The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-05-03
WAR WITH ENGLAND.


The affected contempt for the power OF the Uni
ted States which characterized The British press du-
ring the late war which contributed in so great
degree 10 cause il, and to continue it, by inspiring
that people with the idea that we should be an easy
prey--s now again strlkingly manifested in the
British journals The insoent tone of the British
public towards US is not remarkable when we con-
slider the medium through which alone they regard
u.s. Regarding US alone as depicted in the contemp-
tuous and abusive language Of their PRESS not one
of which ever attempts to present the American
side of questions, and without voice in the land
raised to defend us. they can onlybe taught respect
by events so striking and notorious as to defy The
arts of deception. Wegave them some lessons Of
this character in the late war, when, after defeating
them by land and sea, they finally discoved that We
had something more than "three irigates for navy
and two regiments for an army"
That generation has now measurably passed
away, and the present seem again possessed Of the
idea-at least their public Journals and public men
have been assiduous in inculcating it-that we are
without an army or navy; that we are weak and
cowardly; devoid Of public spirit and patriotism; as
nation, intent only on plundering the feeblest
hations and, as individuals, equally bent on knavsh
acqusitions and SO distracted among ourselves, that
the Union is but "rope Of sand;" and that we are
hardIya match, if resistance be made to our law
less aggressions, for the turbulent and efleminate
Mexicans
1t sony surprising that with such opinions, they
hesitate moment, when we offend them-as 1t
seems we have of late-to send over handful Of
men, and sloop-of-war, and put an end to our
iniquitous government 1t appears, however, that
they deem some preparation necessary tor this ex-
cursion; and, though we do not merit such consid-
Grafton, they are going to considerable additional
expense in the outfit, over and above their usual
costly equipments, although they do not so far ho-
nor US as to declare the fact We believe, however,
that when Sir Robert Peel recently declared that
the government was prepared and resolved to
maintain their claim to Oregon, he referred to the
additional ten millions lately added to the navy es.
Inmates, and the additional number Of four thous-
and seamen ordered to be enlisted as part of the
preparation. What other occasion the British gov
ernment has for this increase of force, at time
when her relations with other foreign powers, so
far as we are informed do not seem to present any
exigency, we are at loss to know Indeed, we
regard the detraction which the English press and
English writer's and speakers have systematically
dealt towards us, as part of the preparation for as
suming belligerent attitude. This was more es-
sential, III fact, than military stores and men. II
was necessary to imbue the public mind there with
animos,ty towards the United States, to fire up
ligious zeal against our supposed nfractions OF the
laws Of Heaven, to infame national jealousy-in a
word to excite all the strong passions of the Eng
lish, and at the same time present descriptions OF
oui weakness, in order to reconcile the people to
undertaking war with u.s. Ithas, no doubt been
part Of the calculation. that their incessant and
widespread calumnies would deprive us Of sympa
Thy and support from other nations, besides with
drawing from US at home that class of our citizens
who defer to the English in everything.
Nopatriotic man desires war with any nation and
particularly with Great Britain lift can be avoided
Il is calamity, whether regarded in its effects up
on individuals or upon the nation, which cannot
be too much deplored. 1t is not from mere timid
ity, or apprehension of suffering for themselves
personally, that our people have shown themselves
averse 10 conflict. tits from the higher principle
of religious duty--a knowledge of the crimes at
ttendant upon war, Its perDicious influences upor
individual character, and its effect in retardng thu
growth Of our empire, on which hangs so mucf
of hopes of mankind, for the moral and intellectu
alimprovement and the civil liberty of the race
It is from this elevated position that. American
statesmen have regarded the subject. 1t is in thu
spirit Of the fathers Of our country-a spirit en-
grated on the institutions, laws, and policy the,
haveesablished, and which impresses tselfso early
on the mind of the American youth, that it woule
seem to have descended with the blood they inner
II. Nothing was ever more true, therefore. thar
the sentiment expressed by Mr.. Polk in his inaugu
raj address-that every extension of our empire
gave an additional security of peace to the world
Yet have we been forced, at times, and that too
under the mdest Of our rulers, from this, the set
tied policy Of our government; and it is our sol
emn conviction that we shall soon again be cae'
on to take up arms against our former and only ad
versary 1t is perfectly manifest that they regar'
this as favorable moment to renew the system o
aggression upon US which has resulted in war here
tofore; which to submit to, is only to invite new
wrongs wrongs premeditated, not for the advant
age which accrues to them, but arranged and set
tied upon merely as the means of bringing on th'
conflictof arms, or an entire abandonment of ou
rights as a nation. The only mode to avoid this j
the firm adherence by the President to the lette
and spirit of his inaugural address. Hewl be sus
tanned by the nation in that; for, notwithstanding
the English ministers choose to level their lance
atMr. Polk, it is not to be forgotten that the pre-
vious acticn Of the House Of Representatives had
by an immense majorty, given their sanction to hi
language By the trucking abandonment of ou
rights pursued by Mr.. Webster in the AshburtoI
treaty, we lost the subject Of controversy, fofete'