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Editorial
January 14, 1799
The Gazette
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Editorial from Columbian Minerva argues for the necessity of a U.S. navy to protect commercial shipping from pirates and foreign threats, refuting past opposition and using analogies to locks, weapons, and sheepdogs.
Clipping
OCR Quality
85%
Good
Full Text
From the Columbian Minerva.
People are at length convinced, that defenceless ship and valuable cargo, form a pretty strong temptation to the freebooter of the ocean. Congress said. " let a navy be" and a navy was created at its fiat. The political solecism, that we did not need, and could not support a navy, is abandoned by all but those who would abandon their country's honor and independence to foreign influence and foreign domination. That a commercial country needs a navy, is as self evident as that a lock and key are necessary to the safe keeping of one's cash, or a weapon of defence. to ward off or repel the assault of an highwayman. That a commercial country can support a navy, has its proof involved in the very proposition. Added to the experience of past ages, and other nations, America now has a large share of her own. She, after having her flock nearly destroyed by the most cruel and constant ravager, has found the folly of keeping sheep, without dogs to watch and guard them.
People are at length convinced, that defenceless ship and valuable cargo, form a pretty strong temptation to the freebooter of the ocean. Congress said. " let a navy be" and a navy was created at its fiat. The political solecism, that we did not need, and could not support a navy, is abandoned by all but those who would abandon their country's honor and independence to foreign influence and foreign domination. That a commercial country needs a navy, is as self evident as that a lock and key are necessary to the safe keeping of one's cash, or a weapon of defence. to ward off or repel the assault of an highwayman. That a commercial country can support a navy, has its proof involved in the very proposition. Added to the experience of past ages, and other nations, America now has a large share of her own. She, after having her flock nearly destroyed by the most cruel and constant ravager, has found the folly of keeping sheep, without dogs to watch and guard them.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
Trade Or Commerce
What keywords are associated?
Navy Necessity
Commercial Defense
Ocean Freebooters
Congress Navy
American Independence
What entities or persons were involved?
Congress
America
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Necessity Of A Navy For Commercial Protection
Stance / Tone
Strongly Pro Navy And Anti Opposition
Key Figures
Congress
America
Key Arguments
Defenseless Ships Tempt Ocean Freebooters.
Congress Created A Navy, Refuting Claims It Was Unnecessary Or Unsustainable.
A Commercial Nation Needs A Navy Like A Lock For Cash Or Weapon Against Highwaymen.
America's Experience Proves The Folly Of Unprotected Commerce, Akin To Sheep Without Dogs.