The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

WASHINGTON CITY

WEDNESDAY, February 16, 1803.

On Monday Mr. Ross made a long speech in the Senate on the situation of the country as affected by the measures pursued at New Orleans. We were not present; but from the information we have received his object appears to have been the adoption of measures for immediately taking possession of New Orleans, without any preliminary negotiation. In the course of his remarks he alluded to certain resolutions he meant to propose without reading them. He had spoken on the subject for more than an hour without interruption, when he made some remarks and alluded to circumstances which Mr. Wrights considered as confidential. He accordingly moved that the galleries should be cleared, which, in obedience to a rule of the Senate, immediately took place.

It is very much to be regretted that this speech was not fully taken. Indeed we hope that Mr. Ross will present it to the public. If we are not misinformed, its publication would rank in language too intelligible to be misunderstood. It would then unequivocally appear whether there is not a body of men—that body who have lost the national confidence—who are bent on war; and who, in the desperation of their misfortunes, are ready, nay anxious to plunge the country into ruin, to gratify party ends.

But, thank God, the people of America are firmly attached to peace and good government. They will preserve peace as long as national honor and the public good require it. But should unfortunately the period ever arrive when national honor and the public good shall demand the avenging arm of war, the energies of the people concentrated in government rich in their confidence will constitute the strongest and the safest barrier to invaded rights.