West-Jersey pioneer., 1865-08-12
OUR NATIONAL STATUS.


The position of the United States, both in
its financial and military characteristics, is far
more important, in national point OF view,
than at any past period of our history. In
estimating these characteristics the statesman
and politician should not merely look upon
the external surface Of things-for, deep with
in the bosoms of our people is hidden dor
mantpatriotism far strongar and superior to
that which was evoked at the breaking out OF
therebelon--a patriotism which needs but the
attrition of despotic power to awaken 1t into
irresistible strength and vigor. The arm that
was. from boyhood up, trained to swing the
axe. the hammer, or drive the plane-that
was educated to build machinery, and subdue
to the uses of man the subtle agencies OF light
ming and steam, is still as vigorous, strong and
hardy. while it has also learned to WELD the
weapons of war, and bare itself to the fiercest
shock of battle, undaunted and unsubdued.--
But, behind all this there is spirit that
moves-a love of country that aetuates-a
zeal that fres-an energy that admits OF no
submission, and gives intensity to the liberal
freedom enjoyed only in this best of all gov
ernments. In addition to these the land itself
possesses inexhaustible resources Of wealth
which are constantly developing and opening
avenues of trade, commerce and manufacture.
ing interests which can be found in no other
country, and which no other people can so
we'll appreciate. Before the commencement
of the recent insurrection the loyal people
were engaged in peaceful avocations. The
arts and sciences of war had, for years, been
lain aside-the implements of nationality le-
galized murder converted into tools for pro-
scouting TRANQUILITY the duties of life; and,
every department of business was conducted
" with an eye single" to the glory and perpc-
tuity Of our nation's advancement in all the
necessary elements of its greatness Yet, all
stood ready TO drive back any foreign power
or powers that might attempt an aggression
on our shores. Now, however, having be-
come more deeply imbued with sense Of
their own nationality--haying been subjected
to far greater tests Of their prowess than had
apy monarchial government sent their forces
here, these patriots come home from fields OF
carnage to enter again the workshop, the fac
tory, the labors of agriculture, experienced SOL
diers, prepared for peace, and, with all the cs-
sential preparations for war. With this ex-
perience they are greater than when they left
their business, their families and firesides to
fight for the dear old flag that our fathers
fought for, and to save the Union from dis
ruption. When they exchanged the work
bench and mechanics life, for the fare and
lot of soldier, they realized that they had no
ordinary enemy to combat. They knew that
the Southern people had been preparing for
rebellion for years-that they were, in fact, a
military people, practiced to military evou-
tions, horseback riding, rifle shooting, train
ngs, &C., while our own men, although they
could make locomotive, steam engine,
steamboats,, and perform all other branches of
manual labor, they were not adopts in the
rules and requirements of war. But they
went forth undadnted and determined to con-
quer. They struggled hard, and did conquer,
and in conauering, made for themselves and
the nation status never before known in
the history of former Governments. Res
pected abroad, and feared by all despotic
powers, the United States assumes and occu-
pies the grandest position that nation can
possibly. under any circumstances, occupy.
And, while we regret the great loss of life in
the war; we are indebted to the war, to some
extent, for the development of our physical,
military and patriotic resources.