Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

FROM THE CHRONICLE EXPRESS.

NEW-ORLEANS.

The Spanish conduct at New-Orleans appears to excite one general sentiment in the public mind. As an object of the most momentous concern it is regarded by all. We cannot but think it the precursor of much disturbance to the American people.

If, indeed, we could be convinced that the recent measures at New-Orleans originated, in fact, with the Spanish government, uninfluenced and without the controul of France, there would be little ground for anxiety and none for alarm.—Let us, however, admit with caution; a conviction which, if fallacious is so fraught with danger.

The cession of Louisiana to France is no longer doubted—and, from a publication in a late Paris paper, an authority which, in this case, may be deemed authentic, we learn that the country is to be ceded in the same situation as it was received from France by Spain. Of the precise terms in which this treaty is expressed; we have not accurate knowledge—but doubtless, the "same situation," or words of similar import, which may be used, will be construed both to its boundary and to its political relations.—As to boundary: that which only has been recognised by France, will include Detroit, extend the whole southern coast of Lake-Erie, and embrace the whole country west of the Alleghany mountains, thus including within its limits more than half the territory of the United States.

The evil and contentions, however which may emanate from this course are contingent, and possibly remote. Those which regard the navigation of the Mississippi, are eminent and portentous. France receives Louisiana, including New-Orleans and both branches of the Mississippi, disincumbered of the thraldom of free navigation, and the right of deposit, justly claimed by the United States. We apply to Spain for redress. She replies that she has neither power nor interest in the question, and refers us to Buonaparte. HE is a stranger to our pretences -HE has received the country as an appendage of the French empire, subject to no foreign claims or franchises.

However specious this reasoning, and dishonorable this conduct, matters not that the reasoning is diplomatic, and the conduct analogous to that of France and her sovereign, is abundantly verified by numerous recent facts.

Thus the gigantic schemes of Buonaparte appear to embrace, at the same moment, the subjugation of Europe, the recovery of Egypt, and the foundation of an American empire. Universal dominion appears the ultimate object of his all-grasping ambition. Never existed a man so competent to the execution of such complicated and extensive plans. He has at his command one of the most warlike nations in the world: Generals the most enterprising and experienced—armies inured to battle and accustomed to victory—resources that may, since his extensive additions to the French empire, be termed inexhaustible! He has a spirit the most bold and confident -a mind that, without the trouble of reflection, contemplates, at one glance, the event of an action in all its relations, and in all its consequences. He casts his eye, at one view, over the extensive and widely separated countries comprised in his designs, and decides on the measures to be adopted, with the same promptness and celerity with which he directs his glances. He has also youth, and may therefore hope to execute his wishes within the reasonable term of his natural life. If, then, the powers of Europe do not awaken from the torpor into which his superior genius has thrown them, by the unparalleled success of his every attempt. If they do not see, the necessity of unity to oppose a power that menaces them all and if they do not act in consequence of these impressions, we may expect the banks of the Mississippi to be lined with French forces, and a conflict of the most desperate nature to occupy our future years.

It is therefore of the highest importance, that we should anticipate and prepare for these events. The military spirit of our militia should not be permitted to slumber. We know what can be achieved by a people fighting for their dearest privileges. Yet this people, undiciplined, may sink as sacrifices on the bayonets of an invading enemy. On the militia of our country its rights may be reposed but that militia should be properly organized—properly instructed and competent to the duties of a regular military establishment thus shall we be prepared for every emergency—thus be enabled at any moment, to rise en masse not a wild and unmanageable multitude. but a formidable, disciplined army.

It becomes, therefore, a matter of importance, that our militia officers should make themselves masters of their duties. and acquainted with the innumerable improvements introduced into the art of war, during the late European campaigns. and particularly in the armies of France.