The national Republican., 1867-12-19
TERRIToRIAL ACQUISITIONS.

1t is always safe and advisable to do an act
which, having been often repeated, invariably
leads to profitable and wise results. Every inch
OF territory acquired by the United States either
by conquest or purchase, has proved advanta-
geous in the most eminent degree to the nation ;
yet In the face and eyes Of such facts there are
plenty ofcroakers who ever demur and complain
when II Is proposed to extend our dominions
even by purchase. They say "No; the United
States is large enough and, besides, we can't
afford to make this or that purchase in the pres
ent state Of our national finances" In glancing
over the history Of our territorial acquisitions
since we became a Government we feel that we
would like to have these timid people and
croakers tell us what single acquisition has been
made that has proved detrimental to our na-
tional prosperity and greatness. Is II the Lou
islana purchased We gave In our issue ycster-
day morning some account Of the manner In
which the proposition to purchase the territory
Of Louisiana was received, and shew how Mr..
Jefferson was ridieuled for his agency in this
acquisition.
Who to-day regrets the action of Mr.. Jeffer-
son In this matter, or would, IL he could,
revoke the deed and restore Louisiana to
France, and thus lose the command and
control Of the mouth Of the Mississippi
We all know what hue and cry was
made when we proposed to annex Texas. STILL
It was acquired, and no one now regrets It. In
deed, we waged four years. war, sacrificed
many thousand lives, and expended millions Of
dollars TO keep this very Texas in the Union. |
Then, again, when we came to the point OF an
neXing California and New Mexico to our do
main the same old objections were trotted out,
just as though they had not been refuted, and
sent to what should have been to them the tomb
of the Capulets. Folly will never die and the
oft-repeated argument, though refuted thou-
sand times, will be adduced again and again, TO
1.-THE last syllable of recorded time"
There arc now members in the House OF Rep
rcsentatives who seriously contemplate the pur-
pose OF preventing an appropriation to pay the
purchase money for the Russian possessions.
They Imagine that conduct is an evidence OF |
statesmanship, and that the people will approve
such consummate folly. So, too, with regard to
the purchase of st. Thomas and Cuba, the same
feeling Of opposition is manifest.
There are one ortwo arguments, which we will |
snbmt In brief, which should satisfy every man |
who believes in democratic Institutions, and who |
has any lingering sentiments of national pride |
in his bosom. The first is, II a democratic form |
OF government is best for us-and who will dare |
to deny itl-it Is best for all the world. why, |
then upon this ground should we refuse to annex |
such territory as we can purchase or acquire
Another fact must be patent to all. America
aspiTes-as she has a right to do-and the pros
pect is before her to be great commercial na-
tion, and to do this she must have out-posts in all
the seas and in all lands, or she will fail to ac-
complish her purpose in this regard.
England, that little island OF the sea, Is q |
mighty power in the maritime world, and how |
did she getthis proud distinction BY the penny |
wise and pound foolish system which some mem
bers OF Congress now recommend to usi Not |
BIT oft.
England extended her power and influence and |
became greatcommercial and maritime nation
Uy her acquisitions Of foreign territory. One Of |
the most eloquent speeches that Daniel Webster
ever made Is rounded Off and finished with SEN
tence we will not attempt to quote persatm In |
this connection. When speaking of the great
ness and glory of England he tells us that she 10
a nation whose morning arum-beat circles the |
earth y and 1t is true.
Had England's statesmen during past genera
tions been like some OF our members Of Con-
gress the little island OF the sea would have
been the extent of her dominions to-day. So, too,
had the notions Of some people prevailed, we
would have had our thirteen original colonies
nothing more. We say let the stars and stripes
be unfolded. Let them undulate In the breezes
Of heaven and every land we can honestly ac-
quire, and don't let US bubble about prices. A
hundred and lfty millions for Cuba is well ex-
pended.