Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-07-13
Tok rHK WING.
National nef.nes1

Our national deescs subject that should ever en-
gage our minds and call active and steady
oest snexes To accomplish this work expense
should be considered great; Tor all may cost viii Do mo-
ney wisely laid oat. An individual who holds his rights
and privileges The will OF anothef is slavs-snd bound
oy the worst OF all bonds, tesr Tor he uembe
lest that other should cua what much values That
nation h in better condition which remains unarmed
n.uicienuy 50. amdsts world in for any
II II liable to be uampled upon by other nations. There
was time when distance from the great powers Of
Europe, together with tho bloody they wagsd sganst
each other afforded olerabc that they
could not harm us much Tue application OF Steam pur-
poses oil navigation has made that distance disappear and
sgeneral peace in Europe, and the good personal under
standing their crowned heads has robbed OF the
security found in their dispuies Now our only
source, except that Of kind Providence lies in
strength and preparation; and we must remember that
strength, without preparation will not do. IL IL Sampson
without his hair IL Is not enough 20 be able repo hos
tile invasion IL becomes US, the champions OF the rights
Of man. 90 TO order our affairs as to compel respect and
that by naono, only accorded those who willing,
ready and entirely able enforce IT, We longer
feeble people and decent screspect requires that
should maintain the influence which Numbers wealth,
intelligence, and great entte They
enuue US TO, but demand that government should
exercise decided influence the affairs u the world
Hitherto and government have entered too isessly
upon tho hrst great duty Of wise people, viz 10
agaias fhs strong Without this necessary work nothing
10 safe;-for in moment by coalition Of foreign States.
all great interests aud bright prospects for future
might be put in great peril, IL utterly destroyed.
Its high and solemn duty ourselves and those
who arc to come after to take care to be ready for
and every emergency that may come upon US.
To accomplish this will not do for it to be said Of US,
that
ave by dts and START, like drowning men,
Butluss peep up, and then peep down again !"
To succeed in this great duty, consider dis
advantages sbour UNDER and also, those advantages
peculiar TO usand guard well against the for
mer and make all OF the latter. and that BY poll
ey wisely conceived and steadily pursued. SPasmodc eff
forts will not do. wasielul outlaws when enemy
dOVrs will supply the place OF mstured system Of
national defence This every body knows and yet every
body in this Union negleeis.
Some of the disadvantages have to encounter are to
be found in and extended boundary in
the sPsteness OF our population and the migratory habits
OF our people.
Some OF our advantages are our majestic rivers our
lakes and numerous bays and ines and the abundance
and great variety OF our agricultural and other products
These las demand great amount OF transports, and the
first afford the means OF usiog them.
The Multitude of steamers that possess might by u
dlcous regulations and sufficient Inducements be made 10
afford complete harbour and defence in time war
This might be gradually effected, and a which, mea
sued by ne great benefits that would result hereftom
not worth considering. companies and individuals had
proper encouragement held them. by the Govern
men they would discover how construct
that would answer for warboats when needed aud still
supply all ne demands Of the country for freight and pas
sage in tim, OF peace.
Young Of talent and enterprise might be, in quite
sufficient numbers induced apprenticeship in
the Navy, they assured, after they had become
complete semen they could find profitable and honorable
berths commanders of these boats and be entitled in
time OF war; command them against enemies. The
could accomplished the hands and engineers
Skeleton companies Of marines might be kept in su
cient numbe Of service for these boats
This would, with ordinary navy and ocean steamers,
Of which should be neglected make unAsssilable
home and respected, in the highest degree, abroad
In this way the u S. might have the largest navy the
world, and At the least cost In peace the outlay would be
nconsideraoe and in the hour of need and peril all would
be ready moments warning In conneIon with this let
the Telegraph be extended 10 the various Naval Depots
such system would necessarily require and, without
figure, we might ssy-warned by the lightning and borne
upon flame OF FIRE, we defy enemies.
How much more worthy would that be Of the descend.
Of brave forefahers, than sit trembling, when
the war-Osst threatens for fear that cities will
be burnt up and commerce annhilated! Shall al
ways endure the cool contempt Of England1 Shall we
ever hold rights by precarOus tenurel IL Libery
poor boon Of Heaven, 10 be unworthy constant
watch and jealous carel Will mankind exert them.
selves except yTantsl Id the partial liberty Of
England and the barely decent thradom Of France is
woI tn all they do TO guard them, not equal rights
and freedom much worthy regard and high.
est exeron retain and hand them down those who
after usl
IL evident that's great crisis in the Affairs OF mankind
is rapidly appoachng-that old institutions rapidly
passing away, and bursting upon the world
Will the heads that have long crowns be content
quietly to ley them down, will they make 4 gallant
sand in their defenee7 Surely they will fight for them
and the sures blow they give in their defence will
be tostrke NJ aud humble Let be taken
wares, At disadvantage. Let learn
y-day necsssaries into the means e resistance.
on tines 80 hnuerer Hope JOY inspires.
Fi.- tne Prcad heat Of man " III fond desres
He, c-reess traveller! ~anders Siin
Through lie, unmindful Of deceit
NOR breads the danger tin he feel
The burning sands beneath his feet
Let such be the fate OF the people Of this Union nor
Of their Government.