Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-09


through the port OF Ncw Orb ans, and no com
mfrcia intercourse should subsst between
item and the Atlantic states, II would be lnpos-
jble for all the power of parchment and political
organization to hold ts Union together for a half
d century longer. In this view ot the SUBJECT,
"a have otlcn reflected that difficulties incident
To the navigation of the Guifof Mexico, and of
the river Mississippi, were kindly intended by
Providence to promote our union and greatness.
rejoice that those difficulties do exist; and
trust, we shall be wise enough to Improve them
to our advantage. Let us, then, cut down and
level he mountains, not like the Persian tyrant.
to subjugate nations, but i'll order TO achieve
more glorious conqueSt-thc subjugatio of our
own mutual prciudiccs. Sir, in whatever light
we view these improvements, whether III refer
cnce to the diffusion of intelligence, the increase
of the defensive power of the country, or the per-
pctuation of the Union, they arc as essential to
our existence and prosperity as nation, as the
veins which give circulation to the principle of
animal life are to the health and viGor of the ami
NAL system.
There is another view of this subject TO which
shall merely call the attention OF the commit
tee, having neither time nor strength for It's
full devclopcment. An attentive examination
Of the philosophy of national character and ma
tional greatness will lead us to the conclusion,
of the whole people, made with a view 10 some
great national object, are absolutely indispcnsa-
bic to the existence of these attributes. Hence,
the influence of war in calling into action scnti-
ments of patriotism and nationality, and the
tendency of peace to cause these lofty prnci-
piles of action to degenerate into scliishncss and
a want ofpubc spirit. Sir, what would this
nation be without those military achievements,
which are many monuments of our common
eXertions. Strike from the record OF history
the heroic deeds of our ancestors, and the more
recent events which illustrate the vaior and pa
triolism of the present generation, and the peo-
pie of these United States would be reduced to
a mere multitude of human beings, animated by
no common principle, and united by no common
sympathies, destitute of those moral charactc-
ristics and sentiments, without which all the ply
steal elements of power and greatness cannot
constitute nation. But, sir, trus that mill
tary achievements are not the only means OF
giving us national character and national scnti-
ments. Let us substitute moral for military
glory; the achievements of national industry,
directed by an enlightened policy Ito the great
improvements contemplated by this bill, for a
caicvements involving much more painful sacr-
fees, and productive OF less durable benefits to
the country. Let us create, by our common
treasure, some great monuments of the enter
prize the nation, which the people of this I'm
ion will contemplate with com ;on pride and
regard as tier common property. Sir, it is i'm
possible to estimate the value Of these improve
ments. will not say they viii make this Union
perpetual; for the frailty and imperfection of
every thing human forbids us t. indulge that
hope. But will say, that if we wisely improve
our advantages in tins respect, human sagacity
cannot point out any probable Cause which will
prolucea separation of the states. But if I'M
happily, it shoHli ever be our destiny TO divide,
and if our liberties should perish III the convul-
sion, let lis at least leave, for the admiration OF
posterity, some memorials that the Republic has
not existed liz VAIN.