The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-06-26

ployed in striking at its prey. Butthe
contest soon demonstrated out ability
10 cope with the greatest naval power
in the world, and the charm OF British
invincibility was forever broken.
Thus the American nation rose from
the position of the e~xpounder of free
principles, TO that of one ready and able
TO defend them. 1t was supposed that
we had no existence but in print, and
that our temple Of liberty was but a
structure of popier-mache.1 But the
war of 1912 exposed to them the error
Of these suggestions. Our temple was
found to be of granite-its wall impreg-
nable; and hat if our enemy had not
learned from their own accomplished
poet, "What constitutes a State" we
could answe the question without fear
of mistake. a r;tga.et
We have now assumed another and
remarkable phase in our career. For
many long years we have been at peace
content to be children OF the soil, and
merchants of the mart, smiths. at the
anvil, and workmen at the bench, stu
dents, inventors, and devotees of the
practical and fine arts. War had be.
come so unpopular, that we were near
Iy ready to dismantle our navy, TO
break up our last military school, to
disorganlze our militia, and Danish from
u territory "the ear-piercing fife and
the spirit-stirring drum"
But we were again at war almost
before we knew it, without design in
the national councils, Unexpectedly to
tho people and with but little prepare
ton for its contingencies. Congress,
slow to believe it possible, could scarce
ly be brought to vote the supplies, and
by q series Of events familiar to our
readers, we became involved in bloody
battles with an obstinate and trsacher-
Gus foe. The world must certainly
perceive, from these circumstances,
how reluctantly this nation engages in
war. ta'
But it will perceive, that the present
generation of cur countrymen, though
not perhaps as gigantic as the Titans
of the revolution, have at least, mount
ed upon their shoulders, and have not
lost in elevation Of character, NOR in
the extent of-their horizon.
We deplore war as every Christian
must, and we laid the promise of that
''good time coming" when men shall
it no more, but we cannot shut
our eyes to the fact, that the destinies Of
nations are in the handsofan everything
and that the evils which
afaict US are not permitted without a
purpose. We believe we may IN this
view of the subject find much 10 con.
sole US, ever in the events we most de-
p~recate. The breaking down of the
many extreme divisions Of party, the
of kindlier currents through
he national heart, and the postpone
nent--if not banishment-of the vexed
questions raised for sinister purposes
~ ambitious, and sometimes unscru-
,ulous politicians, are some things to
,e credited to the influence Of the pre-
,ent war. ,.,
The devotion, fortitude, and valor of
roops, the generous sacrifice OF wealth,
'ase, and tranquility made by thousands
# volunteers, the forgetfulness of party
in the cause of the nation,
nd the splendid victories won by our
rmy, are enough to fire the coolest
carts, and to make US grateful, we say
! r%everently, to the the Ruler Of ma
ions, "whose banner over us is Love-"
Europe will hear the story Of the
attic of Buena Vista, in many re-
poets the greatest of modern times,
nd Of the capture Of the Gibraltar of A
with profound astonishment, If
nth no better feeling. The people
Who read, and the people who reflect,
will look to the western world with
enewed interest. The setting orb of
lelr departing glory will be perceived
, be the morning light Of our increas-
lg fame. To US they must finally
'ok when they seek to know what il
lie true destiny of man, and what are
lie just objects of national existence.
W. come to the conclusion, then,
lat the present war, and those which
ave preceded it, in despite Of the
vlls attending every field Of battle,
i'd the pangs which they must always
We to every tender heart, have been
l unavoidable consequence of our 20.
ton and progress. And we cannot
1t believe that the recent events in
to which we have alluded, will
,ercise a strong, distinct, and lasting
feet upon the national character at
,me and abroad, and the blood and
sasare this war has cost US will &c.
ent indissolubly the confsderated SOW
eionties in Whose cause. and undar