The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-08-07
Our Conntry-its Growth.


Giles from wing papers, showing that
numbers Of that party are directly hos
tile to the stand the leaders are taking
in opposition to the extention Of our
territory. w add to that list the fol-
lowing from the Peoples Press, a wing
paper, printed in Clinton county in
this Saskatchewan.
~"INcREAsE OF TERRIToRY.--There
are some men in our country who say
that an increase Of territory will ulti-
mate in a dissolution Of the Union, and
they look upon those who advocate an
extension of our boundaries as inimical
to the constitution, and willing TO sub
vert our liberties, and produce argu-
ments endeavorng to convey the inn
preston that our fate will be similar 10
those nations of the old world, who
went on %conquering and to conquer
until they were stopped in their mad
career Of glory, and retraced their
course with more rapidly than they
acquired possession, to their great inju-
ry and disgrace. W. do not so view
the matter. neither do those who have
read the histories of nations, andHhave
a just conception Of the difference be-
tween a free and oppressed people,
In a country like ours, whose govern
ment and institutions are founded upon
the principles of liberty and the equali-
ty Of rights, no danger need be appre-
hended in extending our boundaries;
for if such were the case, long since
would our government have been over
thrown. Every acquisition Of terrific
ry, so far, has added strength to the
Union; and while new balances have
been introduced--new equipoises crea-
ted-new powers have been developed,
and we are growing into "a great and
mighty nation. So great is the tyran-
ny of the monarchies of Europe, that
thousands upon thousands Of foreigners
are landing daily upon u shores,
seeking an asylum and home in the
"Iand of the Free" where all men are
on an equality, and where they can
worship the God of their fathers ac-
cording to the dictates of their own
consciences.
"This is the age of progression, and
no power on earth can arrest its on
ward march. Our country is dotted
all ove with improvements-steam
and lightning cross rivers and climb
mountains-railroads will soon extend
from the Atlantic to the PaciHc-and
with the electric telegraph holding
hourly conversations with New York
and Oregon, from sea to sea--we say
this spirit cannot be arrested; for the
people, knowing no geographical ques-
ton OF surface and distance, will push
forward the car Of civilization until the
whole North American continent is
covered with a population similar in
habits and feelings to those Of our own.
1t is said by some that the day is not
far distant when the whole Mexican
country will be in the possession and
under the control Of the government Of
the United States. The people Of that
country are incapable Of governing
themselves; and it is not in the nature
of things that a population so deficient
in knowledge, and constantly engaged
in civil revolutions, should much long.
er continue under a government of
their own which has no substantial
foundation. If that country is to be
annexed to ours, we desire that it shall
be done fairly and honestly, with the
common consent Of the peoples and by
purchase, and free from that peculiar
institution which has caused SO much
warmth Of feeling and excitement in
our own land. NJ
"lf this progressive spirit shall not
feel satisfied until oil North America
forms one glorious whole we say do
things Systematically; for we shall not
regret to see the wings of our noble
eagle extended over nations now living
in darkness and superstition; for then
the blessings Of peace can be heard,
and the Glad tidinps of the gospel pro-