The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-23
THE ARMY AND NAVY.

We had thought that Congress had left nothing un-
done which could add to its general and increasing
popularity We felt satisfied, that the turning OF our
halls of legislation into for future nomina-
tons and the prostitution of its functions and powers
to the purpose of assaing coordinate branch of
the government with that amentable absence well
of talents and attention to duty Of the common de-
cencies of lifethat these would in due time, meet
with their appropriate reward from honest and well
meaning people. In view of this ultimate reributon,
we summoned our patience to witness continuation
of their vindictiveness and their folly But were
not prepared for great exhibition OF insanity,
their acts in regard to our Army and Navy have pre-
sented. Not twelve months ago, this same Congress
but family reflected the opinions of the public in fa
vorng large increase and perfect organization of
both these arms of national defence. Now, at time
when the question of peace war with the most
powerful nation of earth hangs upon the very feeblest
tenure; when the slightest motion of foreign minis
ter may pour down upon our defenceless coast ma.
val and military force, ready at the word and suf
GENTLY powerful to nhict upon all the horrors OF
invasion, we behold these insane drivellers delibe-
rately determining that the Navy shall be rendered
imperative, by curtailment from the Navy Appro-
priation Bill of two millions three hundred thousand
dollars; and that the handful which now composes
onr army shall be reduced to the standard of twenty
years ago!
There never was time, perhaps when men cher
shed pertinaciousy their peculiar political views
than they do now, when those opinions init
mately Intervene themselves with every question OF
public policy. But can any man shut his eyes upon
the fragrant disregard of national safety and national
honor, and upon the trifng with our national
exstencs, with which this step is pregnant Should
the result of negotiations be unsuccessful, war
wi be the result. If should follow the Presi-
dents assertion Of national righs,our national
honor,-not at his door lie the blame for the con-
sequences Of our defenceessness The vile potters in
Congress may find that John Tyler will be just and true
to the honor of his country though the heavens should
fall! In this case, we shudder at the prospect of an
invasion Of our Southern board thus left entirely
defenceless and the landing of the barbarous negro
hordes from the West Indies. The handful of gal
liant men that form present military establishment
would form nucleus around which would gather thou
sands upon thousands, to repel the enemy. But it
must 60 by the board and without it, the heart
sckens at the contemplation of slaughter, rapne, and
instruction which would follow the footsteps OF
the INVADER ere resistance could become effectual.
We assert, without fear of contradiction that no
one Congress which has existed under the present
Constitutions ever terminated its with such
damning weight of unpopularity resting upon its
shoulders as will the present. Born as 1t was amid
general reocings, will expire with the execrations
of nation ringing in its 1t will fill page In
our national history which the lover of his country
and the admirer of its institutions would fain see
botted out forever; while the actors who occupied
the stage will reap the just reward Of folly menda
city and wckedness. By posterity they will be
forgotten as fools, rememberered as worse
N, o, Morning .4dpertiser.