The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1821-03-21

from the sea our Atlantic aud inland from
tiers were invaded in almost every part the
waste of life along our coast, and on some
parts Of our inland frontiers, TO the defence OF
which our gallant and patriotic ci,izens were
called, was immense; in addition TO which,
not less than one hundred and twenty mil
lions of dollars were added at its end 10 the
public debt.
As soon as the war had terminated, the ma.
lion, admonished by its events, resolved TO
place itself in a situation, which should be
better calculated to prevent the recurrence OF
a like evil, and, in case it should recnr, 10
mitigate its calsmities. With this view, ai-
tor reducing our land force to the basis OF
peace es,abishmen,, which has been furthef
modified since provision was made tor the
constr uction OF for tific ations al prope, points,
through the whole extent Of our coast, and
such an aug ugmentatoD of our naval force, as
should be well adapted TO both purposes. The
laws, wak'ng this provision, were passed In
BIS aod 6, and it has been, since, the con.
stan, eii'ou of the Executive, TO carry them
into effect.
The advantage of these Notifications, and
OF an augmented naval force, in the extent
contemplated, in point OF economy, has been
fully illustrated by report of The Board OF
Engineers and Navai Comm issione's, lately
communicated TO Congress, by which it sp'
pears, that in an invasion of twenty Thousand
men, with a correspondent naval fotcc, in
campaign Of six months only, the whole ex-
pense of the construction Of the works would
be dclraysd by the difference in the sum ne
cessary 20 maintain the force which would be
adequate to our defence with the aid nf hose
works, and that which would be incurred
without them. The reason of THIS dffe, enoe
is obvious. If to'ikrauons arc judciousy
placed on our great inets, as distant from our
cities, as circumstances will pc nit, they WIZ
form the only points Of attack, and the enemy
will be detained there by email regular
force, a sufficient time t. enable our militia
TO collect, and repair TO that on which the at
tack is made A force adequate 10 the emo
my, collected at that single point, with suitu-
BILE prepa alton for such others as might be
menaced, is all tha, would be requisite. But,
if there were no fnrtiGcations, then the enemy
might go whore he pleased, and changing his
position, and sailing from place to place, our
force muN be called ou' and sp,oad in vast
nnmb+rs slong hr whole coast, and On both
sides Of eveiy bay end river, as high up in
each as il might be navigabie for ships OF
war. BY these for,ficaions, supported by
our navy, to which they would afford like
,Upport, We should present to other powers
An armed from from ST. CT DIX TO the Sabine,
which would protect, 10 the event OF war, our
whnle coast and inrerior from invasion and
even in the wars of other powers, in which
we were neutral, they would be found emi
nen Iy useful, as, by keeping their public
n ri frnr
order in them would bs preserved, and the
government be protected from insult.
II need scarcely be remarked, that these
measures have nos been resorted 10 10 spirit
If hestili TO otner powers. Such a disrosi-
ion does not exist towards any power, Pesce
and good will have been, end will hereafter
be, cultivated with all, and by he most faith.
ful regard TO justice. They have been dicts
'ed by love of peace, Of economy, and an
e."nes' desire 10 save the lives OF our fellow
citizens from that destruction, and our coun-
" fcom that devastation, which are inse pare a.
BILE from wa, when it Ends us unprepared for
it I is believed, and experience has shown,
hat such a preparatisn is the best expedient
tha, can be restored 10, 20 prevent war. |
add, with much pleasure, that considerable
p ogress has already been made in these
measures Of defence, and that they will be
completed in few years, considering the
great extent and importance of the object if
the plan be zealousy and steadily persevered
in.
The conduct of the government, in what
relates to foreign powers, is always an object
of the highes' importance to the nation. It's
agriculture, commerce, manufactures, fshe
ries, revenue In short is peace, may oil be
ofrected by it. Attention is, therefore, due
% this subject.
A~the period adverted to, the powers Of
Europe, after having been engaged in long
md destructive wars with each other, had
concluded peace, which happily still exists.
Our peace with the power with whom we had
oeep engaged, had also been concluded. The
war between Spain and the colonies in South
America, whish had commenced many years
before, was then the only conflict that re-
NAMED unsettled. This being a contest be-
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