The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-07
F0m the Dcldwarc Slate Journal
INFRINGEMENT.

We believe all the people in favor of Congress
retrenching the expenses of GOVERNMENTS far as
the safety of the country will allow but the reduce
ton of the Army and Navy appears meet but little
approval at this time. 1t 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 -
and every body was CONF flaming of the defenceless
Of our haIbors seaboard and frontiers. AT the
least prospect of an outbreak between this country
and another become conscious of inability to
defend ourselves and dreadful fears take possession of
our heart. The Government Is called upon to lmme
| datey form Home Squadron, launch frgates, erect
new fortifcations and strengthen the old ones, and
p the army and navy N condition to meet the
enemy at whatever point 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 it is unnecessary and extra
to lay out money in Strengthening the bulwarks and
rsmparts of our defence. But should remember
that the pacific prospect which smiles upon the
nat ion may, by info circumstances be changed
and our enemies taking offensive attitude may place
us in imminent jeopardy by sudden attack. SIN
time peace prepare for war; the sage advice Of
the "Faher of his Country" and until the arrival of
the millennium and universal dispO ition to peace
prevail throughout the world should act up the
sentiment. We believe that the prospect of an ami
cable settlement of difficulties between this country
and England full of hope but still it is not certain
and long there is possibility that a rupture may
occur between this country and any nation should
be prepared for the exigency. We therefore op-
posed to 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 seldefence;
let us always be ready for the worst contingencies,
and at moments warning be able to place ourselves
in an altitude of defence.
The happiness of the people depends in great
upon their sense of security; but so long
our army and navy weak and inefficient, the peo
pie will suffer much feaT they will at all times be
trembling under the expectation that powerful
nation will find Cause for quarrel, and make sud
den upon our feeble defencIess land.
Our country unprotected is enticement to ag-
gresson from ambitious or gain-seekng nations
suting their strength and our weakness, than
the principles of justice liberty European nations,
unless we be able to repel the attack, will feel in
ducements to infringe our rights and trampe on
interests. Not SO, if we keep ourselves in a condi-
ton to repulse an attack and aveDge our wrongs.
Nations like men, not disposed to commit crime
when they know that they will be arrested in their
course and suffer punishment Let us then consider
ing the happiness of the people, the prevention of
aggression and the protection of rights and iber-
ties not permit our strong wish to economist to ieo
pard our best interests The principle of fdefcnce
is the strongest of the human mind and let us not
violate the powerful dictates OF nature, when they
are so much IN accordance with the suggestions Of
justice and prudence, by weakening the arms of our
national protection at time when continuance of
perfect peace is at least, uncertain Always rea-
dy," is good motto, and should be kept in view by
suits of cupidty or tyranny