Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-02-22
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,

INA llONAL LIN 1ELlA1OLlNOGASs
We announced heretofore that after some days of
necessary DELAY the frigate st. Laurence sailed on
the 18th instant, with her rich freight of articles
intended for exhibition at the Worlds Fair.
Were this vessel only departing on cruise for
the customary purpose Of protecting our commerce.
and evincing to other nations our readiness and
power to maintain our nations rights, by an exhi-
biton of our naval force, it would be 60 ordinary
an occurrence as to call for no special notice. But
when we reflect on the destination of the st. Lac-
renee, and the errand on which she has sailed, we
are impressed with deeper emotions, and the mind
is crowded by thick-comng thoughts, all suggesting
the importance and interest Of the mission on which
she has set forth. An intelligent patriot mus: ever
experience deep qualification when his country has
taken the initiative in any grand plan for promoting
the highest objects Of life for banding together
distant nations by ties Of common respect interest,
and regard; for extending the blessings Of chris
tianty and the comforts of civilization to those not
at all or inadequately acquainted with them; and
it is for this that every American must feel
pride that he is one of that nation which is ele-
waiting itself in the eyes of the entire circle of civili-
cation, by aims conceived in so magnanimous q
spirit, and so far above the mere desire of self
aggrandizement, which, until within lew genera
tions past, has been the governing impulse of the
great nations of the world. 1t is for this reason
that every American, as well as the phianihropist
every where, experienced a thrill of pride when
the Government of the United States, outstripping
in its far.sighted benevoence all the maturer but
still crude hopes Of Europe, proclaimed that to
keep stainless its bright flag, and to sustain its char
acter for enlightened philanthropy, it declared-and
was the first to declare-hat the African slave trade
thenceforth, SO far as depended the influence of one
country, was equivalent to piracy. 1t was one o.
those bold, lofty acts, which stamp greatness on
nation such as an Austerlitz nor Waterloo coulc
confer and long may such bloodless victories b
ours, where, instead of groans of thousands, the in
ccnse of rescued and benefited millions greet US il
our progress, not through ensanguined fields, bu
along the paths of fair delightful peace. Wonder
full as have been the achievements of the last half
tury in every department Of human knowledge ant
intelligent charity, we too hopeful in regarding
the fitting out of the St. Lawrence by express Gov
ernment command as marked step in the world
advance, and in predicting that future nquTers into
the causes Of any immediate and worldwide pro
gress will pause at this act and jusay regard this
year as an era in history? Will Inot strike them
as an extraordinary event, that or the first time
great nation sent forth one os its dread engines o
war and destruction, not t. Distress to conquer and
to KILL but as pioneaI of universal intercourse,
and knowledge of astant countries one with the
other; potent Missionary to preach peace on
earth and GOODWILL to men! And if we may anti
cipate such Iesuts, will not pardonable sef-con-
graulatici glide into the minds of all of us that to
our co.nry are due the intelligence and lberali.y
whin by this simple act have done more to foster
a brotherhood of races and countries than could be
accomplished by years Of diplomatic correspon-
depce!
Safely may the fine frigate speed on her noble
mission, and accomplish her purpose. Indeed, she
cannot fail. The act is before the world, to have
its influence, and to be harbinger of more en-
lghtened ideas; and, though we shall have credit
for our initisory step, yet this mission Of peace
may be said to be to all
"Of the nature of conquest;
For then both parties nobly are subdued,
And neither party losers"
Such are the victories worthy of this age, and
such the rivalry of nations to which we invite all
competitors, as we are sure to be gamers by the
struggle, even when defeated.
THE PRESIDENTS PRocLAMATIoN.--To the full