The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-14
ffg t, From the ~. o. Advertiser.
DEFENCES OF NEW ORLEANS, NEGLECT
ED BY CONGRESS-.

Mr. Spencer, in his report from the War Depart
| ment, dated December lst lS4l, urged upon the
President the absolute necessity of placing the exist
ing works commanding the avenues to New Orleans,
in state OF perfect efficiency in the shortest possible
time, and estimates of the for eecting that i'm
porant object, were submitted TO Congress. What
is the of the House of Representatives in this
important matter They strike out of the Appro-
pliation Bill nearly all these estimates and thus the
works in question suffered to remain uncompeted,
to the great dement of interests in the event OF
trouble with England Nn ~
Again, MIR. Spencer recommends the building i'm
mediateIy, of five steamships of war; for the protec
| ton of the Gulf Coast, but neither House of Con-
valuable time has been lost during which those
vessels might have been constructed, and instead of
having our Gulf ports protected by efficient steamers,
we are at the mercy of the English steam force
which can be, at a moments warning, congregated
on our coast Mr.. Upshur's recommendations, too,
on this point have been utterly neglected. 1t true
on the receipt of the late news from England, MI.
Barrow in the Senate moved to look into the erpe-
diency of erecting steamship to protect New Or
leans and somebody in the House brough. in bill to
actually build such vessel for our defence but no
thing more has been heard of the thing.
The Congress told in December, from the Ord
nance Department, that million of dollars
required early February, to complete the arma-
ment Of the Atlantic and Cuff forts, but nothing has
been done towards efectng desirable an obiec.
The Chief Engineer informed the Secretary of
War in December that funds were required to finish
and completely equip the United States forts in Louis
| lana, and his estimates were duly submitted. he
pressed the Department the necessity of early APP
preparations say at least, before February in order
that the work In this latitude might be done in the
healthy season. The Secretary especially called the
attention of Congress to this request but nothing has
yet been DONE The Appropriation Bill is dragging
heavily through the House of Factionists, and
| forts suffered to lie unfinished for want of few
dollars.
Last year military naissance of the vicinity
of New Orleans was made by the Government, and
Col. Albert informs the Department of War; when it
completed it will form basis for surveys of points
necessary to be fortified Estimates these forifca-
tons were laid before Congress, but they have not
| been allowed, and in the mean time, we are exposed
to the unsparing and violent attacks of any enemy
who may make his appearance of our coast all be-
cause The Presdenmakers are resolved TO reach Mr..
Tyler and PROSTATE him, if possible.
This shameful neglect of the interests of LOUISE
by the Congress, ought to be demonstrated against
by people of all parties. Where is E. d. Whitei-
Where is John B. Dawson Where is John E.
Moore? Where is Alexander Barrow? They are
ntrusted with the interests of the State and yet their
voices silent the voices of the grave. Not
of them rises in his place and protests san the
waste of time in Congress. Not one of them can be
moved to ask for and insist upon appropriations to
finish the forts of Louisiana, to build new iori6ca
tions at vulnerable and exposed points, and to
pro tide for our defence feet of steamships Let
the people rise up and instruct these gentlemen to do
their duty. If things go much longer in the way
they have been going at Washington, the fate of
the Rpmp Clay Congress Of 1912, will prove to be
quite signal that of the Council of Five Hundred
with this difference, the people will turn them, neck
and heels out of doors at the next election. Let
them take warning in time, leave off their children's
lay bury the Ratchet of party provide for the ex-
penses of the Government, vote permanent meas
ure of revenue by increasing the tariff pass the Ma
tional Exchequer bill, reported to the House by
Mr. Gushing, give, with liberal hand, money for the
increase of the Army and Navy, and the erection of
ample fortications and stand by the Administration
and the country right ,orong, in negotiations
with England and Mexico. Let this be done, and
the people will forget and forgive the past. If
not, God help the 9th Congress, for the people
will not