Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1810-12-06

flloEs by Expanding the Patriotism; and
by assmilating the principles, the ssnti.
nents and the manners of those who might
resort TO this temple Of science, to be re-
distributed, IN due time, through every
part OF the community ). sources OF jealousy
and prejudice would be diminished, the
features Of national character would be null
siplied, and greater extent given to sor,al
harmony. But above all, a we'll constitute
ed seminary, in the centre Of the nation, is
recommended by the consideration that the
additional instruction .emanating from i1,
would contribute not less TO strengthen lhe
foundation, than to adorn the structure, Of
oar free and happy system ofgovernmrnt.
l., Among the commercial abuses still com.
nirred under the American Gag, and leav.
ing in force Ey former reference to- that
subject, it appears that American citizens
are instrumental in carrying OH a traffic in
eRslayed Africans, equally IN violation Of
the laws of humanity, and in defiance of
those Of their own country. The same Just
and benevolent motives which produced
the introduction in iorce.against this crimi-
ma! conduct, will doubtless be felt by Con.
sressin dcvising further means of suppress
sing he evil.
Ia the midst Of uncertainties necessarily
connected with the great interests of the U.
States, prudence requires a continuance Of
our defensive and precautionary arrange
mems. The secretary Of war and secreta-
~ ol the navy VIII submit the statements
and estimates which may aid Congress in
their ensuing provisions for, the lanI and
naval 4sorces. Ihe Statements Of the latter
win iMfude . view of the transfers of ap,
preparations in the naval expenditures, and
the grounds on which they were made.
!. The Notifications loG, the defence Of our
MARITIME frontier have been prosecuted ac-
cordng to the plan Lid down in 1903. The
works, with some exceptions, are compleat-
ed, and furnished with ordnance. Those
for the security Of the City Of New York,
though far advanced towards completion,
will require further time and appropria-
ton. This is the case with few others,
either not complicated, or la need Of re-
pairs 49,, - ~ 'e4 .
The improvements, in quality and guam
tity, made ia the mandatory Of cannon
aofl Of small. arms. both at the public ar
n,ories, and private factories, warrant ad-
litional confidence in the competency 0!
these resources, for Supplying the rublic
rxigencics. SCI ..,,.,. IL 49,
These PREPARATIONS for arming the militia
haviag thus far provided tor one OF thy
objects contemplated by the power vested
in Congress, with respect 70 thar great bul
wark of the public safety it is for their
consideration, whether further provisions
are. not requisite, forthe other contemplated
objects, OF organization and discipline. To
give to this gseaI mass o. pl.ysica! and no
raj force, the efficiency whichit merits and
is capable Of receiving; it is Indispensable
that they SHOULD be instructed and practised
in the rulesby which they are to be governed.
Towards an compishment Of this i'm
portant work, I recommend for the cousid
Grafton of Congress the s-zpediency of inst
tuiing . system ,lvhich shall, in the first in. !
stance, call into the field, at the public ex-
pence, and for a given time, certain portions
Of the commissioned and noacommissioned
officers. The instruction and discipline
thus acquired would gradually difluse
through the entire body Of the militia that
practical knowlege 8 promptitude for active
service, which are the great ends te be pur-
sued. Experience has left no doubt, either
of the necessity, or of the Efficacy, Of com
petent military skill, in those portions Of an
army, in fitting it for the final du.ics, which |
ii may have to perform.
The corps Of Engineers. with the Military
Academy, ale entitled to the early attention
Of Congress. The Buildings at the seat, fxt
by law, for the present Acade my, are so FAR
in decay, as not to afford the necessary &C.
commoda6on. But revision Of the law is
recommended, principally with g view TO a
more enlarged cultivation and diffusion Of the