Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-05-14

war we have vet had, except that with
Mexico and the rebellion, the northern
frontier has been regarded as both a
vital and vulnerable point. We are
confronted there by the greatest and
most powerful nation on the globe, a
nation which contests with us the con-
troll of the worlds commerce, and De-
tween which and US points of differ
ence are constantly arising, and must
constantly arise in the future. AMIGA
BILE as are our present relations with
Great Britain and with her loyal prov
ince, the dominion of Canada, it is
proper that we should never forget that
England is the country with which We
are most likely, at any moment, to find
ourselves at war.
tbs we'll to remember also that Great
Britain is nation which believes in
being always prepared for the unfore-
seen in military matters. The pro.
position to abandon these government
works along the lakes is in striking
variance with the uniform policy of
Great Britain, who keeps guard over
the same boundary. She aband ops no
Notifications, and constantly increases
the efficiency Of those she has preserv-
ed since the wars of the revolution and
1912. Some of her Canadian defenses
rank among the most impregnable in
the world. The citadel at Halifax is a
more perfect piece of military work
than anything we have in the United
States, and the Quebec citadel is only
inferior to that at Halifax. Improved
armament, stronger bastiJns, more solid
earthworks, are constantly in progress
of construction there. The plains of
Abraham are memorable for their re-
peated exhibitions of the intrepidity OF
American soldiery. 1t was here that
General Wolfe sacrificed his life, in
leading the irresistible assault of the
American colonists against the French
defenders of the town and fort. 1t was
here that the gallant Montgomery offer
Ell up life more mourned than any
which the revolution cost, in the vain
effort to dislodge the British forces. Ii
the time ever comes when another
Montgomery should needs be dispatch
ed by the United States against that
fortress, England has taken good care
that his fate shall be that of his prede-
cessor. OF what American city, con-
tiguous to the Canadian frontier, can
we say the same? Is not the whole
American frontier, from Maine to Dn-
luth, kept in condition to fall an easy
prey to the first assault of British
army? If England's watchful lavish
ness is wise, is not our penurious care
lessness foolish
These are the questions which sug.
gest themselves in connection with Gen
eral Hancock's report to the secretary
of war. They compel the conclusion
that we are blindly Indifferent to the
preservation of II frontier which it has
cost us blood and treasure to secure
and defend. The midnight surprise OF
Ethan Allen upon Ticondcroga, with
the demand for its surrender. "In the
name of God and the continent con-
gress;" the gallant repulse ofSt. Leger's
expedition against Fort Stanwix and the
destruction of Burgoyne's magnificent
expedition to divide the colonies by
conquering New York from Canada;
the exploit of Commodore Perry in the
capture of the British squadron on
lake Erie which put an end to the war
of 1912-these are some OF the episodes
which witness how much our northern
frontier has cost us. The cost of re-
pairing and maintaining rev forts ano
barracks is given as reason why the
government should denude the frontier
OF all defense.