The native American., 1838-03-10

ed with the interior by mighty rivers, and through
the medium OF her own canals and rail roads, with
the great inland seas of the West, commanding
thereby the resources of the most wealthy por-
tons OF the Union possessed of the valuable
material, both Tor the support and construc-
ton OF shipping-her commerce furnishing body
of seamen recognized every where by their in
telligence. How these advantages have been
neglected A miserable policy has left her desti-
nte of the most essential arm for the prosperity
of the sation--a government dry DOCK A city.
that has such great claims to public utility.
should not be permitted to dwindle into second
rate station. The obligations that government are
under, to stimulate industry and enterprise, should
call the attention Of the Navy Commissioners to
her, as the most proper place for the greatest
building naval station in the country. Philadelphia
is not alone. New York and Portsmouth, N. H.,
are both destitute of dry docks, and each pos
sessing advantages which it would be manifest
injustice for the government to overlook; for
their near proximity to the open sea, will, of
necessity, render them the resort of our cmizng
ships when wanting supplies or repairs. Our
great and growing trade in, the Gulf of Mexico
and the West Indies, in which the South and
southwestern States are deeply interested,
should rouse them up to the necessity Of having
our squadron in that quarter increased, and to
have Charleston, s. G. made naval station--her
claims are great, the wants and safety of our
marine are still greater. The English and
French, with their accustomed energy, are
Strengthening their West India possessions, by
establishing naval stations therein. In case of a
war with either, we have only the station at PEN
sacola for the accommodation of our southern
fleet. Pensacola and Charleston should both be
bounti(ully supplied with material and warlike
stores necessary for the support and prompt
equipment Of ships Of war employed in that
quarter
Congress should during the present session APP
propriae funds for the more rapid increase Of the
navy by the speedy collection at the different
navy yards, Of timber, iron, copper, and such
other materials are requisite for that purpose;
they should authorize the construction Of num-
ber Of steam batteries, for the protection of our
harbors and coast; increase the list of frgates and
sloops of war, and put a greater number of them
in commission. They should erect-dry docks at
the most prominent stations; particularly at Phila-
delphia and New York, for without them, the re-
pairs Of our heavy ships are carried on at great
sacrifice of time and money.
The ''navy is the right arm of our national de-
fences" and as such, we owe it our fostering care
not amatter Of pride, but safety to the
American people and their institutions. Our
future struggles for the maintenance of our rights
will be upon the mighty deep.--Grattude, in
terest, duty, all urge the propriety Of increasing
our marine; that it may be adequate to the
protection of our great commercial interests in
peace, and sufficient in war to repel aggression,
maintain our rights and enable our gallant tars,
to bear freedoms flag upon the distant oceans
wave.