The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-30

tional Government, what do we discover During The
FIRST year Of the war; that year in which il to have
closed with glory, that year within which triumphant
banners have foated upon tie walls OF Quebec
and all Canada TO have been ours the year in which
that province left unprotected, and the forces Of
our enemy were employed in Europe, IL experienced
nothing but continuation Of degradation and defeat
Is there an American on the floor oil this house. who has
not blushed for his counlya thousand tines during that
dsgraceul year. Until all the general officers who had
been appointed for political purposes, and entrusted
with the command at the commencement of the contest,
dsgraced and until others had fought themselves
into credit and notice, all battles ended in defeat.
During the last year Of the war, the regular array,
under their commanders retrieved their lost char
acter and performed prodgies OF valor ; but unfortu
naely account Of the impotence Of the government
they fought against such fearful odds, tina, they
hardly able TO defend northern frontier Indeed,
dreadful was the situation OF country, for
time previous to the close Of the contest that the oc
casona splendid exploits Of our heroes, like the CLEANS
oflehtnlng in the dark and tempestuous night, only
added new horrors TO the surrounding gloom. They
only served 10 show what brilliant exertions our
country might have made, had we been governed by
men who were capable Of properly collecting and d.
recting its resources
Blu, peace has again returned to bless our shores
Again, Commerce, who has been four years weeping
the misfortunes Of our country, begins to smile.
Again. stand neutral towards all the European pow
ers What then should BIO the political conduct OF our
country in future Precisely pursue the political
maxims adopted by Washington. We ought to cult
yae peace with all nations, by adopting strict neutra
lily not only Of conduct but Of sentiment We ought
to make neutrality respected, by placing ourselves
in attitude Of defence. We ought forever to aban
don the wild attitude of philosophc visionary Of let
ting commerce protect itself. For lis protection we
ought to increase our navy We ought never to think
OF embargoes and non-inercourse laws without abhor
renee We ought to every honest exertion to turn
out of power those weak and wicked men, who have
abandoned tho political path marked for this country
by Washington, and whose wild and visionary theories
have been at length tested by experience and found
wanting Above all, ought drive from our shores
foreign influence and cherish exclusive American feel
ings. Foreign influence has been, in every age the
curse OF Republics. Her jaundced eye things in
false coors. The thick atmosphere Of prejudice, by
which she is forever surrounded, excludes the light of
reason. Whilst she worships the nation which she "a
for their very crimes she the enemy Of that
nation even for their virtues. In every age she has
marched before the enemies OF her country proclaim
ing peace when there was no peace and ulng its de-
tenders into fatal security, whilst the iron hand Of despo
tism has been aiming deah-blow at their liberties.
Already has infant republic felt her whitening nflu-
ence Already has she involved US in war which had
nearly cost existence. Let then learn wisdom
frsm experience, and forever Danish this end from
society We are separated from the nations OF Europe
by an immense ocean We are still more disconnected
from them by different form Of government, and by
inure ourselves by taking part in the ambitious con-
tests Of foreign despots and kings
Should this Washing,onpolicy be pursued, coun-
try will again rise TO it's former greatness and wealth.
Under the blessings Of Providence, may then cacu
late on long and happy existence as nation. We
may reasonably hope that our chldrens chldrent re-
mote generations may be assembled together npon this
suspicious day. blessing the memories Of the whom
Heaven entrusted with the glorious task, Of making
great nation free, happy and Independent.