Gazette Of The United States & Evening Advertiser

NEW-YORK, March 8.
TOWN-MEETING.

The Citizens of New-York having assembled yesterday, in the large room of the Federal-Hall, pursuant to their adjournment of Thursday, 27th ult. to discuss the resolutions reported by their committee, took them into consideration; and the same being read, and afterwards considered separately, and discussed, were unanimously agreed to, and applauded with repeated cheers. The Hall, notwithstanding the very stormy weather, was remarkably crowded, and contained on a moderate estimate, 2000 citizens.
The unanimity and moderation that prevailed, afforded the highest satisfaction to every friend to order; while the firm, but decent spirit of the resolutions, can give no offence to any, but those whose approbation freemen are not solicitous to obtain. The citizens resolved that their thanks should be presented to their committee, and then departed with the greatest order and decorum.
Here follow the Resolutions.

Resolved, That sovereign and independent nations, in case of war existing between neighbouring or foreign powers, have a right to declare their determination to preserve a strict neutrality towards the respective nations at war: that the fulfilment of treaties existing between either of the belligerent powers, and the neutral nation, published and declared previous to the existence of the cause of war, ought not to be construed as a breach of that neutrality, which they declare themselves determined to observe; and consequently, that the United States of America, as a free, sovereign, and independent power, have a right, founded upon the law of nations, to declare and preserve their neutrality, at the same time that they fulfill, with justice and integrity, previously existing treaties.

Resolved, That when either of the belligerent powers interrupt such neutrality, so declared and persisted in, by committing spoliation and depredation upon the property of such neutral nations or its citizens, they are guilty of a violent infraction of the laws of nations, and an unjust exercise of their power; and therefore, the capture for prize or condemnation of the vessels and cargoes of the citizens of these United States, not concerned in a contraband trade, by either of the belligerent powers or their subjects, is unjustifiable, and an infringement on those privileges, which the citizens of an independent and neutral nation have a right to exercise and enjoy.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that it is the duty of belligerent nations to lessen the horrors of war, and mitigate distresses, not only by permitting neutral nations to remain in tranquility, but to protect all their lawful commerce and navigation; when therefore, they multiply the evils of war without necessity, & wantonly and in a piratical manner harass the persons, or make prize of the property of nations or their citizens who are at peace, and declare their intentions to remain so, they violate the laws of nations the obligations of justice, of nature, and of reason.

Resolved, That the making of vessels or cargoes, the property of neutral nations or their citizens prize, or forcibly detaining the same, to the damage and loss of the owners, not being contraband, is unjust, and that full compensation and restitution is due from the belligerent power so trespassing, to the party injured, and to the nation thus insulted, and ought to be demanded of right, and if refused, that the neutral nation thus situated, is justifiable by the laws of nature and of nations to seek restitution, in any mode the most likely to obtain redress.

Resolved, That the conduct of Great Britain since the treaty of peace with the United States of America, has not been conformable to the true intent and meaning of that treaty; but on the contrary, by withholding the posts on our north-western frontier, and keeping up a military establishment within our territory, the government of Great Britain has violated their national faith, and usurped the rights of our people; that the non-fulfilment of this part of the treaty, on the part of Great Britain, occasions very serious inconvenience to our country and government, particularly as such conduct has a tendency to keep alive the hostile spirit of the savages, and impedes those measures, which would produce on the part of our government, peace and tranquility to our frontiers.

Resolved, That as far as the government of the United States have pursued measures to effect the fulfilment of existing treaty-to preserve its neutrality- and to obtain a restitution of property to its plundered citizens, it is entitled to the warmest approbation of the people. But that the delays which have been experienced in procuring relief from the evils complained of; however unavoidable on the part of government; have been productive of great distress to the people; and that every day that passes finds us less prepared for decisive operations, because every day discovers a new sacrifice to foreign rapacity; and perhaps when forced to the last means of redress, we shall be found without ships, without seamen, and by the poverty attendant on a ruined trade.

Resolved, That in the progress of the important questions which at present engage the attention of, the Executive and Legislative Branches of the government of the United States, it should to them appear expedient to place the ports and harbors of our country in a respectable state of defence, capable of placing us as a nation, above the fear of injury, or the apprehensions of insult; or to make any military or marine arrangements, which the exigency of affairs may require—That the citizens of New-York, jealous for the honor, and willing to support the dignity of their country and government, will cheerfully submit to any tax (if the present revenues of their country are incompetent) which in the wisdom of their representatives may appear necessary to defray the expense attending the support of our independence as a nation, the honor of our flag, and the dignity of our country and government.

Resolved, That the chairman of this meeting be directed to send to Mr. John Watts, the representative of the city and county in Congress, the aforegoing resolutions, in which the sense of his constituents in this meeting is expressed.