The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-03-15

While am thus endeayoring TO press upon your
attention the principles which deem OF vital I'M
portanee in the domestic concerns OF the country,
usht NOT to pass over without notice. the important
considerations which should govern your policy to-
wards foreign powers. Ii is, unquestionably, our
true interests TO cultivate the most friendly under
standing with every nation, and TO AVOID, by every
honorable means, the caamlties ofwar; and we shall
best attain this subject by frankness and sincerity in
our foreign intercourse by the prompt and faithful
execution of treaties and by justice and impartiaiy
IN our conduct to all. But no nation, however de-
sirous of peace can hope to escape occasional eos
ions with other powers and the soundes dictates Of
policy require that should place ourselves in a
condition TO assert our rights Ia resort 70 force should
ever become necessary. Our local situation, our
long line of sea-coast, indented by numerous bays,
with deep rivers opening into the interior, well as
extended and still increasing commerce point to
the navy as our natural means OF defence. IL VIII,
in the end be found to be the cheapest and most
cfecual and now is the time, in season of peace,
and with an overiowing revenue that we can, year
after year add 10 It's strength, without increasing the
burdens of the people. 1t is your true policy For
your navy will not only protect your rlch ana nour-
ishng commerce in distant seas but will enable you
to reach id annoy the enemy, and Will give 10 de-
fence its greatest efficiency, by meetns dahgeI u,
distance from home Ii is impossible, by any line
of fortihcations, to guard every point from attack
against hostile force advancing from the ocean ana
selecting its object; but they are indispensable 10
protect cities from bombardmen; dock yards and
naval arsenals from obstruction; to give shelter TO
merchant vessels in time of war and to single ships
or weaker squadrons when pressed by superior orce
Fortfcatons of this description cannot be too soon
completed and armed. and placed in condition OF
the most perfect preparation. The abundant means
we now possess cannot be applied in any manner
more useful TO the country; and when this is done,
and our naval force sufficiently strengthened, and our
militia armed, need not fear that any nation will
wantonly insult u.s. needlessy provoke hoshllties
We shall more certainly preserve peace, when 1t is
well understood that we are prepared for war
In presenting to you, my fellow citizens, these
parting counsels have brought before you the lead
ing principles upon which endeavoured to admins.
ter the Government in the high office with which you
twice honoured me. Knowing that the path offree-
dom is continually beset by enemies, who often as
sumo the disguise of friends, have devoted the last
hours of my public life to warn you of the dangers
The progress of the United States under our free and
happy institutions, has surpassed the most sanguine
hopes of the founders of the republic. Our growth
has been rapid beyond all former example, IN mum
bers in wealth in knowledge, and all the useful arts
which contribute 10 the comforts and convenience o
and from the earliest ages of history to the pres
ent' day, there have been thirteen millions o
people associated together in political body who
enjoyed much freedom and happiness the peo
pie ofthese United States You hive no longer any
cause to fear danger from abroad; your strength and
power well known throughout the civilized world
as we'll as the high and gallant bearing Of your
II is from within, among yourselves from cupidlty
from corruption, from disappointed ambition, and
inordnate thirst for power, that factions will be form
ed and liberty endangered 1t is against such de-
signs, whatever disguise the actors may assume, thai
you have especially to guard yourselves. You have
the highest of human trusts committed to your
Providence has showered on this favoured land bles
sings without number and has chosen you the
guardians of freedom TO preserve it for the benef
of the human race. May He who holds in his hand
the destnes of nations, make you worthy Of tn,
favours he has bestowed, and enable you, with pure
hearts and pure hands and sleepless vigilance, Il
guard and defend to the end ftlme the great charg
he has committed to your keeping. -.
My own race is ne,rly run; advanced age an
failing health warn that before long must pas
beyond the reach of human events, and cease TO fec
the vicisSitudes of human affairs. thank God tina
my life has been spent in a land of liberty, and tha
he has given me heart to love my country with tn
affection Of son. And filled with gratitude for you
constant and unwavering kindness, bid you las
and atfectionate farewell. AND. JACKSON.