The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-06-09
What does il Mean.

There is an evident awakening in the Ma
Wy Department which is in strong contrast
with its previous torpor. Orders have been
issued which will put fifteeno or sixteen IRON
clads into fighting trim and in commission.
This has a decidedly belligerent look, and
| shows that the government Is getting itself
in readiness to meet any emergency The
cause of this sudden though quietly con-
| Quoted change, is notdeclared. The gov
ernment has made no disclosures and utter-
ed no threats, but these very circumstances
augur most for the energy Of the movement.
The recent movements of the English army
and navy have probably much to do with this
change in the attitude of our government.
The large achievements to the English West
India Squadron and the landing OF more
troops at New Providence have been regard
cd by many as a menance to America and
it seems that our government so regards it,
The greater part of these iron-clads will join
our fleet now in European waters. The in
tention Of this change in the plans of the gov
ernment cannot Be readily judged That it
is preparation for war, or to be in readi-
ness, for war, however, is evident The pol
icy of the administration has been to reduce
the expenses of the army and navy to the
lowest possible point. To attain this end
the army has been almost annihilated, and
the number OF vessels of war in commission
reduced to a ridiculous.y low figure. But
now there is sudden change. Fifteen or
twenty iron clads, the most expensive ships
to employ that we have, are ordered to be
Immediately got ready for active service.
That this means that the government is pre-
pairing for "a foreign war cannot be doubted.
Then who are to be our adversaries 2
Manifestly England or Spain. If the former,
the character of the dispatches carried by
Minister Motley can easily be guessed. If
the latter, it means that the government in
tends to recognize Cuba. The absence Of
any massing of troops upon the Canadian
frontier or of any addition to our naval
force upon the lakes makes it probable that
England is not to be our immediate adver-
sary, and that the recognition of Cuban in
dependence is contemplated. 1t is well
known that President Grant>is in favor of
the annexation of every West India island
whose people desire to b. come part of the
United States 1t is also we'll known that an
immense pressure has been brought to bear
upon the government to induce it to aid
the Cuban patriots. Whether this pres
sure, added to his own inclinations,
has determined the President to follow
the lead of Peru and Mexico cannot be
positively determined, but it is not only
possible but probable This would account
for the fitting out of iron clads to cruise in
Cuban waters. The present determination
OF the government seems to be to be in read
mess for whatever may come, that it may be
able to commence operations with vigor and
without delay. In the meantime the public
will await further Developments with great
interest, and every action OF the admins
tration will be carefully scrutinized and the
motive that -occasioned it be sought for.
That we are on the eve Of exciting times
cannot be doubted, for the signs of the COM
ng storm are too plain to be mistaken.