Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-08-07
The Army and NAVY.

The fathers Of this Republic regarded
with great suspicion and repugnance any
proposition to increase the military estab
llshment Of the country. They relied up
on the militia TO meet any exigency that
might happen. Nor did they "!eason with
out their host" for in the days of colonial
government, and for sometime after the
yoke Of England had been torn off, every
militia-man was trained for the then emer-
gencies Of the country. The resources of
the country were then small-the debt op-
pressive-the settled territory limited in
extent-the hardy militia trained and will
ling-and, above all the Republic itself an
experiment, to which, because of the ex-
ample Of European Republics and the tenn
per Of the times, standing armies were re.
garded as fraught with great danger, if not
certain overthrow. The prudent caution
and suspicion of the earlier patriots, were
commendable and wise and altho' under
the changed circumstances Of the present
time, we advocate an increase of cur mill
tary and naval force, the prudence and e.
economy Of earlier days should neither be
lost sight of OF disregarded. Our circum-
stances are entirely changed, and we Eave
necessities now, which have arisen within
few years, that render it important the
"strong arm of the government should be
strengthened" Our government is no lon
ger an experiment---the result has been u
realization ofthe most cherished hopes and
even extravagant dreams of its founders
No possible danger to our free institutions
from standing armies can be assigned. The
doctrine Of State Rights deeply engrafted in
the heart Of the nation, precludes the idea Of
federal consolidation, much less military T.
surpation. We may, therefore, w;,,hor,
danger, increase our army app. Jaw suf1;.
ciently to answer our nects.ltie, # no o.
'her objection than that rounded upon dan.
ger to our institutions can be raised.
what are Cur necessties? We answer
boundless frontier to be protected by our
afmy--a Tackles ocean to be cruised for
the Protection Of our commerce and flag
Cs.n we afford as nation the money il
will require to insure this protection? A.
gain, see how our circumstances are chan.
ged, and the answer is given. Our resour.
ces are now unbounded-our national Gebl
is nominal. These are troublous times
the militia are no longer sufficient to pro-
tect our frontier population from the ruth.
less depredations of the savage or to answer
the emergency Of war, in which we may
be involved with sea rcely time to call them
to the field, If by their training they would
be Of value when there.
We have certain difficulties, and snuff
in the breeze others which may be short
ly upon US, with other nations, growing
out of disregard of our rights. injuries to
our citizens, and insults to our flag. Our
navy is utterly inadequate to the redress Of
our injurie, and protection of our rights.
As man of-war is to a bum-boat, SO is the
navy Of this Republic to that Of England.
Should we be involved in war with the
allied powers Of Europe-and who can say
If the treacherous Spaniard forces US in the
just pursuit of redress, to chastise his inso.
ence, how soon this may be ?--what will
| become Of our commerce, and our people
and property on the sea-coasts The ne
cessity for prompt action on the part OF
Congress, in providing for proper and
speedy increase of both arms Of the public
service, exists-the people know this, and
desire it.