Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

COMMUNICATION.

Whatever were the motives which influenced the majority of a certain great assembly to decide in favor of postponing the discussion of a highly important measure, it will be ascribed by the world to the fear of offending a foreign nation. Among that majority are some to whom this principle cannot be imputed; but their views will be confounded by their votes, and their adversaries will exult in every temporary schism, that secures to them the triumph of opposition which never divides. In a country like ours, it is always bad policy to join opposition, because it has heretofore prevailed in the same contest. If measures are to be accommodated to a bad precedent for the sake of preserving an appearance of consistency; the encouragement to attempt the establishment of such a precedent will be mightily increased. To support a firm and virtuous administration, against the intrigues and activity of its enemies, is a task to be accomplished only by labour, vigilance and perseverance. If it be ascertained, that the federal phalanx when once foiled will never rally, but that its members will be likely to desert and join the assailants; the onset of faction will be more impetuous, and finally irresistible. On the contrary defeat should be a new incentive to union and resistance.—Men who are confident in the fitness of their own plans, should never desist until they are put into execution—Sometimes the popular outcry may be excited, and the fears and passions of men will often be roused by those who are in the practice of juggling the multitude. But the sleight-of-hand which moves the mob, has not yet the command of the "French national razor." The moderation of the people leads them to acquiesce in the decisions of their government; and their good sense ultimately approves of wise measures which a sudden impulse may have prompted them at first to oppose and condemn.

At present the people are ripe for the measure of arming our merchantmen—Their representatives are not.