The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-02-07

continue. we might as well give up battling for |
PRINCIPLE and let the fair patrimony of democracy
Tall into The hands of our political opponents, and
we will have to do it, in the hope tina, they will
make some provision, whereby our hands may be
employed that our mouths may be fed.
In reading your paper, see that the world is
in commoiion, and the prospect that peace will be
broken with us is more than possible. Why is
it that Mr.. Polk, the peoples President" is not
preparing tor the defence Of tho country, by put
ting the vessels in our Ordinary, and on the
stocks. in proper condition for actual service 2
by so doing, he would give employment to a large
number OF men, on whom the country must de-
pend IN The day and hour of danger for defence !;
but whose minds will be kept soured by being
Kept Ia cleness, and who will, when the hour ar
riVes Tor active service unwillingly take up arms
IN The cause OF country that has neglected the
wisdom and advice of the Father of his Country,
which was :" IN PEACE prepare for WAR"
why are not the vessels now On the stocks
here, the line ship .Nep York, and the frigate
81. Laurence, put into the water and fitted for
sea! Although. Mr., Editor, workingmen can
not handle the pen with facility, and write essays
OF learned length for the news papers, they are
shrewd judges of what is right, and they can see
when false policy is pursued by the country.
and tell you, that though they are willing TO
work and fight for their country, they will not,
oy their blood and muscle, support those who
demand all, and give nome These vessels should
he launched, and the saving to the Government
(Which such an act would effect would nearly
a ~ rhnl fha 10 &
OF dry rot, and other natural decay which is daily
going on, with the loss of interest on the money
already invested in them While AT the same time
our hardy and patriotic mechanics would be en-
ployed and their hearts warmed TO the Admins
iIa'on and when danger threatened their coun
try they would turn with pleasure to its defence
And, would ask, Is this money wasted or
squandered, that would be so expended ? Into
whose pockets does it go, but those who are taxed
in their clothing and their food for the support of
the Government The public Golfers are now
filled, and better disposition cannot be made of
them than to expend them in strengthening our
naval and land Qualifications.
Who, ask again. Mr.. Editor, is to blame for
all this suplneness, and neglect of the PLANES,
dictates of prudence and sound policy? Is i,
Mr. Polk, or dues it lay with any of his agents ?
u with the latter, he cannot escape the response
billty for he stands as the only known and re
sponsibe head of the Executive Department.
responsible to the people, who elected him. To
him is committed the deslinies OF this people.
and it is his duty, Gf his agents will not act for
the good of the country at large,) to take the
matter into his own hands, and make such recon-
mendations TO Congress, as the public voice de-
mands.
II appears to me, that the great object of the
most of the public men in Washington, now, is.
TO pave the way to elevate themselves to power
strengthen the hold they already have on the
public purse. Mr.. Polk is not amenable to this
reflection, Cor he has attained the highest pima
Gle TO which human ambition can reach, and has
also declared, that with the present term, his as
Plrations for power cease. To him, then. we
appeal, 1t he wishes to preserve the ascendancy
OF democratic principles TO his country, let him
turn from the butterfly officials who buzz and
glitter IN his presence, and so frame his public
acts, as they shall secure The welfare of the grea
mass of the people, whose shoulders have, after
all, 10 bear all the expense and burden Of the Go,
veTnment whose iron hands, tough muscles, toll
worn frames. and honest hearts, is the couniry's
sole dependence. They look for no special "a
vors-they ask for no exclusive rights All they
want is leave to toll, when their labor ia neces
sary 10 their country's welfare and independence
Mr.. Editor, have written more than intend
ed, but will thank you to correct and publish il
Yours, &c. A NORWEGIAN.