The Sierra citizen., 1855-01-27
written for the Sierra Citizen
More Territory.

i More Territory.
i In the opinion of no inconsiderable
number of politicians, who would be
thought exceedingly wise, the present
limits of our Republic is too circum-
scribed for the gigantic spirit of Ameri-
can enterprise, and hence, the acquisition
of Cuba, little more of Mexico and q
few of the islands in the Pacific, would
have wonderful influence in rousing the
latent energies of the nation, ard giving
tone and dignity to the name and charac-
ter Of the Republic. The idea is glori-
Gus one but when compo red with the
present condition Of the country, it re-
minds me Of the glory Of an Indian once
saw promnading the streets of Nevada,
minus every article of clothing excepting
a short shirt, and his head at the same
time, gloriously decorated with a high
belteezer.
Already we possess the heart of great
continent, extending from ocean to ocean,
which, in fertility of soil, abundance and
variety OF productions, and richness of
mineral wealth, is not surpassed by an
equal extent OF territory on the globe. A
large portion of this vast country is yet in
the hands Of the Indians; its fertile soil un-
broken by the plow, its noble forests un-
marked by the axe, and its inexhaustable
treasures of mineral wealth yet buried in
ITS BOSOM. Thus it lies, in all the wild
majestic beauty of nature, inviting the
advancing tide of civilization to cover its
bosom, the hand of industry to touch the
soil, that it may send forth its abundance,
and the spirit of enterprise to speak the
word. that the bowels of the earth NAV
yield mp her treasure to contribute to the
enjoyment of free, noble and enterprisiDg
people. The great central valley is but
sparcely populated, and its resources only
partially developed. The western part of
the Union is entirely destitute Of those IA
cilities Of internal communication, which
are so indispensable to the developement
OF the resources of the country, and so i'm
portant to the strength and union of the
government. The whole of the Pacific
coast is almost entirely defenceless and at
the mercy of an invading power
|
Our communication, by water, with the
eastern and central part of the Union,
from whence our means of defence must
chiefly be drawn. is liable at any moment to
be interrupted, and our resources cut off,
except by the tardy and laborious process
OF an overland journey Of two thousand
miles, through the wilderness. .s
Besides all this, the clamor of faction,
which, five years ago, was raised by the
aquisition of territory, shaking the Union
to its very centre, now smothered, but
still unsubdued, burns in the heart of the
Republic, and rolls from ocean to ocean,
like the ominous sound of subterraneous
thunder. Thus disturbed by faction, una
BILE to occupy, and poorly prepared to de-
fend the territory we already possess, we
envy our neighbors the peaceable enjoy
ment of their own It reminds me of
Rome, in the days Of Carthage. We need
Hannibal to teach US political wisdom,
without Scipio to revenge the insult.
But must be brief. Let politicians
learn this truth-that the strength and
greatness of nation does not depend
on the extent Of territory she may possess,
but on the virtue and intelligence Of the
people, their unity Of feeling, their har-
mony of thought and action, and their pat
riotic devotion to their country's iustitu-
tions !; this with abundant facilities for.ra-
pid internal communication, and such pro-
visions for external defense, as the dictates
of prudence may suggest, will render ma
tion all that the most sanguine can desire.
Already we possess sufficient amount Of
territory, and physical strength, proper
ly managed, to repel any invasion that can
be sent against us, and to maintain our
rights and honor among the great family
of nations. More power than this, is un-
necessary and dangerous. Wisdom and
judgment laugh comtemptuously at the de-
lusive shout of ocean bound Republic" >
Let US develope the resources we already
posses encourage agriculture; foster ma
nufactnres; nourish the arts and sciences;
educate, elevate, and purify our hearts and
minds, as people, and thus become . truly
great, virtuous and magnanimous nation.
4 G. w r.
! Minnesota, Cal. Jan. 1855