The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-21
THE MILITARY.

1t has been our lot to be placed upon the stage
of life, at an important in the history Of the
world. And the Theatre with which we have
happily been connected, is one of such peculiar
character that to maintain and perpetuate its
transcendent excellencies, and transmit them I'M
furnished, and unretrenched, to our successors in
life. are duties of mighty import that must ere
long devolve upon US, all will understand us as
referring to the noble fabric of orr political instu
TONS And who shall say that to guard those
institutions against the multiplicity of deteriorat-
ing influences, which have a tendency TO crunibe
in pieces, the lofty structure that our forefathers
have raised, the wonders and admiration of the
world, is not peculiarly the duty Of the present
generation of American Yonth Are any disposed
to treat the idea of the possibility of our national
downfall as chmercaI, having foundation only in
the morbid imagination of the political misan-
thrope let them remember that what we now are
in point of grandeur, wealth, and power. was
once surpassed by Assyria, Persia, Greece, Rome
and Carthage. And shall we with the full
volume of human experience spread wide to view
stand like statues inactive in our countrv's cause
and only cry peace, peace, there is no danger q
abandoning the fertile plains of Italy the younger
Scipio, with his fleets and armies crossed the
Mediterranean; besieged conquered and DESTROYED
the magnificent city of the Carihagenians after
its continuance for 700 years. Could we have
then addressed the victorious Scipio with the
cowardly Asdrubal at his feet, OF even the most
insignificant warrior in his camp. had we asked
of the stability of the then mistress of the world
would we not have been spurned with contempt.
for imagining it possible that naughty Rome might
fall? Yet her dominion, her majesty, her power
and glory have passed away, and but for the
historic remembrancer, blank Oblivion had merged
in the gloom of ages past, the knowledge of the
chvalrc deeds of her warriors the sublime elo-
quence of her Ciceroes, and the unwaverinC pat
riotism of her citizens. The halo too of Grecian
glory has departed. Her sun of greatness has
forever set behind the darkling cloud of despotic
degradation. And shall we vainly imagine that
for us and our country there is no danger Are our
institutions more deeply rooted. or more firmly and
periodically supported than were theirs? In
short are the principles Of human nature. the sue.
cessioD of Transporting events, and the effects like
ly to result from certain causes, so far changed
as to waTran: the belief of the mmutabllity OF
our civil institutions? Did luxury snd efTemina-
! cy unnerve the States of Greece Did patriotism
and rational liberty flee their dread embrace
! leaving Thebes, Athens. and Lacedemon to revert
back to barbarism? And are we in no danger 2
Remember, too, there are those within our borders
who dePrecate as unjust and unholy the only
means by which the rights Of nation of Freemen
can long be maintained and their peace and pros
perity preserved in times Of trying emergencies.
We refer to the organization of the Military-
The history of all past time proves, beyond con
troversy, that whenever nation ceases to pro-
vide means for her own defence, that patriotic
devotedness which induces men to foreoo the
Establishments Of civic life. and, at the hazard oC
all things earthly, rush boldly forward to their
counJy's rescue, ceases to exist, and spirit f.