The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-06-28

which ought to have been ready for siege
at the commencement Of the contest. As
well might Ferdinand the 9TH of Spain, who
was not in his kingdom, but who was nomi-
nally King, claim the glory of rcscuing his
country from the armies of France, as our
government take to itself thecrcdt Of eSpell-
ing our invaders.
When we turn our attention to the regular
army. which were peculiarly under, the d.
rection of the national government what do
we discover! During the first year of the
war, that year in which it was to have closed
with glory. that year within which our tri-
umphant banners were to have floated upon
the walls of Quebec, and all Canada was to
have been ours, the year in which that pro-
vince was left unprotected. and the forces of
our enemy were employed in Europe, it ex-
perienced nothing but continuation Of deg
radiation and defeat. Is there an American
OH the floor of this house, who has not blushed
for his country thousand times, during that
disgraceful year-untl all the general officers
who had been appointed for political pur-
poses, and entrusted with the command at
the commencement of the contest, were dis
graced and until others had fought them
selves into credit and into notice, al; our
battles ended in defeat.
During the last year of the war, the regular
army, under their commanders. retrieved
their lost character and performed prodgies
of valor; but unfortunately, on account of the
impotence of the Government, they fought
against such fearful odds that they were
hardly able even to defend our northern
frontier. Indeed, so dreadful was the situa-
ton of our country for some time previous to
tl,n a., E 4 hat A.
splendid exploits of our heroes, like the CLEANS
of lightning in a dark and tempestuous
night, only added new horrors to the sur
rounding gloom. They only served to show
us what brilliant eXertions our country
men who were capable of properly collecting
and directing its resources.
But peace has again returned to bless our
shores. Again, Commerce, who has for years
been weeping over the misforluncs of our
country, begins to smile. Again we stand
neutral toward all the European powers
our country in future! Precisely to pursue
the political maxims adopted by Washington.
We ought to cultivate peace with all nations
by adopting strict neutrality not only Of
conduct but of sentiment.
cd by placing ourselves in an attitude of
defence. We ought forever to abandon the
wild project of philosophic visionary, of
letting commerce protect itself. In its pro-
lection we ought to increase our navy. We
ought never to think of clnbargocs and nom
intercourse laws without adherence. We
of power those weak and wicked men who
hoy lao, pnl In NO, II
out for this country by Washington. and
whose wild and visionary theories have been
at length tested by experience and found
wanting.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH FOREIG NISM.
ABOVE ALL, WE OUGHT TO DRIVE
FROM OUR SHORES FOREIGN IN
FLUENCE AND CHERISH EXCLUSIVE
AMERICAN FEELINGS. FOREIGN IN
FLUENCE HAS BEEN IN EVERY AGE
THE CURSE OF REPUBLICS. HER
JAUNDICED EYE SEES ALL THINGS IN
FALSE COLORS The thick atmosphere of
prejudice, by which she is forever surrounded
EXCLUDES FROM HER SIGHT THE
LIGHT OF REASON.
Whilst she worships the nation which she
favors for their very crimes, she curses the
enemy of that nation even for their virtues.
In every age she has marched before the
enemies of her country, proclaiming peace
| when there was no peace, and lullng its
defenders into fatal security, whilst the iron
hand Of despo,ism has been aiming death
blow at their liberties. Already has our
infant republic felt her whitening influence.
| Already has she involved us in war which
had nearly cost us our existence.
LET US THEN LEARN WISDOM FROM
EXPERIENCE, AND FOREVER DANISH
THIS FIEND FROM OUR SOCIETY. We
are separated from the nations of Europe by
an immense ocean. We are still more dis
connected from them by different form of
government, and by the enjoyment of true
liberty. Why, then, should we injurc our
selves, by taking part in the ambitious con-
tests of foreign despots and kings.
Should this Washington policy be pursued,
our country will again rise to it's former
greatness and wealth. Under the blessing of
Providence, we may then calculate on a long
and happy existence as nation. We may
reasonably hope that our children's children,
to remote generations, may be assembled to-
gcther upon this suspicious day, blessing the
memories of the men whom Heaven entrusted
with the glorious task of making a great
nation free, happy and independent.