Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-07-17


at that tune, IT was supposed. no America
was competent to direct. The work has
however, grown within the last few years
under a naive superintendent IN import
ance and extent beyond any enterprise O
the kind ever before attempted. These fact.
conclusvely prove that great advance has
been made among US, not only in the apph.
cation of science to the wants of Ordinary
life, but TO science itself, in its application
TO satisfy the cravings of the immortal
mind. In respect to literature, with the ex.
cepuon of one or two spelling books, and
other school books Of an inferior character
and some theological ,reatises. of which
none but those Of Jonathan Edwards have
any permanent value, aud some works on
local history and politics, like I" Hutchin.
sons Massachusetts, " Jefersons Notes
/ on Virginia" the "Federalst," BelAnan';
New Hampshire" and " Morse's Geoera-
/ ply" and few others, America had not
produced single work OF any repute in
science or literature. We were almost
wholly dependent on imported books Even
our bibles and teslaments were for the most
part printed abroad. The book trade IS
now one of the greatest branches of busi-
ness. and works of standard value and of
high reputation in Europe, as well as at
home, have been produced by American au-
thors, 10 every department of science and
literature. While the nation has been ex-
panding IN dimensions, in numbers, aud IN
wealth, the government has applied a wise
forecast ia the adoption of necessary meas
ures, when the world shall no longer be at
I tp a. In not al!
er by appropriate displays of vigor abroad
or by well adapted means of defence at
home. A navy winch has so often llIustra-
ted our history by heroic achievements, tho
restrained in peaceful times possesses in its
admirable elements the means of great and
sudden expansion, aud IS justly looked upon
by the nation as the right arm of its power
An army still smaller, but not less perfect
IN us details, which has, on many field
exhibited the military apiltudes aud proves
OF tile race, and demonstrated the wisdom
which has presided over ITS organization
and government While the gradual and
slow enlargement of these military arms
has been regulated by a Jealous wdchful-
ness over the public treasure, there has,
nevertheless, been freely gwen, all that was
needed to perfect their quality; aud each
affords the nucleus OF any enlargement that
the public exigencies may demand from the
millions of brave hearts and strong arms
upon the Land aud water. The navy is the
active aud aggressive element of national
defence; and, let loose from our own sea
coast must display its power ia the seas
and channels Of the enemy. To do this 1t
need not be large aud II can never be large
enough 10 defend, by its presence at home,
ali our ports and harbors. But, IA the alb
sence OF the navy, what can the brave hearts
and strong arms OF the army aud militia do
against the enemies line of battle ships aud
steamers, falling without notice upon our
coast! What will guard our cities from
tribute, our merchant vessels and our navy.
yards from conilagrationl Here, again,
we see wise forecast IN the system Of de-
ienslve measures, which, especially since
the close Of the war with Great Britain, has
been steadily followed by our government
While the perls from which our great es-
adjustments had Just escaped, were yet
fresh in recollection, a system of lorli(ica-
tlons was begun, which now, though not
quite complete, fences in our important
points with impossible strength. More than
four thousand cannon may at any moment,
within strong and permanent works. arrang-
ed with all the advantages aud appliances
that the art affords, be turned 60 the protec-
ton of The sea coast, and be served by the
men whose hearts they shelter. Happy for
us that 1t is So since these are means of Sc
curity that lime alone can supply, aud since
the improvements of maritime warfare, by
making distant expeditions easy and spec
dy, have made them more probable, and at
the same time more difficult to anticipate
and provide against The cost of iorlify-
ing all the important points on our whole
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico frontier will
not exceed the amount expended on the for
llhcatlons of Paris. la this connection one
most important facility IN the defence of the
country Is not to be overlooked. 1t Is the
almost instantaneous rapidiiy with which the
soldiers of the army and any number Of the
militia corps may now be brought to any
point where a hostile attack may be made
or threatened. All this extension of terri
tory embraced within the United States, in
crease of ITS population, commerce and
manufactures, Development OF us tesoHrces
by canals and railroads, and Iepldity of ~
accommodation by lnnumerable steam
boats aud teiegraphs, has been accomplished
without overthrow of. or danger to- the pub
lie liberties, by any assumption of military
power, and, indeed, without any permanent
increase Of the army, except for the pur-
pose of frontier defence, aud ahordng
slight guard TO the public property; or of
the navy any farther than 10 assure the nav
gator that, IA whatsoever sea he shall SAIL
his ship. he is protected by the stars aud
stripes of his country. All this without the
shedding of a drop of blood faf treason or
rebelllon-all this. while systems of popu-
lar representation have regularly been sup
ported IN the State governments add ~ the
general government all this while laws, ma
uonal and State, of such character nave
been passed, aud have been so wisely adj
mlnIslered that | may stand up here to-day
aud declare, as now do. IN the face OF all
the intelligent of the age, that for the PERI
cd which has elapsed from the day that
Washington laid the foundation of tins cap
tol to the present time, there has been no
country upon earth IN which life, liberty and
property have been more amply and steadily
secured, or more freely enjoyed, than M
these United States of America. Who Is
there that will deny this Who is there
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