The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-11


we go further, and say that if the amount de-
manded for the public necessities were twice
$26,000,000 it should be granted, unless II
can be made to appear that the cost OF the items
furnished is enormously stated The first ques-
ZION to be settled Isl do the interests Of the nation
require that the things proposed shall be done
and, that being answered in the afrmative;the Sc
cond is, howmuch will il take to do them thorough
ly and well2 There has been, OF late years,
a fashion Of dscertdining hop much can be
left uldone in order TO avoid the charge of pro-
fuseness, and not OF finding out what is neces-
sary TO the safety and honor Of the country
Such we believe TO have been the policy OF Mr.
Van Buren's administration with all of its ex-
pendtures of nearly forty millions year; and
what has il brought US to- Ships rotting on
the stocks, officers unemployed Notifications in
state of dilapidation, public creditors unpaid,
aud the credit of the nation at the lowest posi-
bic ebb both at home and abroad. Is Mr.C. willing
10 see continuance of things SO humiliating to
every true hearted American and does he wish
TO behold the present Administration pressed TO
the earth by the results of former misrule and
prodigaty We know him too well to suspect
him for an instant of any such desire; and we
trust confidently that his influence will not be
suffered TO aid in producing such result, and,
by SO doing, dim the glory he has earned by his
brilliant career Of public service.
Before we conclude this article, we would
remark that the sums required for the public
service, if faithfully applied, would be any thing
but burden to the country. We hold that, If
there be legitimate and unobjectlonable mode,
on the part of Government, of cherishng home
industry, il is by liberal expenditure Of Its
means, and exercise Of its powers in giving
employment TO the producing classes and draw
ing forth the resources of the country What
becomes of the millions paid for the construc
ton Of ships and Notifications, and for the sup
port Of the public service Do they not go 10
enrich the honest mechanic, the industrious
farmer, and the enterprising manufacturer, and
thus increase the lax-paying power of the com
munily2 1t is not as if the money were sent
out Of the country to pay for foreign industry or
merchandise but il IS 10 pour back lntot the laps of
the people the treasures held by their servants
for their use and benefit. Were these sums to
be expended in supporting armies at distance
from home, OF carrying on wars of conquest il
would be different, but there will not be tree
purchased, nail driven, or stone laid, that
will not serve to cherish national industry whilst
it protects national honor
1t is not our purpose TO address ourselves to
partisan feeling, but we appeal TO the patriotism
Of the Members of Congress, and their nation
al pride, and ask Of them, without distinction of
party 10 sustain the Administration in the work
it has so noby commenced. An honest and
faithful exhibition Of the country's necessities
has been made by men who need yield to few,
if any, in ability, and TO none in high integrity
and honesty of purpose and it remains for the.
National Legislature to say whether we shall
be happy and secure at home and honored
abroad, or become the object of rdcule and
contempt to the nations that are eagerly
waiting to witness our ruin.