The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1815-04-26


lations with forign powers, which has been
proved to be our truest policy.
2. The war has removed many of those
groundless prejudices which might have pa
ralyzed the national exertion. We are no
longer impressed with Suherstifio7ls dread
OF the naval prowess of Britain. We were
well assured indeed that the American navy
wonlc never disgrace itself but no man had
sufficient holiness of speculation, to antici-
pate that the untried vigor of an infant natl
on, would prove an overmatch for the matu-
red strength and scientific experience, of the
mistress OF the seas. Ineed not mention in
what manner this cause of apprehension has
been banished from our minds
Another prejudice not less injurious than
the former, has been in a great measure re-
moved. We no longer behold in England
the bulwarkof our religion, the last stake of
freedom, the happy land where all the vir
tues banished from Earring world, have
fund refuge and home. There are but
few men, who, at this time, can have the eff
trontery to talk about our anglo Sa1on'' o.
rigin, and to ascribe every thing noble that
we have achieved, to the English blood that
runs III our veins. Even sucf. men are Conn
PEELED to acknowledge, with singular incon-
sistency, that the conduct of England has
been such as to deprive them of every palli
atlng topic. 1t might not perhaps, be proper
In state ofpeace, to revive recollections
which cannot fail TO produce irritation. NV
only wish is to diminish that idolaerous rever-
ence for every thing English which has too
extensively prevailed among us, and to con
slider them on the footing of other nations :" in
war enemies, in peace friends" Thus far
the events of the warhave had the happiest
effect.
g. The war has called forth the military
genius of our country, which had too long been
suffered to siumber & pointed out the ne
'esslty OF cultivatng, in time of peace, that
knowledge OF tactics, without which courage,
and even discipline, are vain and Intellectual
All our disasters on the Canadian frontier.
are principally to be attributed to this cause.
Connected with this subject, are the classic
cation, discipline and Improvement of the mi
lltla. An armed nation, ready TO meet the
foe at the waters edge, must present to an
invading enemy. barrier more formidable
than all the works which art ever devised.
4, The last effect of the war which shall
mention, is, IN preparing the public senti-
ment for the regular augmentation OF our ma
Wy. If ever fact was clearly demonstrated.
it is this THAT the genius and capacities of
America are strongly bent towards maritime
greatness. When we survey the infinite re-
sources OF this country to produce every thing
necessary for the construction of ships the
extent OF our coast, affortling the best nurse
ry Tor seamen; the spirit of hardy enterprise
winch peryades that class of men it seems
as If God and nature called us to the ocean.
When it is recollected too that this is the least
dangerous species of force to the liberties of
Country, q that every opponent who can give
us uneasiness is separated from our shores bv
large tract OF water, every objection seems
removed, and every motive supplied, to pur-
sue earnestly and steadily this primary Oh
ject.
But there is another view in which a navy
becomes subject of uuspeakable innpor-
tance Il mean as it affords an additional
oond 81 Union. This subject well deserves
consideration.
increasing; as much as possible, the cement
of our political system. Experience has
clearly proved the position, so much dwelt up
on by Publius, that there is more danger of
anarchy than of consolidation. If the Union
can be strengthened without eniarging the
constitutional powers ofthe government, 1t
would be an eveI,t devoutly "a he wished
The most obvious mean OF effecting this end,
is to create some one object of national affec-
ton, OH which every portion Of the country
would look with pride and delight 1t is inn
possible to preserve a cordial union of hearts
without common centre, around which all
their affections rally. A Geld sense of inte-
rest is insufficient to bind their destinies with
an indissolubie bond of mion.
1t an appeal to the understanding alone
were requisite, the connection of the states
would stand ON ground never to be shaken
But no man who wishes " ell to the cause of
America, can desire to see this vital princi-
pie resting on the basis of a frigid calculation
Evey legislator of ancient or modern times,
has been studious to fortify his system with
some such vivifying principle as that here al
luded to. With what care have they preser-
we'd the monuments of Irrational glory, and the
nemorals OF those men who have rendered
themselves illustrious by their virtue and their
patriotism Monarchy possesses this adj
vantage over popular governmeEts---thatt the
love of country is concentrated in the person
Of the prince and thus the nobieSt of senti-
ments assumes the ardor Of private attach
ment. If the prince should possess all those
qualities which inspire friendship if ne should
perchance be a Henry 4th of France, .lothiug
can equal the devotion Of the peoples loyalty.
On the other hand, ifhe should be a pica
gate debauchec, the ties which bind his sui
jects to their country are weakened IN pro-
portion as his character IS despised, and his
vices abhorred.
1t would be wise in US to borrow an useful
idea from the experience of past ages. Hith-
erto, the spirit of patriotism has beep too
underlined, too much difFused, and (if may
say SOY too unappropriated. Like the cleo
trio flashes Of summers sky, it has wasted
itself without effect, in the void through which