Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-11-11
No more Territory.

No more Territory.
Those who think that the United States should ac-
qure territory, do appear TO consider the
necessities the policy of the future. Their judy
ments embrace only condition of things similar 10
the present. Taking no other circumstances into
contemplation than what now exist, 1t would, per-
haps, be difficult to determine whether additional ter
rtory would be beneficial or not. In tins limit
ed view, there sides 10 the question, both of
which could be supported with much strength of ar
gument But in proportion the highly probable
condition of this continent in its progress hereafter,
embraced the for the acquisition Of terrific
ry grow stronger, and those opposed it weaker.
There was opposition TO the acquisition of LOUISE
but if the opponents of that measure could have
foreseen the existence of the many noble members of
our confederacy which have been carved out Of its
SOIL their opposition would have been parayzed.
They could more have been willing prevent the
acquisition of this fine territory, than they would
be willing the States West Of the Mississippi
from the Union. The value of their annual product
is now MANIFOLD greater than the price paid for them,
and it is increasing with unexampled rapidty. There
were wise men enough at that time to calculate their
future value, and to secure their acquisition So now
must look to what the future will produce to de-
termine wisely upon present policy.
The increase Of population IN the United States
since $780, when the first census was TAKEN has ave
ragged little over thirty -four per cent. in every ten
years. lp period OF rapid prosperity. from loO0 10
1910, 1t hirtyslx and half per cent. Our pre-
population is about 81 600 OUO, and with the in
crease of thrtyfour per cent every ten years. in
half century, which many of the present generation
will live to see, ii will be 100 100000. Thisis
but little less than The population of France, Germs-
ny and Austria united, three of the most powerful
nations of Europe. The migratory and adventurous
spirit of the American people, will not be checked
till the continent is filed up and then only because
is full In the mean time 1t will be covered with SET
tiers in places sparsev, but 1t will be covered. If
divida into
ernments, they will have separate and conflicting in
erests and these will the fruitful seeds of wars
and discussions. Let the history of Europe bear wit
ness TO the effects of different nations, lying contigu-
Gus to each other, with imaginary lines and fordabe
rivers boundaries Let our present war with Mex
leo also bear witness TO the consequences Of dispute
between contiguous nations.
1t has been suggested by the phantlropic that for
the purpose OF preventing the calamites of war,
congress of nations should be formed to settle dis
putes that might arise among them. Such congress,
in some instances might have influence sufficient 10
preserve peace among the nations represented in it.
1t might easily adjust of small Importance
II would have greater difficulty in gfayer affairs, and
In cases of high moment could scarcely succeed If at
all in reconcng contouding parties. 1t would not
be free from mistakes, partiates intrgues, and ma
naging diplomacy. Unless II could act on all ucca-
sions with strict justice, there would be dssaiisfac-
ton; the dissatisfied would complain, divisions of
opinion would follow, and the different nations would
take sides the question raised, according they
were BIASED by interest or feeling. refusal
quesce in the decision Of the congress would produce
its dissolution. How would it enforce its DEGREES
Only by the power of the nations represented in it.
But occasions would arise in which they would not
generally concur and upon the application of forceby
part, resistance by force would ensue and this would
be war; and too that would probably involve all
the nations represented in the congress. How much
superior Is our SYSTEM which embraces all in one 90
Il.
attachment affections and confidence of all aud that
imparts TO every individual full and equal share in
the advantages and honOrs of the country. The laws
of the United States recognized by every cItzrn
his own laws, passed by his own representatives
and he feels interested in promoting spirit Of obed
! ence TO them, while he obeys them himself Our plan
of government is fitted to comprehend all the conmu-
mites of continent and to harmonize their interests
Under It's administration, the reign Of peace wall be u
interrupted, because Il precudes the causes of war;
national jealousies and collisions.
As it Is highly important TO the repose of America
that there should be but one supreme government il
desirable that the United States should acquire ter
ritory extensively and early, because it can now be
obtained easily. We would not go to war 10 get it,
but if it's acquisition be the result of in
to for other causes, It will not be inconsistent with
national honor and Justice by its TO enlarge our
boundaries 1t would be better, and far more in ac-
cordance with the principles Of Justice, to purchase
territory than to take it by force, and no price that
can now be reasonably demanded for any that is
cant can be high 1t will soon be immeasuraby more
valuable than 1t is at present. la 1903 the United
States purchased Louisiana for fifteen millions of dol
lars. AT this time, at the end of only forty-iour
years, the price paid multiplied by thousands could
repurchase the country then acquired. Indeed it
is impossible now TO calculate the prospective value
of the great West, it is subject for the ina
that may take for It's data the important fact that il
produces at present enough TO support the Whole
nation
We are believers in the superintendent Of d.
recting Providence, and when we contemplate the
riseand amazing progress of the United States the
nature OF government the character of our peo-
pie, and the occurrence Of unforeseen events all Tend
ing TO great accomplishment, we are impressed
with conviction, that the decree is made and in the
process Of execution, that this continent is TO be but
one nation, under system Of free institutions
This is said in no spirit of prophecy, but is the con-
cluson OF reason, from the frner progress of this
country lis present condition. and the natural ten
dency OF the moral and physical elements at work.
On this hemisphere principles have teen developed
calculated 10 revouiiunze the old habits of thinking
among men, To disproyc the divine right of kings 10
: explode the reyerenced maxims Of tyranny. and n
establish rational political liberty for tie human
race. These principles have ALREADY in some mea
sure, regeneaied the rights of man IN Europe bu IN
Its full accomplishment the example of continent of
: freemen may be required. wh'se power can awe the
opposition Of Kingdoms. and Whose moral Influence
will impress deep sense of human rights upon the
minds OF all mankind. When the spectacle of whole
f continent reposing in peace and prosperity. where
every one enjoys the religious, civiland politi
cal rights Is behed from beyond the Atlantic and Pa
clc, the principles OF despOtsm, DO matter how mild