The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-06-04
From ,Ie New York True Sun, May II.

national character, which have been for very
different objects, and have been distinguish
ed by very remarkable results. We do not
refer 10 those minor difficulties which we
have had with Tripoli, with France, or with
the Indian tribes within our territory, but TO
the wars Of the revolution, and of 1872, and
Of our present struggle with Mexico.
Let us for moment look at these with the
impariaiy Of history, and with the judg-
ment of those who shall come after us, re-
movedby'time and distance from the inhu.
ences which might affect our opinions. q.
The revolution was successful struggle
for freedom and for relief from foreign legls-i
lation in which we had no share The war
Of 1912 was 10 secure our nationality aud
our commercial interest from insult and spo-
liation; and our present contest with Mexico,
however much it is to be regretted, has
grown out Of difficulties, which we have
again and again endeavored 10 adjust AMIGA
bly,, and has finally become war of inya-
sion. II VIZ q,ga ai 9'ri pa a
Each Of these wars has been essentially
different in its aspect as well as origin,--
In the first, the most powerful country Of
Europe had an actual foothold on our soil,
with established colonial governments, aud
strong internal party 10 assist in its opera
tions, strong in wealth and position, connect
ed by interest and blood with the parent land,
loyal and devoted TO the crown. ,a's4el
In The next, we commenced our contest
with retaliatory commercial restrictions in
the hope oftheir success, but which we were
compelled to follow up with military opera
tions of limited effect, gaining most Of our
great triumphs on the element where We had
been despoiled. sei
Our present war is one in which to 'seon-
quer peace" all other efforts having proved
10 be unavaiiing, we have been obliged TO
cross the Rubicon, to assail our enemies up
on their own soil, and to contend for the
first time with neighboring republic
In each of them there has been Nmarked
developement Of the American <haracter,
and the progress ofthe nation throughout is
most stril3tgiy evident.
Vie revolutionary war was one of princ-
pie, and waged rather for the vindication Of
right in the abstract, than on account Of the
positive evils which attended the colonial
condition. We, have had to bear, indeed,
since TITS, much heavier burdens than the
Tea Act am the Stamp duties, but they have
been selfimlosed. The cause of liberty,
political and &ligious, seemed in that era to
require an oufbeak somewhere-our ances-
tors thought so,N and were successful.
The war Of 1912 was apparently unavoid-
able. Indeed it had long been looked for.
There can be but little doubt that "the mis-.
tress Of the seas" presumed upon her power,
and did not imagine we could well dispute
it. II was evident 10 her that our commerce
wonld fall at the touch of that trident whose
prongs were necessarily employed in strik-
ing at its prey. But the contest soon de-
monstraied our ability TO cope with the great
est naval power ofthe world, and the charm
of British invincbility was forever broken.
Thus the American natien rose from the
position Of the exponnder 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 structure of papier-mache. But
the war Of 1912 exposed the error Of these
supposiieAs Our temple was found TO be
ofganite,it lis walls impregnable, and that if
our enemy had not learned from, from their
own accomplished poet, "What constitutes
State,n we could answer the question with
out fear or mistake. n
We have now assumed another and ire
markable phase in our career. For many
long years we have been at peace, content
TO be children of the soil, and merchants Of
mart, smiths al the anvil, and workmen at the
bench, students, inventors, and devotees of
the practical and fine arts War had be-
come SO unpopular, that we were nearly
ready to dismantle our navy, 10 break up our
last military school, 10 disorganize our mill
tia, and Danish from our territory "the ear
piercing fife and the spirit-stining drum"
But we were again at war almost before
we knew il, without design in the national
councils, unexpectedly to the people, and
with but little preparation for its contingen-
cies. Congress, slow to believe it possible,
could scarcely be brought to vote the sup
plies, and by series of events familiar 10
eur readers, we became involved in bloody
battles with an obstinate and treacherous foe.
The world must certainly perceive, from
these circumstances, how reluctantly this
nation engages in war.
BUTT will also perceive, that the present
generation of our countrymen, though not
perhaps as gigantic as the Titans of the rev.
olution, have at least mounted 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 hail the promise of that ''good time
coming" when men shall learn it no more.
but we cannot shut cir eyes 10 the fact. that