Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Congress wants money and must have it. A bill for a new LOAN of twenty five millions of dollars, and a bill to allow a further issue of Exchequer (paper money) bills of five millions of dollars, (THIRTY MILLION!!!) has been laid before Congress. A pretty round sum to begin the year with, in carrying on the wise and patriotic war we are so zealously engaged in.

Is the bill lately passed by Congress for increasing the navy a hoax or not? One would suppose if our war hawks were serious on this subject, we should hear of measures being taken for procuring materials for the purpose of building and appropriations made for carrying it into effect. If we may judge of those who rule in our councils by their past conduct, the law for increasing the navy will turn out to be a mere dead letter; all it will ever amount to will be to swell the statute book and add to the amount of the printer's bill.

When a law is passed for increasing the army, instantly hosts of recruiting officers are sent into every section and corner of the country. No want of cash or promptness in business-16 dollars bounty, an advance of 24 dollars to each recruit, and 4 dollars to the officer for enlisting, is given; to promote this work, officers are as thick, in our streets, as grasshoppers in a dry season. This may be all necessary, but at the same time, would it not be well to do something for the protection of the men and property on that element where it is said their rights are violated, and for the security of which we are told the War is declared?