Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-04-11

q. TO the policy To bt pursued here, Sir, II wG5 on important
deci ia tim. France and England, the two great nations Of
western Europe, united for the frat lime 10 maintain a bal
ance of power in Europe, and also 10 parcel out this CONT
nent. The declaration should have thrilled through this
land. 1t was solemnly made; il was made from high outhor!-
ty; It is highly important. 1t shows the danger with which
we are threatened in our future policy. We must make Up
our minds 10 submit gracefully or oppose manfully. To sub
nit Is a timid and slaviSh policy, and In direct opposition
tp our past declarations. But IL il more. 1t is an impossi
Bile policy. Much has been said about manifest dcsttny.-
With many il Is a ao1nd of cabi!!stic and mysterious import
an 'opcn sesame TO the gates Of powor and place. With
others il is regarded as unmeaning nonsense. l agree with
neither party. reeard it as resting on q philosophical prin-
cipie, OF clear and reasonable application. II eprin2s
froGI the fat Of Heaven. 1t is human nature working out
its own development according 10 its own laws. 1t was
manifest destiny which bore tho Tlrtars from Inc wild
st,ppes of their early home into the beautiful aud mild &c
eions which surround ,hs Mediterranean. the Black Sea,
and the Caspian. 1t wac manifest destiny which sent the
hordes of Scythia and Scandinavia, pouring, deluge Ike
over Italy, Spain, and other regions OF southern Europe. II
is manifest destiny which Ia bearing the red m,n of onr
country westward upon a ~recedin2 wave into the great ocean
Of annihIlstjyu. 1t is manifest destiny which will ever
make a strong, vigorous, and healthful race overrun and
crush out a weak and Gillette one. Our people ieH 20 south
among the Mexicans and Spaniards, and rW carry with
them the love OF our civilization and OF our liberty. They
ull, luo. in due time, come back into our Union, "bea1ing
their sleayes with them"
This is moniEes, destiny. 1t will go on. We cannot, II
We would, pursue The b1ckout policy. We must, then, take
the builder alternative, and prepare 10 sustain ourselves
manfuIly. All these considerations urge on US the necessi.
~ Of preparation preparation for defence, | mean. and not
for aggression. And there is no mode no appropriate as a
proper increase Ct our navy. Your t3il'hcation system Tor
u hldUlC u pCliS'hShi "'N'N 49, N f~''S
protection at best. 1t has, however, been for years pas; neg
lected, indeed, almost abandoned. The Publications which
| ask are The wooden walls which constituted the boast and
glory o! Athens. We have been told by some, for whom |
entertain great respect, that's Pacific rail road may be neces.
sary TO transport troops for the defence OF our Pacific coast.
II thai, coast Is TO be attscksd. Il will be from the See. "
TEen give us a naval fUrce to meet The Invaders, and II VIII
be far more efficient Than a rail road.
Every instinct Of self. preservation, every pr!ncipis OF pa
triutism, roquiree that we should strengthen our navy.
The man who would fail 10 do so, il seems TO me- parslics
a policy Cs rash end mad cs he who. on q su!iry summer
evening, would stand out and see Tho clouds gathering on
every side, charged with electricity and rain, and, with q
bare head and naged bosom, would, Ledr.lKe, spit al the
storm and defy its rage.
Allow me a few words, in conclusion, upon the subject OF
a re.ornapiz7 ,ion of the navy. 1t is a declaration general
among writer's and public speakers, that the navy needs re.
form. This common assertion makes II the duty of Con-
press 10 inc uie into the matter, and 70 give the country
satisfaction in regard TO il. If the navy Is already In q
sound and heaIihful condition, the country OUCH. 10 know
il, and the clamor be hushed. II, however, il is decrepit,
crazy, and Gillette, it is the duty of Congress- to apply tho re-
NEEDY. You have sufficient proof thai the Secretary OF the
Navy will faithfully and ably co. operate with you in your
efforts. | can pledge 10 you, | think with safety, The labo-
rious services o. the Committee on Naval Affairs, and the
rest mus, be lef!.with you. One thing, however, l would
enjoin on you 10 al, eurnestness. II the recommendation oil
the Secretary, or of The Committee on Naval Affairs, does
not satisfy you, do not on that account abandon the navy 10
its fate. Discuss our propositions, show their defects, and
propose proper measures OF legislation. II this Congress.
shall adjourn without some searching and thorough action
in regard 10 the navy, the just expectation Of tho people
will be disappointed, and, In my humble opinion, our duty to
our country will not be discharged,