Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-04-16
OUR COUNTRY.

| suit, and there IS quite an eAclIeneHt-
especially among politicians. But we
have had excitement heretofore, and still
we thrive. Senators may use portentous
language about the admission of new
States, two and two, but after all, the ma
Ijority will rule, as all constitutionalists
contend they should. Truly, there is a
grandure in some aspects of the contest,
though some little men, and contentious
men have had to do with it. Behold the
West! Then look at the plans and en-
deavors Of statesmen, who are at this
moment in the midst of all the hubbub.
busily at work projecting a railroad to
the Pacific. Senator Gwin and others
have set their hearts upon it, and he is
pleasant and persevering man. Our pos
sessions on the Pacific extend from the
80 l-2 degree of North latitude to the
49th including an area of one million
six hundred thousand square miles
Look at Oregon, bounded by the Pacific
on the West, by the Rocky Mountains
on the East, California on the South, and
containing an area of 34l,46O square
miles, or surface equal to thirty-eight
States of the size of New Hampshire -
what country
Then there is Golden State-the IA
nous Calfornia-bathed on her Western
side by the Pacific waters, bounded by
Mexico on the South, having a territory
of 1880 square miles, or eighteen
times larger than New Hampshire. The
mere process Of growth in our country
distinguishes it from the nations of the
earth. And it Is the progress of a PEI
pie, who hold to the principle of self
government and carry it out in practice.
1t will prevail even in the most infamed
sections, If all will have a little faith and
much patience. Utah is really the most
troublesome and impracticable, from the
popularity of her condition. This ter.
ritory embraces I25,000 square miles, OF
thirteen tins hearea Of New Hampshire
Dark as things look in that Western SKY
we have faith to believe that the cloud,
will soon be rolled away, and clear
light will shine on all our counsels re-
garding Utah. That land is to be pos.
sessed as the other States have been, and
all will be bound in one bond of Union
Minnesota is now knocking for admission
having a territory Of 100000 square
miles, equal to eleven New HampsLires
or two and half New York States
She joins hands with Iowa ard Wisconsin
reflects the waters Of Lake Superior
touches on Canada, and looks proudly
from her throne upon the whole continent
Nor should we forget the Colorado terri
tory, bounded on the lower West portion
by a part of California and the Colorado
river, on the South by the dividing line
between Mexico and the United States
on the East by the Sierra Madrie, and OF
the North by the southern boundry O
Utah. Here is an area of 22j.71;
square miles, equal to twenty-three New
Hampshires. To this may be added New
Mexico, having the Colorado territory Of
the West, the thirty-second parallel c
latitude on the South, I00th degree c
longitude on the East, the Arkansas rive
on the North, and AID degree of lati.ud
North, area $4,000 square miles. Th
Indian territory embraces 10000. an
Nebraska 100000 square miles. In con
templating this synopsis of our Wester
possessions, the mind, if it be struck wit
their vastness, is overwhelmed with
sense Of our responsiveness for the RICH
appropriation of the resources that lie hi
in them.
No foreign difficulties now exist to per
pick and distract US. At peace with tn
world, We are giving all our strength t
home anxieties. AT such time. parr
teuds should be forgotten. Party fri
umphs should be spurned, and the loflie.
spirits of patriotism invoked to rule GU
actions. The press has now an opportu
Dity to shower blessings on the land.
that be animated by the right spirit;
the press shall proceed on great principle
and aim at just ends, its widely extende
influences viii be of the most benefci;
character. Our conquests will not the
be tracked with blood, but illustrate
with light and peace. We shall not onl
prove ourselves worthy the immortal al
cestry, who laid the foundations of III
republic but shall bequeath to posterit
the richest legacy the sun ever shone u,
on. Let US hope, then, for the best
We have not been brought through 5
many difficulties for small or weak m
pose. Weare not now to make shipwree
of free institutions before the world
We shall survive the crisis, and achieve