Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-03-15

CIV VI AAS
the naper system, and to check the spirit
of monopoly and other abuses which have
sprung 10 with it, and Of which it IS the
main support 30 many interests are UNI
ted to resist all reform on this subject.
that you must not hope the conflict VIII
be a short one, nor success easy. MY
humble efforts have not been spared, du
ring nv administration OF the Govern
ment. to restore the constitutional curren
cy of gold and silver; and something, |
trust. has been done towards the accom-
ol;shtneDt of this most desirable object
But enough yet remains TO require all
vour energy and perseverance. The pow
ar. however, is in your hands, and the
remedy must and will be applied, if you
determine upon 1t.
While | am thus endeavoriDg to press
upon your attention the principles which
Ideem Of vital importance in the domes-
tic concerns Of the country, ought not to
pass over, the important considerations
which should govern your policy towards
foreign powers. 1t is, unquestionably,
our true interest to cultivate the most
friendly understanding with every nation,
and TO avoid, by every honorable means,
the calamities Of war; and we shall best
attain this object by frankness and sin
cerity 10 our foreign intercourse, by the
prompt and faithful execution of treaties,
and by justice and impartiallty 10 our con
duct to all. But no nation, however desl
rous Of peace, can hope to escape occa
sional collisions with ether powers; and
the soundest dictates of policy require
thai. we should place ourselves in a condi-
ton to assert our rights, if a resort TO force
should ever become necessary. Our local
situation, our long line Of sea coast. linden
ted by numerous bays, with deep rivers
opening into the interior, as well as our
extended and still increasing commerce,
point 10 the navy as our natural means oil
derenee.-It will. in the end, be found 10
be the cheapest and most effectual /; and
now is the time, in a season ofpeaee' and
with an overwhelming revenue, that we
can, year after year, add to its strength.
without increasing the burdens oil the PEG
pie, 1t is your true policy. For your
navy will not only protect your rich and
fourishing commerce in distant seas OUT
will enable you to reach and annoy the
enemy. and will give to defence Its great
est efficiency, by meeting danger at a DIS
lance from home. 1t is impossible, by
any line Of fortiic atoms, to guard every
point from attack against a hostile force
advancing from the ocean and selecting
it's object: but they are indispensable 10
protect cities from bOmbardment; dock
wards and naval a~rsenals from destruction
10 give shelter TO merchant vessels 10 time
of war, and 20 single ships or weaker
squadrons when pressed by superior force.
Fortifieations of this description cannot
be too soon completed and armed, and
placed in a condition of the most perfect
preparation. The abundant means we
now possess cannot be applied IN any
manner more useful 10 the country and
when this is done. and our naval force sui.
ticientiy strengthened, and our militia ar
med, we need not fear that any nation
viii wantonly insult US or neediessly pro
woke hostilitles. We shall more certainly
preserve peace, when it is well understood
that we are prepared for war.
10 presenting to you, my fellow citizens,
these parting counsels, | have brought be
fore you the leading principles upon which
endeavored to administer the govern
ment in the high office with which you
twice honored me. Knowing that the
path of freedom is continually beset by
enemies, who often assume the disguise
of friends, | have devoted the last hours
Of my public life to warn you Of the dan
gers. The progress Of the United States,
under our free & happy institutions. has
surpassed the most sanguine hopes Of inc
founders of the republic. Our grown
has been rapid beyond all former example,
in numbers. in wealth, in knowledge, and
all the useful arts which contribute TO the
comforts and ~conveniences of man; and
from the earliest ages OF history to the
present day, there never have been thirteen
millions OF people associated together in
one political body who enjoyed so much
freedom and happiness as the people oil
these u. S. You have no longer any
cause to fear danger from abroad; yuor
strength and power are we'll known
throughout the civilized world, as well as
the high and gallant bearing of your sons
1t is from within, among yourselves, from
cupidity, from corruption. from dlsappolu-
ed ambition, and inordInate thirst for
power, that factions will be formed and
liberty endangered. 1t is against such
designs, whatever disguise the actors may
assume. that you have especially TO guard
yourselves. You have the highest Of hui.
man trusts committed 10 your care. Prov.
\ idence has showered on this favored land
blessings without number, and has chosen
1 you as the guardians Of freedom TO pre-,
serve it for the benefit Of the human race:
May He, who holds in bis hands the des,
TIMES Of nations, make you worthy of the
favors he has bestowed, and enable you,
with pure hearts and pure hands, and
sleepless vigilance, TO guard and defend TO
the end Of time the great charge he has
committed TO your keeping.
y My W race is nearly run; advanced
age and failing health warn me that before
long | must pass beyond the reach Of hu-
man events, and cease TO feel the vicissi-
tudes Of human affairs. thank God that
my life has been spent in a land of liber
~. and that he has given me a hear, to
" love nv country with the affection OF a