The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1908-07-09

ULY y, 1908.
Godsden, John Langdon,
Henry Lee, Stephen Hopkins,
Joseph Hewes, and Silas Dean, found
ers of the American navy-bow in
recognition, as reverential
tribute. to their foresight, thru which
the American people have attained
enjoyments unknown to human be-
ings of past ages! If You only reflect |
a moment you will readily admit that
the navy of earlier days contributed,
more than all other things combined,
to secure blessings indispensable to
national progress-the rights of lndivid-
uals-natlOnal freedom. 1t is not an
idle dream of the Imagination that
this nation was literally rescued from
the carving knife Of old world powers,
saved from subdivision among foreign
nations by the early American navy.
And SO 1t transpired that Americas
naval victories made possible the birth
of a great nation of which George
Washington became the first president;
succeeded by John Adams-then came
the Jefferson administration; during
which Tripoli declared war against
America. Picture the scattered rails
on our home soil while far away, across
the ocean, the American naval ships
were teaching the Tripolians-the world
at large to respect the Stars and Stripesl
From the affair with Tripoli Americans
realized the Importance of the navy.
Whyp To uphold national prestige
and protect American commerce, also,
American citizens in foreign lands
History says: "The foreign commerce
of America had, during Jefferson's
administration, became so great as
practically to comprise the carrying
trade Of the world, and England Lecame
desirous of limiting it.
American commerce was suffering
from British interference, and, in 1905,
the president recommended active
measures for protection. The Embargo
Act was enacted, which prostrated
'nerican commerce and brought home
1fAUm all quarters of the globe, America
merchantmen" Here we have con.
vincing evidence to prove what ships
have done-not only for the nation
itself, but also by enabling American
citizens to prosper In other lands.
"The administration of Jefferson had
been memorable period. 1t had seen
} the United States increased by the
Louisiana Purchase; the first practical
steamboat on the waters of the world
it had put an end to Mediterranean
piracy; it had seen a Marshall COM
plete the establishment of American
law on firm basis; it had seen Meri
wether Lewis and William Clark across
, the continent to point the way to the
Pacific Ocean and show the possibf1
, tiles of the West; it had begun The
policy of purchasing Indian lands
establishing tribes on reservations
| and internal improvements were pro
crossing rapidly"
Every part explored; freedom from
foreign rule assured; our government
:, stability recognized-then came th'
: steamboats, plying the numerous rivers
I. carrying settlers westward, causing
, states to be carved out of the interio
{ territory. In fact from the commence
) ment of American history, in 1907, t
the inaguration of the eight presiden
. Martin Van Buren, 1887 7-1841) )-ther
4 were no railroads, and yet, this nation
Q had attained greater successes, prom
t inence, Importance, in general ways
than any other nation ever had.
1t is from the year 1887, when Ste
phenson invented q dingy sort of rail
way that my opponent must confin
himself to. Prior to 1887 our fellow
member cannot obtain any argumen
9 tative material Surely the foregoing
+ facts cannot be ignored as fundamen
; tally the prime truths Of our nation
d upbnilding. have already adduce'
i enough reliable evidence to convinc
8 any sane person that ships of ever
3 description have been the greatest o
D all benefits to America.
!. From 1907 to 1887, period OF tw
. hundred and thirty years the nationa
i, benefits, In progressive ways we're du'
) chiefly, to water crafts. From 1887 {
a Sunday. June 21. 1903. modern vessel