P_,\PERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR 355 force could not, compatible with safety, be either small or inactive. Such a force when properly and judiciously disposed of, would deter the Indian from his depredations-inspire a confidence which would lead to a rapid settlement of our present frontier, and at the same time form a nucleus around which the chivalric yeomanry of the land would rally in the event of another invasion from our national foe. In recommending this measure I am n:ot insensible to the bur- thens which the equipment and the maintenance of a competent force must necessarily impose upon the people; but a people who value their liberty and safety above all price, will consider every burthen light which is necessary to the maintenance of their national char- acter and independence. Neither am I unapprized of the very ser- ious objections which have prevailed, generally in Republican govern- ments, to this description of force. That a large standing army, led by an artful and unprincipled commander, may be rendered danger- 0us to the liberties of the people who have created, and sustained it, is a truth authentiated by too many precedents. But I trust that the people of Texas are not too strong, too vigilant, and too jealous of their civil rights, ever to permit an ambitious chieftain to set at naught the legitimate authorities of the country. "That the military shall in all cases, and at all times be subordinate to the r!ivil power,'' is a wise precept of our constitution, which it is our duty to guard with sedulous care, and to transmit inviolate to our successors. Free_ governments have always found their best defence against foreign and domestic enemies in the patriotism, the intelligence and the chivalry of the great body of the people. A well regulated militia is the strongest and the surest bulwark of liberty. It will therefore constitute a favorite point of policy in my administration, (if I am sustained by the legislative wisdom of the country,) to foster a spirit of military pride and emulation among the people. For this purpose I shall feel it my duty to encourage volunteer asso- ciations, their country's ornament in peace, and her safety in war; and to adopt such a system of organization and discipline for the general militia as will qualify them for active and efficient opera- tions, should the exigencies of the country require their services in the field. ·while recommending the organization of a sufficient regu- lar force to insure the present protection of the Republic from temporary aggressions without calling the people from their various pursuits of industry, I would still prefer, in the hour which tries men's souls, to rest the nation's defence, upon the zeal, the valor, and the patriotism· of the citizen soldier. I regret that I am obliged to remark that our Navy has suffered an entire prostration. It is less interesting to inquire into the causes which have produced this misfortune, than to devise and apply a remedy for it. From the time the adventurous Columbus traversed the Atlantic the commercial intercourse of nations has been evi- ' . dently increasing, and it now constitutes one of the most impor- tant and complicate branches of national policy. The protection of that commerce by the nation whose geographical position en"ables it to enjoy the benefits of a foreign trade, fully as requisite to the common welfare, as the protection of any other department of its concerns. Texas is happily situated in this respect, and can never
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