The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-02-28
From the Philadelphia Keystone.
OUR COUNTRY'S PROSPECTS.

From the Philadelphia Keystone
OUR COUNTRY'S PROSPECTS.
There has never been a period in
the history of this Union, more import
ant than the present. Hitherto we
have progressed silently and steadily.
For a time, war shook our habits, but
the peace which followed animated US
to increased action. Domestic politi-
cal difficulties were finally ad djusted by
the mighty influences of the people,
For the last few years our advance
ment has been prodigious. Now we
have assumed position in the world
which is regarded with no little won
der by all sister nations. The time
was when round the family hearth of
nations, we were looked upon as
founding. Now we are beheld as an
eldest son. The patrimony of liberty
and republicanism the world over. Of
right belongs to us. America is the
heir Of all the glory and happiness and
success of free and enlightened gov
ernment. Our position is an all-im-
portant one. Christendom regards us
with feelings of respect, because we
have powerful influence over the des-
tiny of the world.
Our grain, our raw materials, our Ia
Dor, our commerce, our people, our in
stitutions, our laws, our country, our
position, our resources, and our patri-
ot,sm, are elements too powerful 10 be
disregarded,- therefore it is, that we
can claim to exercise commanding
moral influence, at least, in the affairs
Of mankind. In word, our country
and her prospects are absorbing sub
jects Of contemplation to all who feel
an interest in the future. At home and
abroad these subjects are receiving in
creased attention.
Our present rel; tions with foreign
powers have deep concern in our fu-
lure. England and Mexico are assum-
ing mewhat hostile relations towards
as. and it requires frmness and devo-
ton to the right, TO meet and settle the
subject matter of these causes of un
friendly feelings.
To country of the character of the
United States, war is neither to be
sought or avoided. To our people, it
is a matter of little concern with whom
our duty requires US to contend. We
are as ready to meet our enemies under
the British as the Mexican flag. His
tory proves this-it requires no new
evidence Of the fact.
If the English government think that
we have any fear of England's powers.
she will find mistake-a discovery
which was made at Lexington, Sarato-
ga, and Yorktown. If Mexico for
moment suspects that she can tride
with US, we have but to point to San
Jacinto and Aamo-both Of which
fights were made by our people, and
the victories were attained by the blood
OF citizens of the United States.
Fear is unknown to our people,
The only fear as a nation we have ev-
er entertained, is the fear to d. wrong.
Therefore, we should look to the fu-
ture. with single eve to the greatest
advantages of our whole Union, and
the cause of our country's honor.
A nation that attempts to act with
perfdy towards US, should be promptly
punished-bu in fair. honest, though
erroneous, dealing, we should be tran
quill but firm. "Nothing but what is
clearly right" is our principle of action,
but for the right no concessions.
We make these remarks, at this time,
because we desire that the momentous
question now before Congress, should
be considered with deliberation, and
acted upon in wisdom-that no excite
ment should mislead or rn-but
that, in whatever is done, our country
should be first considere 1, and her pros
poets neither impaired or injured by
any yaclation in the cause of her
honor.
In war, the people must do the fight
ing-a in peace they must be looked
to, for the real benefit OF the whole;
and in either event, our country's pros
poets are worthy Of the deepest solic-
tude in her councils.
The first newspaper printed in North
America was issued at Boston, in April
AL