The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-02-19
From the United States Gazette.
THE NAVY.

We call attention to the suggestions of the Secre-
tary of the Navy for increased force to protect
our interests at hazard in the Pacific ocean
The cruising ground of the squadron extends over
an immense space. Our commercial interests are OF
vast Importance; and without exception, our naval
commanders have found their squadron entirely mad
equate suitably to protect their interests. The Pac
fc islands require-much more frequently than IS
practicable-the presence of a United States ship.
The period requisite for ship to visit those islands
from the continent-three to four months-renders
it always announcement and often impossible to spare
vessel from the squadron upon that very important
service. The continued unsettled condition OF the
Governments bordering upon the coast, renders the
presence of the whole squadron indispensable to the
protection of our interests there. This is the con-
current testimony of every naval officer who has
commanded in that
Among the largest and most important interests at
stake in that quarter is that of our whale fisheries
The cruising grounds of our whaers all remote
from the continent and their rendezvous is usually
at some of the groups of islands. At this critical
juncture, indeed it has been heretofore, this vast
and important branch of our commercial marlne,-
this splendid nursery of seamens entirely without
protection.
The propriety Of having squadron in the Pacific
admitted by the fact that sent there wisdom
and policy dictate that when Government under
takes the maintenance and protection OF great ma
tional interest, that it should be done ehectuay-be
any thing short of adequate protection fails of
the end devised, and puts the nation to great and
useless expense.
The commerce Of the Pacific is of great
wealth and convenience to this country 1t affords
large and profitable outlet for produce and manu-
features, and gives employ to large number of
Ups. 1t enables TO reap from the sea, do
farmers from the soil, rich harvest for their la
Dor, and while thus gathering wealth for them elves
and providing for the comfort and convenience OF the
nation they at the time rendering themselves
the most efficient defenders Of their country. 1t Is
this invaluable interest doubly valuable, which loudly
and most justly calls for protection, for in turn they
will protect their protectors. These hardy men who
pursue with such untIriDg zeal and sagacly the leNa-
hans of the Deep will hunt with equal courage and
ardoi the foes Of their country If therefore this great
interest is entitled to proectl n, and who Will question
its right y it should not be mere mockery II should
be protection, real and entire; and let say to econo
miss that in protecting them are in fact only pro-
tecng ourselves.
Great taken and very great expense incurred
in manufacturing and in preserving arms and amnu-
milton; rigid economists vote cheerfully for all
these appropriations Let us tell them that il is
easy matter to make to purchase arms and ammu-
nitions and to build forts-but, il not an easy
matter to build up a splendid commercial marine, aud
that all the and ammunition in the country are
not worthy Of thought when compared with our IN
terests which float upon the And yet countless
thousands lavished upon the one, while stnted
appropriations are doled out to the other with all the
reluctance Of perjury to unworthlness. Besides as
mere of dollars and cents, an efficient protec-
ton TO our interests IN Ine faStbC NVuiu thabto
enterprise to secure hourishiDg commerce. the
value Of which to the nation would amply repay the
expense ofprotection.
There is another view connected with this subject
to which now we shall barely advert 1t is this
The time is at hand when the United States should
assert and maintain her right to the Oregon Terri.
tory and unless the wise and patriotic suggestion of
the Secretary be adopted, we shall present the
temptibIe spectacle of powerful nation, assuming
position she may not be able to maintain through
the cupnbc negligence Of Congress in providing
suitable means. These the suggestions of com
sense. The interests of citizens at stake,
and independently of the right of Jour citizens to de-
mand frem the hands of Government complete and
eecual protection to prevent the fruits OF the indus
try and enterprise of citizens from becoming the
spois of our enemies and thereby enfeebn9 us 1t
enriches and strengthens hem- is necessary to con-
cur in the views of this subject expressed in the report