Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-04-21

these numbers az all excessive, when we !caFn
that the forces under their command consist OF l.
3s5,6io men! For the purpose Of defence 4
gaInst 4 foreign invasion We have no doubt that
these American citizens would exert Themselves
credby. A considerable number Of tic young
CT men may even volunteer la!o part IL
offensive operations. Bot have hesitation
in sa wing that to bring efficient army Of even
30,OJO mon into the field. prepared - march be-
vond their own frontiers Is tho most ardu045 task
which ever devolvod upon the Federal Govern
men. Of tic I ;ed States, and with is present
powers and resources VIC believe it absolutely I'M
practicable.
Tho Navy Of the I nitcd States consists Of II
ships Of the the line. two Of which nh5at,
thrco arc receiving ships, and SIX on tho stocks
or under repairs. Tho II first-cIass frgates Of
guns the best part of the fleet; OF these four
are the stocks ind three IL ordinary The
two ;,j-gun frgatcs are old. The smaller yes
sells II soops Of war. 5 brigs, schooners,
and 6 steamers: the Navy list contains 81 cap
tains 81 commanders, 32t lioutcnants, and 1913
passed ndshipmen, 10 mldshlpn1en, and 81
masters. No estimate can be formed Of tho real
strength Of tho crows Of tho American Navy
because it is well known that considerable por-
ton of this hsc. is manned by British seamcn,
who arc attracted by the high pay Of tho Arnori-
can Navy IN tino Of peace. Elt tia; very Cir
cumstancc shows the extreme difficulty Of man
ming n American feet IN war, and especially
in war with England. Their ships are, in fact.
worked TO q great extent by English merccnarios
"a large portion Of whom would unquos..onnbly
return 10 their own coors tho outbreak Of hos
tllitIcs
Wa con.cn. ourselves with this simple enusno
ration Of tho forces of tho United States by land
aud by sea, which VIC hopo is correct. Wo know
not what course Mr.. Polk may intend 70 pursue
nfor tho notice for the abrogasion of tho treaty Of
Joint occupation has been duly gwen; and wo
shall await with moro curiosity than alarm the
enterprises which may b, projected for tho for
pose of cxpcllng British subjects from 4 dist ict
whero 80 happen to command tho coast ana tho
Interior, tho Indians and tho forts. Tho world IS
perfectly aware that England IS not the attacking
party, and that content TO Leave matters
in Oregon as they now If the Americans
mean any thing, they mean 10 cIsq0Sscss Us of
what wo hold. At the time, if this nton-
ton be ayowed by tho Cabnot OF " ashineton. or
if il be disclosed by votes Of money and wari.o
preparations which imply fixed determination
10 engage in this absurd and dagili0us contests,
no state is bound to wait to DO attacked.
Mr. Polk has already instructed the American
Minister in London to ask for explanation Of
tho activity in dock-yards. His own con
science might have given Il 10 him: his own Ian
guago has put us upon tho defensive; and al
though tho Termination of tho convention Of Is
q by notico Is no cass bo!li, vet tho disposition
indicated by that notice, and the means WhIcJ
may be taken to carry tha. disposition into effect,
may hereafter furnish ample ground of suspicion.
of renons.ranco, and finally Of losti!ltcs. A
bold and manly course on the par, Of the British
Government viii probably not be without good
effect in tho United States; ana il VIII undoubtcd
ly command the unanimous support Of tho people
Of I,ngland.