Note 23 — FIFTH CONGRESS.—FIRST SESSION. (continued 3)

This extra session having been called on account of expected hostilities with the French Republic, the labors of Congress were consequently limited to the two objects of defence and revenue—preparation for defence, and providing the additional revenue which the defence required. Both objects were accomplished. The three frigates—Constitution, Constellation and United States, which afterwards earned themselves a place in history—were finished and manned. A detachment of 80,000 militia was authorized. A stamp duty was imposed—a loan authorized—and the salt tax increased: the latter as a temporary measure, and with an express clause against continuance, without which it could not have passed, and in contravention of which it was continued. Defence was the great object of the session: invasion the danger: and its repulse by sea and land the remedy. Preparation against invasion was, at that time, a proper policy: the progress of science, and of the arts of peace, has superseded such policy in our day. The electric telegraph, and the steam car, have opened a new era in defensive war. Accumulated masses of volunteers, summoned by electricity and transported by steam, rushed upon the invaded point and giving incessant attacks with fresh arrivals, would exterminate any invading force; and give the cheap, effective and extemporaneous defence which the exigency required.