The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1820-10-18
40iseeitanv.
Rron .he Nation.l Adyocate.
STATE OF THE NATION.


Of our foreign relations. as connected
with Spain and France, it is anticipated
that our internal concerns will occupy
no inconsiderable portion of time and at
tention.--Questions relative to COM
nerce and manufactures, have been agi-
tatcd without intcrmission since the ad-
journment OF Congress and so much
has been already said on these subjects.
chat they can be disposed. oi without
mucli debate or delay. The state OF
: the treasury, however, cannot fail to ex-
cite immediate attention. 1t is suppos-
ed that deficit will be exhibited of sew
erai millions Of dollars, and three alterna-
tives will be presented to Congress to
Nplcnish the public Golfers. viz. nesv
leans, Setreaehmcnfs, and direct tases.
Which of the three will be preferred by
the Secretary OF the Treasury, or wheth-
er he will recommend either, we are Of
course unable to say; on the one band,
CUnsress is supposed to be capable OF
adopting Efficient measures on the sub
iect, and on The other, it is said, that the
Secretary of the Treasury is in duty
bound to make his suggestions, as to
the most feasible mode OF improving the
public revenue. As 10 retrenchment in
the national expenditures, that only can
relate to the army and navy; for the ex-
penses Of our foreign relations and Tor
subordinate objects, arc too limited to
require notice; and the. faith and justice
eof the nation are pledged Tor the integrity
Of the pension list. The proposed re-
duction OF the army, involves very i'm
, portant considerations. We have scarce
~ 1000 men to garrison no less than
<,ghfy posts and tortifications--to pro-
sect our frcntiers from immediate danger
Ito be stationed on the bordcrs--to
watch the movements ofa powerful and
jealous arrival---to guard the sea soard--
TO look after the lndians---to form the el-
ements Of new armies in the event Of a
war. For anation OF ten or twelve mil
lions--ior territory SO very extensive,
and for destcnies such as we have reason
70 believe our country will attain, an ar
my Of 1000 men cannot bear further re-
ducfien-
The economy which governs the War
Department, merits particular notice.
IN three years million and half of dol
lars have been saved, and the organiza-
tion of the Commissariat Department is
q still greater saving to- the nation. Un-
der these circumstances. we cannot per-
csiye how our little army is to be APP
proAched with any thing like safety. 1t
does appear that 1000 men would be
actually rcquircd to keep in proper order,
S1lr various Notifications and military
posts throughout the United States.
y'htse have been very costly to the ia
Ron; they are susceptible Of decay, and
ifpcrmi,ted to fall to pieces their repairs
viii be more expensive than the small
number of men required to keep them in
good order. The troeps, it also should
recollec!ed, are usefulIy employed on
military roads, i'll clearing the face Of the
Country, in improving the wilderness,
and in such labors OH Notifications as
wiz tend to facilitate the national opera
tons in the event of new wars. 1t is
{ possible that some further reductions
may be contemplated in the staff Of the
army.
With respect to the Navy, whatever
difference of opinion prevails as to army
expenditures, there is very little division
OF sentiment ON the question Of spirited
support and protection to the navy: it is
canphaticaIIy the iavorite of the people,
the successful! asserter of our rights and
the surest guarantee OF future benefits
il nsu,Hp,eserve peace with foreign nations,
and that alone will Justify the continuance
of the usual appropriations FORTS support;
besides. the prescn, agitated state OF Eu-
rope may lead to results requiring Of us
to be prepared for any state Of things
There is little therefore, to be gained by
curtailments Of army or navy expendi.
, turxs. Nat. Ado.