The Washington union., 1857-05-06
eEN. cUsHINGs spEEcH.

On returning to his residence at Newburyport,
Gen. Cushing, in response to those welcoming him
home, addressed them upon subjects interesting to
the people of Massachusetts, and the country at
large He referred, in striking and eloquent terms
to progress in the settlement of the country our
prosperity as people and nation, directing atten-
ton to the truths of history and the present position
of affairs, foreshadowing glorious future. He
sketched the march of settlements, almost magical
all toward the West, and dwetupon the expansion of
our boundaries by the acquisition of Louisiana Flori
da, Texas, New Mexico, and California and predicting
that the same overruling Providence whose DEGREES
had thus far guided our progress would direct us in
future extensions and shape future greatness.
He deemed our march onward, and certain and in
evitable. He suggested to his fellow-citzens the
folly of resisting, Massachusetts, had done,
the will of Providence in our growth and expansion,
and that, in spite of all the efforts of her politicians,
the work had gone on, and would continue TO do so
and intmated that her own interests and honor
would be promoted by going with the current, in
stead of vainy contending against it. These sug-
gestions of Gen. Gushing have met with great favor by
the public But friends of the National Iaegencer
do not yield to their cogency but in an article Of
more than three columns, most cassically written,
attempts to break their force and resist their eonclu
sion. 1t rather approves than condemns the course
of Massachusetts in resisting the acquisition of Lou
isana Florida Texas, New Mexico and California
while it deprecates all future acquisitions without
reference to Massachusetts, would have
joiced to have Louisiana fall into British hands and
the territory composing tho States of Texas,
Louisiana Arkansas, Missouri Iowa, and the Terri
tories Of Kansas Nebraska, and Minnesota, form
portion Of proud monarchy She desired that Flor
ida might remain Spanish province, forming a
shelter for enemies and sought to leave New
Mexico and California in the hands Of imbecile Mex
leo, to fall prey to some trans-A Atlantic power.
With all her knowledge, energy, and enterprise,
Massachusetts, has steadily opposed that progress
which Providence has guided and shaped for our
tional glory. General Cushings suggestion that she
abandon all such opposition for the future, meets the
condemnation Of the Haeiigeneer, in terms most civil
and kind but none the less positive and explicit.
We should have reoced to have had that able paper
ally in defending country in her giant steps
in the path Of honor and glory, and in spreading the
wherever it could be done in manner to rebound to
our honor, our growth, and prosperity The destiny
of our country is onward. No opposition will stay
her march, or make her halt or retreat Like other
nations ancient and modern, shall fulfil our des-
tiny, and that is more exalted and glorious
than is known to history. Our conquests are those
of peace and our rule that of law and reason and
the results displayed in increasing tho wealth
and prosperity of man, in multiplying his virtues and
enjoyments. He who attempts to resist wastes his
strength, defeats his own happiness, and benefits
portion of the human family He who has heretofore
done should face about and march in the direction
that Providence to have indicated for those
who live under the stars and stripes II he does not,
he will fulfil his destiny by being left behind and
entitled to share Of the honor and glory which
suit from progress in the right direction.