Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-27

AMERICAN PROGRESS.
We have lapsed in the last few years. We
have fallen from progress TO retrogression.
What was understood two years ago by Young
America, seems to have been repounced, and
repudiated in our policy. 1t is an i'll and an
unwise thing. Whatever men in high places
may think to the contrary, the heart of the
people pulsates violently with the sublime SEN
timent embodied in the phrase Young Anne
rica. 1t is our candid opinion that no party
can succeed in this country that does not
catch up and reflect the fresh and the vivid inn
pulses Of the people. Parties can no more
stem the current Of popular feelings, than men
can swim successfully against the current of
Niagara. Old Fogy counses prevail, and when
we speak Of Old Fogy counsels, we do not re-
fer to the ages Of men, but to antideluvian
principles.
1t seems to us that the whole strength and
power of our Government has been idly spent
in protecting ideal American citizens in i'm
portant places abroad, rather than usefully
employed in extending American institutions.
Where is Cuba She still sleeps under the des-
potism Of Spain. Where are the Sandwich
Islands. In the same position they haveall along
been, and under the same dominion 1t seems
as if Providence made an opportunity for us
to acquire them peacefully, by raising up the
great European war that now RACES, but we
have almost impiously refused to profit by the
golden opportunity that Providence created for
US. We repeat told Fogy counsels have
prevailed. Whatever the ruling men Of this
country may think to the contrary, this thing
is true, that the hearts of the American people
are fixed upon the acquisition Of these places.
The party that espouses these doctrines viii
be the successful party. American progress
is demanded by the American people. Cuba
was the watchword of the Democratic party
and by party, we mean people. 1t stills, and
no power in this country, no power of office,
no power of statistics, no power of argument
or of defamation can stihe the sentiment Of
our people on the subject
Instead Of making solid acquisitions and
permanent Judgments, we have been content
with impotent and childish general manifesto
ton. This has given us the character, with
out the substantial fruits, of progressive peo-
pie. Indeed, it has given US the character Of
being an aggressive people. We have only
bombarded Greytown, threatened the negro
part Of Dominica, and rescued Martin Gotta !;
things barren and unproductve; and yet we
are called and esteemed an aggressive nation.
II we have the odium, then let US have the
benefit, of aggression.
These things are wrong. We are by no
means red-hot We are far from advocating
robbery and depreciation, but we are for carry
ing out the honest wishes Of the American peo-
pie, differ from US who may.
1t is too late in the day for the slow motion
of Noah's ark, which only hoated and did not
sail. 1t is too late even for packets. Stages
have gone out of vogue, and horseback travel
ing is almost obsolete We have steamboats,
and ocean steamers. We have telegraphs and
balloons. We have made great current-a
sort Of gulf stream, and the party that keeps
out of it viii be beaten.
When the people see that there is progress
everywhere else but in Government, they get
Disguised, and will join any party that advo-
Gates progress. Old Fogy politicians may de-
muir, but old Fogy politicians will be sacrificed.
They are behind the times. They may be
lkened to the old-fashioned coaches, that are
dsgracefully distanced by the new,fashioned
railroad coaches. Parties must, nowadays,
have vim, vigor, and vitality. "If the salt
have lost its SAVIOR, wherewithal shall il be
salted.m