Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-01-10
WAR.

resolutions offered by Mr.. Cass, on the
subject Of our national defences, which
have occasioned so much talk on the sub.
ject Of War. we give, as follows:
Resolped, That the Committee on Military
fairs be instructed 10 inquire into the condition
OF the national Notifications and OF their arma
ments and whether other defensive works are
necessary; and into the condition and quantity
OF military supplies; and into the state OF the
means possessed by the Government for the de-
fence Of the country.
Resolred, That the Committee on the Militia
be instructed 10 inquire into the present condi
ton Of that great branch Of the public service
and into the state Of the militia laws; and that
they be farther instructed to report such changes
in the existing system as will give more expert.
ence and efficiency to that arm OF Defence and
will place it in the best condition for protecting
the country, should it be exposed 10 foreign inva
sion. =
l.ssoirea, That the Committee on Navel Az
fairs be instructed 10 inquire into the condition
of the navy OF the United States, and into the
quantity and condition OF supplies now on hand
end whether an increase of them is not neces.
sary to the efficient operations Of the navy, and
TO its preservation and augmentation; and, gen.
orally, into its capacity for defending our coast
and our commerce, and for any service the ext
gsnoies Of the country may probably require.
These resolutions, at any other time,
could not have excited particular interest;
nor even now, had it not been for the
war-like speech of Mr.. Cass, when they
were brought before the Senate. This
speech, however, may be attributed to the
eagerness of Mr.. Cass, to manufacture cap
ital for future purposes; and viewed in
this light, which is doubtless correct, loses
its force.
The resolutions met with no opposition;
but number of Senators regretted that
their mover should have expressed himself
30 warmly, as it would have tendency to
create unnecessary alarm. We give the
remarks of Mr.. Webster, on the occasion:
Mr.. WEBSTER said he did no. propose to offer
any opposition whatever TO the passage OF the
resolutions. though he could not perceive tina.
there was any very great necessity for their adop
ton. 1t did not appear 10 him that they charged
the committees with any especial new duty.
Inquiry into the matters here suggested was the
ordinary duty Of the committees, and he did no,
think there were any extraordinary circumstances
existing which rendered it necessary on this occa
sion to instruct them by a resolution of The
Senate, or to stimulate them in the performance
Of an established duty. Nevertheless, he regret.
ted the introduction Of these resolutions, com
bined as they were, with the remarks which the
Senator from Michigan had thought proper to
address 10 the Senate, because he agreed with the
Senator from Kentucky that their introduction
in that manner appeared to give something to
them OF significance which would create unneces.
sary alarm Every member of the Senate
knew, and every man OF intelligence knew, that
unnecessary alarm and apprehension about the
preservation Of the public peace was great evil.
1t disturbed the business Of the country; it dis
turbed the calculations OF men; it deranged the
pursuits OF life, and even. to great extent,
changed the circumstances OF the whole business
OF the country. This truth will be felt more
especially by every gentleman acquainted or con.
nectcd with the seaboard. They all knew what
an immense amount Of property was aAoat upon
the ocean, carried there by our citizens in the
prosecution OF their maritime pursuits. They
all knew that rumor Of war, or the breath Of
a rumor OF war, would affect the value OF thas
property. They all knew what effect it would
have upon assurances. They all knew what
immense amounts Of property on shore would be
affected by the agitation of public opinion upon
an intma,ion Of the disturbance Of the pacific
relations existing between this country and for
eign States.
Sir. (said Mr.. W. there are two ways, in
either Of which Government may proceed-and
when | have stated them | think it will be
obvious to every one which is the wisest. Wei
may, il we choose, create alarm and apprehen.
sion. We may, if we are wiser, cause no unne
cessary alarm, but make quiet, thorough lust,
polite, sta'esmanlike provisions for the future.
MIR. President, ! am entirely OF the opinion
OF the Senator from Kentucky. have not been |
able 10 bring myself 10 believe that war will
grow out Of this matter certainly not mmedi.
aely; and | think | cannot be mistaken when
say that the recommendations which the Chief
Magistrate has made 10 Congress will not lead
10 any such result. think il is impossible TO
mistake the meaning of the President He does
not expect war. Looking at the state OF things
around US, and at what is stated by the Execu- |
utIve cannot believe that he apprehends any
danger
Sir. abstain cautiously from offering spy
remark upon that portion OF the Message which |
refers to the negotiation. abstain with equal
care from any remark upon correspondence
which has been published. | do not wish tn
say whether it does appear from that correspond. |
ence that negotiation is so completely and an. |
tirely at an end that no amicabe dispostioo orl
the question may be looked for hereafter from a
diplomatic source. 1t is enough for me in order
10 accomplish all the purposes of these Cew
remarks, 10 say that while am incapsble If
bringing myself to the belief that the President