The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-05-10
Territorial Expansion.

We are undoubtedly great people. History
furnishes no parallel to the vigor and rapdIty OF
growth which has placed Us in so brief time
among the commanding nations of the earth
The race that once inhabited the land has disap-
pea-ed ike frost before the breath OF summer
the fores, in which they worshpPed has gwen
place to cities and cultivated fields, and our COM
merce sweeps every sea. From the rock once
.mitten by the feet Of our Pilgrim Fathers, mas
flowed living stream that already penetrates
large portion Of the continent, and along our
ever-advancing border Is heard the toot-step Ct
the hardy pioneer which is but
The ars. low wash Of waves, where soon
Shall roll a human see
1t is no. strange that people SO energetic,
restless, and impatient of delay, should contain
within its bosom many who chsfe under the re-
straints Of law and order, and who seek TO snatch
with bloody and violent hands the prize. which
appear 10 be within their grasp. Hence We
have an accredited leader of Fiibuster expedi-
ton. in the person Of Gen. Walker, and our an
nua raids upon Cuba, Central America and Mex
leo.
FiIibusterism, together with its kith and kin
Dsunion, finds a congenial home in the so called
Democratic party, where they riot and tatten tc
their hearts content and il must be gratifying
spectacle to see Filibusters and Disunonist,
fswned upon and feasted by the denizen OF the
White House, while respectable men are denied
its hosptatle=.
There are two theories in our country upor
the subject Of territorial expansion, and the di
viding line which separates them, runs pretty
nearly between the two great parties Of tht
nation.
| The Republican theory ia that acquisition Il
our territory should be made by treaty or pur
chase, if made at all, without war, by the com
| mon consent, AMI only as our safety and the ne
cessities Of our growth require. The nation, t
be permanent, must be homogeneous, having in
terests, sympsthe, and predictions in common
which can never be the case where acquisition
of territory are made.by conquest. a the histor,
of the world proves.
In this way new States will be the natural out
growth and off.hoots of the old, jus: as the Ban
van produces forest by planting its dstan
limbs in the earth, that grow M to adorn an'
strengthen the parent tree.
| Filibusters, painting for glory, and seeking L
enrich themselves by Wrestling from others thei
Inheritance, rather than by honorable employ
ment, aim at acquisition of territory through
means no better than piracy. Ignoring the fac
that We have a broad and almost boundess do
main to the westward, .et unsettled, which W
ranui~a oil 49, ~'"-ri.s for wears to build IN I'M
homes for our accumuiating population, and turn
ing their backs upon our almost detenceles
northern frontier, where al eneuy's caIno
might any day be planted upon an enemies so
and rain destruction upon our cities aud run
upon our commerce, they seek 10 grasp CuDa
Mexico, and the sultry regions OF the torrid zone
The reason OF this Is obvious. Hating liberty
Justice and equality, they would build up a cor
federscy where rapiue, wrong and opprcs-io
nav find undspGted entrance II the gates
power But their hopes are destined to perisl