Democratic banner., 1846-01-03
DEBATE ON WAR,


The Washington Union referring to the
debate on the resolutions of Gen. Cass, re-
marks:
The general impression from the debate
was, that. in case of a rupture with Great
Britain. our public counselS would be united
in an extraordinary degree. We saw speak.
crs in Congress during the "ar of 1872,
who refused to vote the supplies for carry
ing it on; but the spirit of the present debate
leads to a different result. The Wing mem-
bers avow their determination to rally a
round their country in case Of a war: and
who would not hail such an exhibition with
enthusiasm? Give Us union, and we may
DEFY a world in arms. Let both Wings and
Democrats determine to stand by their gov
eminent in case OF war, and we shall have
an honorable peace, or an honorable war. :
We were happy to soc the resolutions Of
General Cass pass the Senate; and still more
pass unanimously. We should make pre-
parations. which are rather calculated to
preserve peace, than accelerate war.
1t is certain that Great Britain is in the
midst of her military preparations. 1t Is
true, that they wcra recommended by Sir
Robert Peel in February last-with no eye
perhaps to her relations with America, be
fore even Mr.. Folks inaugural address was
delivered. 1t is possiblec that the last Sat
urlay:s ..New York Albion" may be some
what correct in weaving the following sec
uiation>:
..Warlike preparations continue to bs
made; but, as We have SAID Oh a former oc-
~casion. they are chiefly OF a defcnslv" char
acter. and fully warranted by the threats
held ont in the pamphlet OF the Prince de
Joinvillc. For,itications along the coast,
and the construction of steam vessels, seem
to compromise the bulk of the preparations.
The powerful steam navy of France leaves
the coast of England particularly open to
their attacks. Steam, indeed, has almost
bridped the channel. and England Is no Ion
ger safe in her inSular position as formerly,
unless she conform TO the new state OF things.
Twenty steamers might sail from Bre>t, ha,-
ing on board twenty regiments, which might
cross the channel in a single long and darn
night. and land the troops on the soil OF Bri,
tain in time for breakfast. Fertilization
and numerous steam ships of war, are the
two remedies for providing against this ne"
danger. The preparations then, tor war
are for home rather than tor foreign service
they are for defensive. and not Tor a9greS
sive purposes. What charge Mr.. Polk
message may produce, we do not Pretendt
say.
But, however true this suppoSitlon ma.
be; although the policy Of preparations wa
devised before any cloud appeared over tn
relations between the two countries, yet
is certain that they are pressed with grea
activity. and that they may be employed a
gainst the United States. We cannot, there
fore, fold our arms in absolute security. !
she is preparing, we cannot appear who''
destitute of activity. For this reason, the'
if for no other reason, the resolutions {
General Cass are entitled to the se1ious a
tention of Congress"
The Union also observes: eve bcifeN
that our title to Oregon is clear and unique
tionable. We believe that Mr.. Buchanan
last letter has placed that title upon II
strongest ground. We are happy to see tn
sentiment making its way far and wide
the public mind. Several of the wing pres
es are ~pronouncing his arguments irresis'
Bile. Is Great Britain prepared, in tins sta
of the case, to brave the responsibility,
rushing into war, in the face OF the who
civilized world? For ourselves, we rePe;
what we declared on Friday last, that st
issue is now in the hands of Great Bllta
We undertake TO say that the Prcsldel
whilst he deserves an honorable peace,
fearless OF all consequences. We he