caused an unnecessary degree of alarm. But that there is ground for apprehension of danger no one can doubt.

During the past winter, many of our citizens were engaged in this lawless enterprise. This is proved by the records of our own courts, and the courts of Canada, and by well authenticated accounts which have been published. Indeed, it is notorious that organized bodies of men, though, perhaps, not bearing arms, were marched through the northern part of this and other states on our northern boundary, with the known intention of invading Canada, who were permitted to pass without molestation. And, it is believed, that in some instances they were encouraged in their enterprise by contributions of money, provisions,

and other necessaries.

This state of things is deeply to be lamented. When our citizens, generally, shall cease to respect the laws, and the high duties they owe to their own government, there is but a slender ground of hope that our institutions can be long maintained. An obedience to the laws is the first duty of

every citizen.

It lies at the foundation of our

noble political structure; and when this great principle shall be departed from, with the public sanction, the moral influence of our government

must terminate.

If there be any one line of policy in which all political parties agree, it is, that we should keep aloof from the agitations of other governments. That we shall not intermingle our national concerns with theirs. And much more, citizens shall abstain from acts which lead the subjects of other governments to violence and

bloodshed.

that our

We have a striking instance of the wisdom of this policy in the early history of our government. During the administration of our first President the French Revolution burst forth, and astonished the civilized world. All Europe combined in arms against republican France. That France which had mingled her arms and her blood with ours in our struggle for independence.

That this country should deeply sympathize with noble, brave and generous an ally, in such a struggle, was natural. Bursts of enthusiasm were witnessed in her behalf, in almost every part of

our country, and an ardent desire was evinced to make common cause with her in favour of liberty, And this was claimed of our country as a debt of gratitude, and on the ground of treaty stipulations.

Had this tide of popular feeling, which threatened to bear down everything in its course, not been checked, our destinies would have been united with those of France. We might have participated in her military glory, and in the renown of her heroes. And the struggles in which we would have been involved might have given birth to a race of heroes in our own country, whose deeds of chivalry would have been celebrated in history. But our country would have been wasted by war and rapine; and the pen of the historian, which recorded the deeds of our heroes, would, also, have told, in all probability, that our country, like France, was driven to take refuge from the turbulence of party factions, under a splendid military despotism.

Fortunately for the country, Washington lived, and the veneration in which his name was held, and the authority he exercised, mainly contributed to check the excitement, and preserve the peace and lasting prosperity of the country.

The struggles of the people of South America against the oppressions of their own government, again awakened the sympathies of our country, and produced a strong desire in many to unite our fortune with theirs. But this feeling was controlled, and the neutrality and peace country were preserved.

of our

A government is justly held responsible for the acts of its citizens.

And if this government be unable or unwilling to restrain our citizens from

clare war

acts of hostility against a friendly power, such power may hold this nation answerable, and deagainst it. Every citizen is, therefore, bound by the regard he has for his country, by his reverence for its laws, and by the calamitous consequences of war, to exert his influence in suppressing the unlawful enterprises of our citizens against any foreign and friendly power.

History affords no example of a nation or people, that uniformly took part in the internal commotions of other governments, which did not bring down ruin

upon

themselves. These preg

nant examples should guard us against a similar policy, which must lead to a similar result.

In every community will be found a floating mass of adventurers, ready to embrace any cause, and to hazard any consequences, which shall be likely to make their condition better. And, it is believed, that a large portion of our citizens, who have been engaged in military enterprises against Canada, are of this description.

That many patriotic and honourable men were at first induced, by their sympathies, to countenance the movement, if not to aid it, is probable. But, when these individuals found that this course was forbidden by the laws of their country, and by its highest interests, they retraced their steps. But, it is believed that there are many who persevere in their course, in defiance of the law and the interests of their country. Such individuals might be induced to turn their arms against their own government, under circumstances favourable to their success.

These violators of the law should not escape with impunity. The aid of every good citizen will be given to arrest them in their progress, and bring them to justice. They show themselves to be enemies of their country, by trampling under