The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-08-17
steam In IT'S application the science Of for the
purpose OF Attack and Defence.


purpose OF Attack and Defence.
Who rs there that can doubt its powerful agency and
that 1t necessarily has become element which cannot
be dsregarded in estimating the power OF nation TO con
centrate force whether for offensive defensive pur
pose Who is there that will dispute that the ability to
concentrate force, and TO distribute it at WILL gives m
creased orce Who dispute that through the agency of
steam, that ability does eylstl 4
viii there not, the contrary, and unhesitangy, be
conceded an affirmative TO these huisms popounded IN
the shape OF inquiry!
people, and is not 10 be supposed that at this late day
any one aspire to the claim OF novelty in his sugges-
tons subject familiar 10 the world, and especially
TO American world that of the powerful, the null
arous, and almost controlling influence OF steam in its
varied adaptation
1t is this reflection this conviction which encourages
the attempt on the part OF one to address himself TO the
understanding OF the many, on subject so important to
all but which, nevertheless, however familiar many
may be with it. few have venlured on publicly.
natural repugnance TO notoety the apprehension OF be-
ing thought obrusive, and subject to rude rebuke
antamount, IN sensitive minds, TO scarrllyan ntma-
own reflections s and S heeby IS abdsed The Sel Of pub
nc discussion OF matters OF public and even OF general
interest II is not the fear OF vena, however potent
press winch deters ipr each independent and Intelligent
citizen knows full well the admission and the wonder OF
editorial impudence, nsolence, and reck essness too
much practsed and north Of the Potomac, too much toe-
rated but rather on the principle that ''what Is every
in contact with sweep, we stay at home step aside.
Duty or necessity however may call one out impelled
the 'even tenor OF his way Indifferent 10, regardless
| OF, personal assault or soil.
! Iaterest-tha paramount niluence-nay suggest and
control his course; but what Utopian the idea may
to seem) is the real interest OF every American c
zen Surely not in conflict with all any of the ebli
cations OF an enlightened patriotism.
| have said many have thought, but fen have spo-
KEN and have imagined others to have been influenced
10 silence, as admit myself TO have been
One fearless mind, however, has often spoken TO Us,
and for series of years We have left him far,
mainly, aone has glory" is not 10 detract from
that nor 70 add to it, that would ask your attention 10
what has been said and written by the veteran GAINES
Neither is it to enforce, BY any attempt the adoption Of
hs plans; but 70 rather inquire and elicit inquiry if they
be worthy q adoponto inquire if his suggestions may
not be goods or if, in united intelligence, can
suggest something better.
would not myself enter on this inquiry, discussion
as i may prove, with such Difference to the suggestions
OF that officer and parot-brare and modest as he tsin
the expectation or desire OF his qualification at the
pense sacrifice OF my conviction in the foolish
idea that you will not form and abide by your opn
IONS such as they may be, on calm delberation
Yet, it is not immateral to bear in mind who this vete-
soldier and patriot Isl senior, probably 10 all OF
in the service OF cotniry continuously, and actively
and conspicuously and glorously our arms, in face
often OF the enemy before but few OF us were in exist
ence the compatrlot OF our most esteemed and dstn
gushed leowcltiZens for fifty years; sgnalized by his
heroism in war; in the full exercise of those nteects
with which God Almighty endowed him, and improved
by most asslduous industry and the application OF its re-
suits constantly, and up TO this day. conferred for the
benefit OF his country: uet at times, reuaed, Why'
Because he thought and felt it to be has dy TO do as
TO the extent of his ability and it seemed to him
profitable and necessary call attention TO
possible necessities because OF Dun weakness in certain
contingencies and to point out the means at our disposal
Of adequate strength
And now comes up for consideration, (" Wherein our
weakness how to obviate it?' Is there who has
read what General Gaines has aborousy written, and
reflected on what he has read, who has exercised in
thought his native intelligence who viii dissent
from the answer!
sour weakness is in distenson, and in the power of
maritime enemy in conracon-n uncertainty OF the
point OF attack, and his choice of selection when and
where to assail u.s.. Surely 1t cannot be commended
everywhere nyulnerable while certainly will be
conceded eventually would prove invncible.
But it does not exactly consist with our PRIDE II
nothing more, that ''we should fight and run away
if, by living to eight another day., retrieve
inquire of our beers, GLOW shall be secure at all
points in position, that we may at least stand
still ?"
We have an extensive frontier, coaswise and lake
wise, afordng many approaches to us. Without Tor
omttng) suitable defences 10 those approaches time
of needs must prove vulnerable. IntertoridUy
that is taking the country in its strength nation
nvulnerabe against all the powers that could be
enlisted, common against glorious re-
public. Does it not then, 10 be somewhat conse-
whether coast or lake, make each and all measuraby
defensible by the stability of effort in of
need, and that the whole iaDuineraHe arhen united?
Any one who knows our country and its happy owners
and occupants, must respond cay"
How, then, to this desired end, and how far
measures proposed by General Gaines have that end in
view, calculated to that end will next consider
Meanwhile, in order to avoid doubts cay of the
horship OF this subsequent essays the sub
ec mindful of responsibility which would have re-.
ciprocal, | subscribe myself
VIM GIBBS MCNEIL,
Late Major u. s. Army.