The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-10
The SPECIAL MISSION.


| Our friends of the National Intelligencer seem
to think that the mission Of Lord Ashburton 10
this country is conclusive as to the peaceful DIS
| position OF England, and preliminary to fui
and entire settlement of the difficulties now ex-
isting between the United States and Great
Britain. Such may be, and, we sincerely hope
is, the case, but, as we remarked day or two
since, it may turn out otherwise. Suppose the
English Government to have determined on
war, and to be awaiting the most favorable juno
| ture for the commencement of hosttles. What,
| in suchan event, would be the course most natu-
rally pursued on their part Would 1t not
be to alay all suspicion, and prevent PREPARATION
so that, whenever the time for striking the blow
shall arrive, it may be inflicted with the greatest
effect. We have no disposition to doubt the
sincerity of the British Ministry, but we know,
from experience, that when that Government IN
tends to do any thing, its agents are not so weak
as to trumpet forthits intentions, and thus coun-
teract its movements. Again, it is the po-
Icy of Great Britain to maintain the appear
ance of desire to continue her friendly rea-
| tons with this country, in order to place US, If
possible, on the offensive, and thus have pre-
tence for any attack that she may meditate.-
With view to effect this, the first thing to be
done would be to employ, as diplomatic agents,
men whose connections with this country are
such as to produce an impression that their
| leaning will be in our favor Mr.. Featherstone-
haugh was of this description, and SO is Lord
| Ashburton; but whatsoever may be the personal
partialities of these gentlemen, their political
obligations are all known to be strongly against
US, as was evidenced by the report of the former
in the question of the North Eastern Boundary.
Now when matters stand thus, is it not wise,
while we hope for the best, to be prepared for
the worst, and without counting difficulties, to
place the country in such posture as to render
| them comparatively harmless2 We have al
ways been prone, as nation, to put off the evil
day of expense, and have thus, in more instan-
ces than one, been forced eventually to incur
cised, would have been, to great extent, avoid
ed. The English are brave people, and a oar
| like people, but they are also prudent people,
and are most apt to strike when they think the
blow may be given with the least probability of
its being efectually returned. We seldom see
men quarrel when each knows that the other is
ready to fight, and of all peace-makers that we
have ever known, perfect preparation for battle
Is the best, among nations as well as individu-
ais. Our view of the matter is simply this :
Let Lord Ashburton be met in spirit of frank
ness and Cancellation, and let every thing be
done, as we doubt not will be the case, to effect
an accommodation Of difficulties, that honor
may sanction, but, at the same time, let Con-
gress take its measures, and make its appropria-
tons, with view to every contingency. Let
the British Mail Steamers, when they visit our
coast, find that we also are acquainted with that
branch ofnaval architecture, and that the length
of our rivers, and extent Of our coast furnish pc
culiar facilities to the transportation Of pas
se'agers and property by steam. In word,
let US be as we should always be, ready for war,
and then, and then only, shall we be enabled to
secure an honorable and permanent peace.