Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-08-17

ted States, in providing the adequate means for de-
fence. The British government, though now at
peace with every formidable power on the globe, is
active every moment iii making preparations for
1t has added greatly TO its naval power during
the last yenr, and has encouraged the building of
steam packets in different parts Of he world; which
may be used as merchant vessels in time Of peace,
and converted into powerful armed vessels IN time
of In addition to his, we learn from a recent
report in the House Of Commons, that il is designed
TO establish line of steamers betwc the British
ports and HE West Indies. The steamers are TO be
of the largest class, fourteen in number. This will
give tie British almost ilimitlbe control On the
waters, between Europe and North and South Anne
RIGA,
Nor are The energies OF Great Bai;an wholly diroc-
ted TO the enlargement of her naval power. During
the past year, England has greatly augmented her
numerical military strength in the Canadas, and in
creased her fortidcations. In the West Indies and
The East, her armies have been enlarged and the
implements OF war multiplied In science warfare
too, her improvements have kept pace with the in
crease OF her preparations Ingenuity has been mp
on Iherack TO devise ways and means, TO facilitate
the destruction Of human life, by impro vement Of
her armamens ana engines of death.
On the other hand What have tho United States
done? Has there been any appropriate preparation
for the emergencies Of war? As humiliating as it
may be 10 our national pride j, nevertheless is true
that we have but two armed steamers! Although
others may be in contemplation but the time Of heir
completion IS yet Indefinite In other respects
our enlargement the means of defence, has been
comparatively Of little or no account Had he sur
plus revenues which were divided among the sever
al tn in tl,o ,Io
tant torliicaIions the building and equipment Of
steam ships If war; floating batteries and other nee
essary purposes Of defence we nightnow have been
IN state Of preparation, successfully dispute our
rights With rival power. And il is more than pro-
able thai the Maine boundary question, would long
before this time have been settled, had our military
weakness been less apparent.
On the western lakes, England has now TWO steam
vessels of war; which it is confdenlially stated are
now taking surveys of the United States coast One
of the vessels has recently visited Cleveland. Erie
and taken surveys and soundings of The harbors at
those places. The only craft on the lakes in the
service of the United States is one revenue cutter of
about seventy TONS The time has certainly arrived
when efficient measures should be taken by our gov
ernmcnto prepare for selfdeence. Our vast and ex-
tended frontier is exposed to encroachments almost
every side. Not only have rig hts been trespass-
cd upon in the Maine boundary question, but on the
Pacific coast cnCroaChmonts are continually making
on the vast region of the Oregon by the British Al
though the exposed condition Of our possessions on
the Pacific, hes been annually presented to The con-
sideralin Of Congress- yet thus far no,lng eectuel
has been devised, 10 The safety and defence
OF The Oregon territory On our sea coast, our forti
icaions diSmantlcd- our ordinance is ineffective
and behind The age Of improvement even the per-
cussiOu lock is not in general use in the army 1t
is true we havcan abundance of men, " no ready
to cut in defence of the country bat what can
men 10 however valiant, without materials 10 fight
with
The plea that are in no immediate danger of
hostlies does suffice for remaining inacl i've
While other nations arming and preparing with
unlirng diligence for mortal combat it is criminal
in our government 10 neglect tie means of self &C.
fence. Although true policy is TO be at peace
with all the world, it is equally wise be prepared
for