The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-04-21
From The Reporter.
The Collins Steamers.

Even GREELEY, with all his vagaries, is
sometimes right, and his strong Americanism
i, about the only sentiment which leads him to a
correct conclusion; the only luminary which ever
shows tself in the right place amid the false lights
and erroneous principles Of that active but i'll direct
ed brain. We arc fully convinced by the reasoning
Of the Tribune, apart from their assevcrations OF
dsinterested feeling in the matter, that the Cot
LrSs line Of steamships is, in the widest national
Significance Of the word, AMERICAN EsTER-
PRsZ, and, as such, to be supported at all hazards.
We hope that Congress will this subject act in
and pettifogging spirit. but as representa-
tives Of liberal, grateful and just constituency
In the race for the supremacy Of the seas, in
which these steamers were the physical opponents
Of AsERIcAs force and wealth, and their owners
the leaders OF AMERIcAN genius, the honor of the
country, and Of the whole country, from the wide
shores Of the resembling Atlantic TO each seques
tered dell where the Of the woodsman prolon gcd
its echoes, and mingled with the murmur of the
mountain stream, was at stake. II wss a state OF
war, bloodless but pregnant with sublime con.e.
quences. involving leadership beyond the tro-
phics of thousand victories, and securing a, once
inviolabe pence and the qualification of patriotic
feeling. The moral effects con hardly be over.
rated, but the principles Of freedom have al
least been glorousy strengthened when tn,
nation where they most flourish can point te
these leristhans and claim them as the Offspring
Of the forges, the furnaces, and TIE ship yards o.
republican AMERICA. Congress is invested with ful
powers to advance these wide nationa interests; 1,
| encourage American commerce, extend dmtriea,
! navigation, and advance the progress Of Americo,
arts and american genius, their legitimate anC
constitutional duties. No one but what feels thcs
have all been effected by the success of the Collin,
line. The nation has reapcd the glory of this con
test; her peaceful triumph, have been scknowlcdg ed
her Governmental principles have been honored; he
might made known and respected. Twenty ships
OF the line, with hundred and twenty guns thun
dering on each, could not have added more matoria
and moral force. But tho nation have not paid 70
it; and the question s, shall the individuals W h
have with bold public spirit come forward nnc
pushed this contest to triumphan mt issue, be allow
cd 20 pocket their losses, and the national glory b.
furnished and smirchcd by national ingratitude M
| beggarincss. These steamships have helped sav,
| public naval expenditures TO more than the amour
required to keep them going. by demonstration
OF naval power Of the most imposing character
They have exhibited the finest models in construc
ton OF the bulls aud machinery, worthy of the en-
couraRemcnt Of a greht nation. They have per
formed public service, in carrying the mails tia
II would have been disgraceful for THE Government
and people to have performed for them by any other
and one too imposed on Congress by a direct provi
| sion Of the Constitution,