36 ADDRESS. 



examine the reports of our South Sea whaling captains, without 

 feeling the value of that mighty mass of rude materials with 

 which they have furnished us. To have those materials carefully 

 analyzed, and a work upon which confident reliance can be placed 

 prepared for future use, is the bounden duty of government. The 

 prosecution of these objects will constitute an important part of 

 the labours of the expedition labours which ought not, in jus- 

 tice, to have been delayed till now. Perhaps the silent and 

 unobtrusive manner in which our great ocean concerns are carried 

 on, may in some measure account for, if they cannot justify, the 

 negligence of our government, in not watching with a more vigi- 

 lant eye the interests of our civil marine, and protecting it more 

 effectually by the strong arm of naval power. I put the question 

 to every liberal-minded, intelligent individual, within these walls : 

 is it honourable, is it politic or wise waiving the considerations 

 of humanity and duty to look supinely on, while our citizens 

 are exposed to shipwreck in seas, on coasts, and among islands, 

 of which they possess no charts capable of guiding them aright, 

 and to suffer them to be massacred by savages, for lack of such a 

 judicious exhibition of maritime strength as would command 

 respect by showing the ability to enforce it ? And yet such is the 

 situation of our commerce in many parts of the world. Does 

 any one doubt the assertion ? How was it, let us inquire, a few 

 years ago, when news arrived of the capture of the Friendship, 

 and the savage slaughter of a portion of her crew, on the coast of 

 Sumatra ? It is true the action of the Executive was, as it ever 

 should be in similar emergencies, prompt and decided. The 

 bows of the Potomac were turned toward the scene of insult and 

 bloodshed, with an alacrity that showed in the Department no 

 want of zeal to do whatever the national interest or honour 

 required, no matter where the duty was to be performed. But 

 had we the requisite topographical knowledge to direct the enter 

 prise? No one, we presume, will venture such an assertion. 



