The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

From the Boston Repertory

The Editor of the Boston Repertory makes the following remarks on the proceedings in the House of Commons, published in our paper some days since.

We shall neither attempt to conceal our disappointment or regret, at this unpleasant intelligence. But we have heard alarms expressed which, unwelcome as this news is, do not appear to be justified by the facts before us. The British minister declares that Mr. Erskine has exceeded his powers. Until we can produce some evidence to the contrary, we have no right to discredit the assertion. That being the case, the government does not hold itself bound to ratify his act. But are Americans thus to be tempted to hazard their property abroad, and then to suffer, for their misplaced confidence? No such thing. On the contrary, we have the assurances of Mr. Canning, that as the stipulations of Mr. Erskine were confided in, by our government and people, they should not suffer for his error-that speculations entered into by American merchants, under that impression, should have their course, unmolested, or the adventurers be indemnified : Until the real views of his Majesty could be communicated to our government. Then our trade will go on, subject to the operation of the Order of April last, issued in amelioration of those of a previous date, unless some new arrangement is made. That is--our trade will have the same latitude it was to enjoy by Mr. Erskine's arrangement and as qualified by our own laws, except Holland and French Italy.

From the remark of Lord Bathurst to the committee of British merchants engaged in American trade, at the close of the above extract, some have supposed that such cargoes only as they were interested in would be allowed to proceed on their destination. But it will be observed that this was probably an answer to a specific question by this committee. But the language of Mr. Canning is the language of the minister, in parliament, on the subject in its full extent, as a measure of national policy, and he explicitly refers to the speculations of American merchants in general. A new order (of council is however expected; this will probably vary in some respects from the order of April last.