The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-09 00:00:00

~~~ ~ is'

LONDON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1854.

We are virtually at war ! A war too whicl
cannot be a little one ; and which may prove
very tedious, expensive, and prejudicial to the best
interests of the United Kingdom, unless it be
carried on with unbending resolution and un-
ceasing energy. Whatever may be said or thought
as to the propriety of exhausting the means of
peace, there can be no second opinion as to the
necessity of showing to the AUTOCRAT that Eng-
land is really in earnest, and that he is grievously
mistaken if lie supposes that she can be bulliggtor
cajoled into submission to his insolent dictation or
connivance with his nefarious projects. Hostilities
Can no longer be averted by any amount of
strength or display of preparation. We have,
akthough unwillingly, been driven into a corner,
and fight we must, if we would not become the
shame and reproach of all future generations—if
we would not forfeit the honour so gallantly
won, and nobly maintained by our progenitors
throughout all ages, and give our children cause
to blush for their degenerate parents. Indeed,
putting all higher motives out of the question—
disregarding all thoughts of honour, integrity,
and glory, as things merely calculated to amuse
children of a larger growth, and viewing matters
only through an Xs. d. medium, we shall find
that the most vigorous and decisive is also the
wisest policy ; for the duration and ex-
pence of the war, as well as the amount
of bloodshed and misery thereby occasioned
will chiefly, if not altogether, depend on the deter-
mination and firmness displayed at the very outset.
Every shilling applied in the first instance will save
pounds at some future period. The speedy
destruction of the Russian navy and arsenals will
prevent a continuance of bloodshed, and eventually,
perhaps, a war of necessity, when every British,
subject will be compelled to fight a l'outrance for
the protection of his liberty, his religion—nay,
even of his very existence.
It must be obvious to every man of ordinary
experience, who does not regard history merely as
a collection of old almanacks, from the perusal
whereof neither r ofit nor pleasure can arise—
that we must, as fin the olden time, rely on "our
wooden walls," on the exertions of that Navy
which has never been wanting in the dark hour
of trial, but has proved itself adequate to encounter
every emergency. We must, once again, look to
theßritishfieet as our chief safeguard, asthe means
by which, under PROVIDNCE, the belligerent
movements may be brought to a speedy and satis-
factory conclusion. We have no intention of
slighting or undervaluing the efforts of the other
branchnsf the " United Service." We have no
- , doubt that, whenever occasion may arise, the
-British army will not merely efficiently, but nobly
. ,;discharge its duty ; that our soldiers will prove
' themselves worthy of those who have fought and bled
every clime, almost in everyland. But under pre-
sent circumstances the brunt of the battle must be
attained by our seamen. Theirs is at present
Post of difficulty and of honour, and those
who have so well performed their part when the
°Peaai°4.rme.---nired, should no envy their maritime
brethren the
glory now p tuni ties and
of distinction
afforileZr It is, then, to our navy we
must look at this moment, and every thing re-
lating to that navy is not only of paramount in-
terest, but even of vital importance during Vie
present crisis.
The Earl of HARDWICRE, on Tuesday night,
brought forward, in the House of Lords, certain
grievances to which the senior officers' of the
navy have been and still Are subjected. The
matters touched on by the 'Noble and Gallant
Lord are well worthy of attentive considera-
tion, and, where grievances really exist, or
ample redres,l. But our concern at this
moment
is with the Base, rather than the Summit
.r.
•
the Pyramid— with the able Seamen, rather
. than the Admirals of the Royal Navy. There is
no doubt that at any moment we may find ad_
o'Daitils and Captains in abundance to whom we
ri
adfis)-rilay unhesitatingly entrust our honour, aye, and
'claufhour safety. Many on the active list may besuffering
Oder the infirmities incidental to advanced age
?st,
kalld increasing infirmity, but still we have an
i„aiiiintudant -supply of well-qualified leaders ,f9r,