The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-06-07
From the Delapare STATE Journal.
REINFORCEMENT.

We believe all the people are in favor Of Congress
retrenching the expenses of Government-as far as
the safety Of the country will allow; but the reduc-
ton of the Army and Navy appears to meet but little
approval at this time. II has been but few weeks
the cry from end of the Union to the other
was defend the country from the attacks of the foe p
and every body was conn flaming of the defenceless-
ness OF our haIbors, seaboard and frontiers AT the
least prospect of outbreak between this country
and another, we become conscious of our inability to
defend ourselves and dreadful fears take possession of
our heart. The Government is called upon to imme-
diately fom Home Squadron, launch frigates, erect
Notifications, and strengthen the old ones, and
p ace the army and navy IN condition to meet the
enemy at whatever poiht he may make his attack
But the threatening aspect of the cloud changes and
again under the exemption from immediate danger we
begin to think that 1t unnecessary and extravagant
to lay out money IN Strengthening the buwarks and
ramparts of our defence. But should remember
that the pacific prospect which now smiles upon the
nation may, by unfo eseen circumstances be changed
and our enemies taking an offensive attitude may place
us in imminent jeopardy by sudden attack. Sin
time OF peace prepare for war, the sage advice of
the "Father of his Country, and until the arrival of
the millennium and universal disposition to peace
prevail throughout the world should act up to the
sentiment. We believe that the prospect of an ami
cable settlement of difficulties between this country
and England is full of hope but still IL is not certain,
and So long there is posi- by that rupture may
occur between this country and any nation we should
oe PepdIeu ioT tne eAlgency, we are therefore OPP
posed 10 reduction of our deences ifthere is any
ability in the country to keep them up Let us at all
times have the strength and science for sef-defence
let US always be ready for the worst contingencies
and at moments warning be able to place ourselves
in an attitude Of defence.
The happiness of the people depends in great
measure upon their sense OF security but 20 long
our army and navy weak and inefficient, the peo
pie will suffer much fear they will at all times be
trembling under the expectation that more powerful
nation will fad Cause for quarrel, and make sud
den onset upon our feeble or defoncless land.
Our country unprotected is an enticement to ag-
gression from ambitious or gain-seeking nations con-
sulting their strength and our weakness, than
the principles of justice liberty, European nations
unless we be able to repe the attack will feel in
ducements to infringe our rights and trample
interests Not 50, if we keep ourselves in condi-
ton to repuse an attack and avenge our wrongs.
Nations, like men, are not disposed to commit crime
when they know that they will be arrested in their
course and suffer punishment Let then consider
ing the happiness OF the people, the prevention of
aggression, and the protection of rights and lber-
les not permit strong wish to economist, to jeo-
1ard our best interests The principle of self defence
5 the strongest of the human mind, and let us not
,ioate the powerful dictates of nature, when they
ire much In accordance with the suggestions of
ustce and prudence, by weakening the arms of our
rational protection at a time when continuance of
perfect peace is, at least uncertain. " Always rea-
y" is good III ito, and should be kept in view by
very nation that is liable to the encroachments or in
ults Of cul dlty or tyranny.