The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-03-31
FRONTIER DEFENCEs-

The annexed article is from the Army and Navy
Chronicle. II can be no wonder that our fortifca-
tons, harbors and our Naval interests neg
ected, when il Is considered that the whole ener-
gies of the men in power directed almost singly
to retain their i'll gotten dominion over the people.
For the last ten ears scarcely any thing has been
done to strengthen our defences or improve the
country. Our national expenditures ten years ago
were $4,000 ,000-since then they have averaged
about $50 900 900. Is it asked where this surplus
has gone? No small share has gone to reward par
tizans, built up the Admin isration party, and to
help put and keep Van Buren, in Office, while our
Frontiers have been neglected, and our Navy left to
rot.
Frontier DErENcEs. While the most active
preparations are Witnessed along the whole frontier
of the British possessions bordering tho United
States, little or nothing seems TO be doing on our
part, either 20 strengthen the posts we already have
or To add new
These preparations the part of the British
government Indicate firm resolution to put down
any future attempts at revolt, but may have an
uleror object-that of dsputing to the last ex-
remty our right TO the soil claimed by both parties
on the frontiers Of Maine and New Brunswick.
Ii any thing can awaken the government TO the
necessity for being fully prepared for any contn-
gcncy that may arise it would seem to be the facts
bove stated, which now exist beyond doubt
That vile spirit ofpaIty which has crept into our
the entire exclusion of the public interests, will
not be be checked until some dl-eiui calamity be-
falls the country, calling upon honest and true men
to rally around the national standard, and protect
the national honor.
AS corroboralive of the movements above men
toned we annex extracts from two letters, from
gentlemen whose means of information are un.
doubted, and upon whose assertions the utmost
reliance may be placed. The first is from Detroit
under date Of Feb. Id, 1910:
"lt may not be known at Washington that the
British are erecting several works this strait
which give ii new aspect of strength. The old
work at Maiden has been repaired. now enclosing
range OF good wooden barracks, fitted 70 the &C.
commodation of large battalion Of troops. The
old stone barracks al Sandwich have been enc losed
ny large rampant, that serves the double purpose
Of wall and barracks. Sawed logs are used. A
new range Of barracks is now going up at Windsor
directly opposite to Detroit, which is said to- be
also fitted for a large battalion of troops. These
last mentioned barracks are made of sawed logs,
the buildings forming a square, with blockhouses
IN the angles. Only loop holes appear the out
side; the logs are large enough to resist muskot
shot, and are pointed with mortar. This is un-
doubleday good method of constructing wooden
barracks.
The other letter is from Buffalo, of somewhat
later date:
"Ihe British government steamer frigae now
building at Chippewa, on the Niagara river, will
be launched IN the spring. and another Imme dately
after begun. The British had three armed steam
ers on this lake (Erie) last season, two on lake
why should we not have one, at least, if only 10
Keep up n proper appearance Of faith with our
neighbors' These demonstration upon the Iakes
repairing old and building new Notifications, and
hitting out cruisers, should be taken in reference To
and connection with the Maine boundary question