has a view to the situation of the province
as well as to the state of the public mind. The period is infinitely better than annual elections,
because it gives the representatives time to comprehend the business for which they are sent,
and enables them to bring to maturity regulations which require information from different
parts of the country. The qualifications for becoming an elector are simple and moderate,
every person may soon possess them, who is not convicted of felony, or who has not yet attained
the legal age. Nor is any person excluded from becoming a representative except the public teachers
of religion, and such as are not subjects of the king. Is not this constitution perfect above all
others? In our laws and institutions there is so much wisdom, such an anxiety to keep the moral
code always in view, such an attention to our feelings, such a regard to the preservation of our
rights both in person and property, such a steady abhorrence of vice, and such a strict enforcement
of virtue, in as far as it can become the object of public regulation as merits on our parts, the
most steady attachment; and in putting them in force there is, if possible, more to praise than
in the laws themselves. If ever impartiality in the administration of justice was attained, we
have certainly attained it. There is no interference of the part of government. The true interest
of the rulers as well as the people is known to depend upon the unlettered operations of the laws.
The judges and crown officers selected from an honorable and liberal profession; men whose minds
are raised by their education, far above all narrow and sordid views are appointed to put the laws
in force --When we behold these upright dispensers of justice without any temptation to the right
or to the left, prepared by a long course of study for their awful and important functions; when
we behold them hearing with the greatest candor and most invincible patience, not merely the causes
between different subjects. but those between private citizens and their sovereign, and instead of
leaning to the rulers who appoint them, giving every proper facility to the prisoner, attending
particularly to his defence, and even becoming of his counsel when he errs. Shall we not feel
grateful to a government which promotes and sanctions so great uprightness, and which seeks so
eagerly the happiness of its people. It is not enough that we be obedient subjects to such a
government as this; we must be active in its defence against open enemies and internal foes.
Is there any person who is not conscious that he is completely master of his own conduct-that
the quiet possession of his life, his person and property, and good name, are secured to him by
the laws. Do we not feel that our government is able, and not merely able, but careful to protect
the rights of every individual, and to allow him as much liberty as is compatible with the rights
of his fellow subjects; protecting him against all oppression, giving free scope to the exertion
of his talents, and in every way contributing to his comfort and happiness. Such is a faint sketch
indeed of the glorious constitution which we enjoy; and this we are called upon to exchange for
the government of the United States; a government which has oppressed and impoverished its own people,
and deprived them virtually, of all their valuable privileges. For how can liberty exist among a
people where officers of state and representatives crouch to a bloody tyrant. Be vigilant against
such enemy; the contest is indeed awful and to be deplored; but of the event your representatives
entertain no dread.
It is not necessary for us to examine the causes alledged by our enemies for this unjust and unnatural
war, because an Address from the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts. the most
respectable in the Union, proves in the most satisfactory manner, that it is wanton and unprovoked,
and is the climax of the various outrages previously committed against Great-Britain. In this statement
they have been joined by the Minority in Congress, whose exposition of the secret reasons of the war,
and the falsehood of those alledged by the President and his friends, is unanswerable, and must hand
down the promoters of this diabolical measure to the execrations of posterity. Indeed the more enlightened
and best informed persons in the United States, all men who love their native land and think with
impartiality, are against the war; and as they form an increasing majority, we have every reason to
suppose, that they will be able to hurl their opponents from power, and speedily to restore peace to
their country.
Finding on their meeting that the Province was actually invaded, it became immediately necessary for
your Representatives to give as much efficacy as possible to our natural means of defence. For this
purpose, several alterations have been made in the militia laws, which being framed for a state of
tranquility, were too weak in their provisions for actual war. These alterations render it easy for
the commander in chief of the Province to call out any part, or in cases of necessity the whole of
the militia, subject while embodied, to the strictest discipline, that they may become truly formidable
to the enemy. Your Representatives persuaded themselves, that the great majority of their constituents
were willing to make every sacrifice at such a time as this, and to endure a temporary privation of
liberty, in order ultimately to secure the whole. In providing for the defence of the Province, your representatives
did not hesitate to enact the severest punishment against those or who endeavor by their influence,
to discourage and deter others.
But as they apprehend more danger from the private machinations of their foes than their open attacks,
it was necessary to restrain the liberty of those who were not immediately called into the field. Trusting
more to treachery than open hostility, our enemies have already spread their emissaries through the
country to seduce our fellow-subjects from their allegiance, by promises as false as the principles on
which they are founded. A law has therefore been enacted for the speedy detection of such emissaries
and for their condign punishment on conviction ; a law which it will not be easy to escape. In passing
these different acts for the defence and preservation of the Province, your representatives proceeded
with all possible moderation. The exigency of the times would have perhaps justified them in adopting
stronger measures; but they were not disposed to abridge the rights and privileges of the people, any
further than was absolutely necessary. It did not escape them, that placed as we are, so near our enemies,
bordering upon them through such an extensive line of country, connected with them by so many ties,
and so many persons lately from the American states settled among us, whose inclinations, though in
the main good, would naturally lean against us, ordinary measures of caution were not sufficient. But trusting
on the other hand, to the well tried loyalty of the great body of the people, to assist in the execution
of the laws and in the detection of those doubtful characters and secret traitors, they have been induced
to adopt the most lenient, which a due attention to the general safety would admit. Your representatives
finished their labors with placing in the hands of his honor the President all the public money that they
could collect, in order to contribute as much as possible to the extraordinary expense which the war
renders necessary, and they have the fullest confidence that it will be most faithfully applied. Having
thus endeavored to the best of their abilities, to provide for the welfare & safety of the province, your
representatives take the liberty of reminding you, that the best laws are useless without the zealous
co-operation of the people; unless you are prepared to undergo the greatest privations, and to make the severest
sacrifices, all that your representatives have done will be of no avail. Be ready then at all times to rally
round the royal standard, and let those who are not called into service, assist the families of those who
are in the field. Be quick to discern, and prompt to seize upon all those who either by word or deed seek
to stifle or discourage that ardent patriotism which at this moment animates all the inhabitants of this
Province; let your whole attention be applied to the defence of the country and the defeat of our enemy.
Inspired with this disposition, your representatives are confident of success, for although they admit that
the contest will be terrible, and the hardships which you will have to suffer severe, yet the justice of our
cause, and your gratitude and attachment to the illustrious nation of which you form a part, will enable
you to surmount them. And let no one deceive you with vain terrors concerning the new powers with which
we have armed government. The good and loyal will never perceive them, except in the greater security
which they will give him, for they are placed in the hands of his excellency Gen Brock, a commander no less
distinguished for his valor in the field, than for his justice and humanity. In his wisdom and experience in
war, your representatives have the firmest reliance; and they rejoice that at such a crisis a general of so
great abilities, and whose private merits gain the hearts of all who know him, should, through Divine Providence,
be placed at the head of this government. Remember when you go forth to the combat, that you fight not for
yourselves alone, but for the whole world. You are defeating the most formidable conspiracy against the
civilization of man that ever was contrived; a conspiracy threatening greater barbarism and misery than
followed the downfall of the Roman empire-that now you have an opportunity of proving your attachment to
our parent state which contends for the relief of oppressed nations, the last pillar of true liberty, and the
last refuge of oppressed humanity-Persevere as you have begun in your strict obedience to the laws, and your
attention to military discipline; deem no sacrifice too costly which secures the enjoyment of our happy constitution;
follow with your countrymen in Britain, the paths of virtue and glory, and like them, you shall triumph over your
unprincipled foes.
(Signed)
ALLAN MACLEAN. Speaker.
Commons House of Assembly,
August 5th, 1812.