The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-05-14

again. mseh Of the present material Of this arm
Of defence Hsss necessarily have fallen behind
the Improvements Of the age, vhist the immense
cost OF maintaining the establishment constitutes
q fourth or 4 eth OF the whole income Of the
government. Well, what are We to DO in regard
70 this great interest, in view OF the present
and rapidly expanding growth Of our CONNER
cial marine? At present the means of protec.
ton to tonnage is less than exc six,ieth Of the
interest to be protected, ard what will be the
Disparity if with advancing and increasing com.
mercial tonnage, the navy is merely kept up,
even should il suffer no serious decay or dininu.
ton? II must be obvious to the meet casual
observer that come new and efficient system il
necessary to have this great commercial isterest,
and the means Dy which il is TO be protected
bear some proportion to each other. How is
this to be accomplished! Suggsslioss that seek
to make radical changes should always be ad-
vanced With hesitation and distrust; yet al
great improvement in government has hitherto
sprung from the experience of the people them
selves, who are usually in advance Of their rul-
ers in whatever most concerns their own pros.
perity and welfare. We'll, my friends, it has
occurred TO me that the general goverunent
should bold out some inducements to our great
commercial marine to aid in protecting itself
-
with ample guards and restrictions, there should
be organized Militia NAVY, An arm of defence
corresponding TO that employed BY the govern.
ment in the land service. under our enrolled mi.
Eta system, BY which shipswners should receive
encouragement aud aid ~ Law, in construction.
OF their vessels. so a. to make them capable Of
bearing guns, il required in the service Of the
country. That the captains and subordinate Of
hcers be commissioned in the name of the gen.
eral government, upon some equitable plan that
will give them rank and emolument, in proper.
tion to the demand upon their time and service
in their new capacity Of representing the naval
power Of the Union. (Cheers.) That the hum.
blest youth who enters a. a cabin boy or in the
loweet capacity - . seaman, should be educated
and trained in his honorable, though adventur.
Gus and dangerous profession. That net only in
the navy proper, but in this new service, in
which the interest of commerce and the naval
power Of the Union will be represented. These
suggestions, though not sufficiently matured "a
present the work Of the entire system, are Offer.
ed for your consideration, in the hope that they
may engage public attention. in connection with
this important subject, and that some plan may
be matured which shall contribute to further
advance the interests. the power and the glory
Of this republic. This noble State, second q
aone, but foremos, OF all, and this great com
mercicl emporiun-the seat of energy, enter
prise aud commercial power. nov felt and &C
knowledged throughout the world-has righ,
to be heard upon this, a. upon oil question,
affecting the trade and prosperity Of the Union
(Cheers.) She demands tho recognition ani
absolute immunity from search and detentior
of our flag upon the high seas; that her con
me'ce and expanding trade be left unshaeklet
by upwiss restraints Of legislation; and then
With her resources in every department Of idss
try, in agriculture, in manufactures, in commerce
and trade, she will vindicate her pre.eminescs
and power liz the great brotherhood of free ane
independent States that constitutes our nationa
Union. Prolonged and enthusiastic applause.