The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-06-12

PORTLAND, MONDAY, JUNE IL, 1890.

PORTLAND, MONDAY, JUNE IL, 1890.
The genius and enterprise of the American
government are beyond parallel in history since
the age Of Roman glory. A nation yet in its in
fancy, rapidly extending It's arts, its civilization
and its influence, over An immense extent of
country, making its improvements co-extensive
with its territory, and frightening the sarage from,
bis native forest by the echo If the axe, will az
ford circumstances Of novelty 70 the future h,sto-
rian. Within the compreheasire policy OF our
republic, 10 embraced the design u come citing oy
inland water communication, her vast lakes and
her navigable rivers, reducing the distractions
which nature has opposed to an intimate union
Of the two portions Of her dominion, exploring re-
gions which have hitherto remained inaccessible
to the white mar, < sending out expeditions to pry
into the bowels Of the earth for its hidden treas
ures, in ratti ret too remote for cultivation, are
some Of the undertakings which have lately &C.
cupied the attention Of our national governme Mt.
The increase Of territory though it may illustrate
the position we haye assumed, will not as we
conceive, eventually advance the happiness Of
the country. The separate States are Also en-
gagged in enterprises Of great magnitude, though
st more local operation The western canal in
New-York, challenges admiration, and is mon
ument Of the wealth and vigorous character Of
that state and we hear too Of the intention Of
uniting the waters Of the Chesapeake and the
Delaware, and Boston and Buzzard's Bay, by
Canals, so that in few years we shall have an
iu1 nd 4. .l.ot.
distance from Boston to the city Of Washing on,
and connecting with its silver thread' the
principal cities Of the United States. The appli.
cation Of steam to the purposes CT navigation,
which had its origin in this country, is certainly
not among the least improv ements Of this inven-
tive age. Far be il from US, however, to cherish
a spirit Of vain Boosting but when we coatem-
plate the sudden growth Of this immense power,
when we look back and that but few years,
TO that " little one, which has become a strong
nation," we cannot check those feelings Of pride
and admiration, which the subject irresstibly
commands.
Is it the genius Of this government which calls
into action all the energies Of humanity, or is it
apeculiar spirit Of enterprise in this people which
stimulates the soul to deeds Of" high emprzs'"
ors our national prosperity the result of an union
Of both Of these causes But We must be eau
tiou., lest, like the strong man, we become weak
ened in the lap Of ease, so much enervated by
luxury, and relaxed by this very prosperity as
to lose that vigour Of character, that " bone and
muscle" by which national greatness only can be
achieved.
We trust this part Of the union will not be, in
proportion to its resources behind the other states
Of the confedcracy in works Of public utility and
honor.-A new government established in its
bosom, from which no part Of its territory is too
remote to receive its protection, its energy and its
will call into exertion the intellectual nd phys
ical power Of its citizens, and by aaording en-
enlargement to literature, and promoting works
efpublic improvement, will noursh the sources
Of our wealth, and give reputation to the Sieie
Of Maine which shall emblazon her name high
gu the roll Of American history.
Salaries. The committee on the subject of sais-
sies reported on Saturday, Us viii be seen by the
iouraal Of legislative proceedings. Considering
'e situation Of the state they are quite respectable;
We could however have wished, that those OF the
'ugss had been fixed little higher; which, when
u is considered how extensive is the circuit, and
What expense the office naturally DAVIS after il,
are The lowest IN the report, and not an ale-
esa'e compen alton f.r The srvice; that OF the
'"vernour is also too small. The second reading
a the bill was postponed to this day.