Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-04-05

o devise any method OF, recalling these Wild and !
ierce elements back to wholesome discipline and |
estraint The will of Providence, we fear, may be |
egioiy gathered from evens-that the SWORD Is
again to pass through Europe.
SINCE the breaking out of the French Rcve luton,
N July last, we have repeatedly said, that new |
war would be inevitably kindled the Continent:
mat the rst stage of hostility would be in Belglum
ana that by the sure contagion of passion, and the
proximity OF the materials of combustion the flame
would catch and spread until it burned on TO the very
centre of Europe.
Now 1t lutte impossible for any to read the
late intelligence from F>.rce and Belgium and not
to perceive that war must almost inevitably com
mence with the spring. The popular puss0n in
france Is not only ripe for war, but is fierce and I'M
petuous under restraint; and the internal peace of
the country is mainly interested in giving vent to
this hostile ebulltion of the common feeling. qhere
must be war abroad or instruction at home. The
res'ies i'ipatlence and vanity of the French people
demand war as the only sacrifice which the Minis
ters can make and which they, the people, IRE con-
tent 10 receive. as the tenure upon which they viii
permit the Ministers to hold their offices. The Min
sters themselves are certainly not disposed to war
Ehey are q cunning ogarchy of Stockholders and
are more DESTROYS to protect the interests of the
BourSe, and TO perPe,uate their own portfolios, than
to fiater the vanity Of the nation. But it is Impos
sible that they resist the mighty gathering of
popular feelings and the deep tide which is rolling
onward. They cannot oppose themselves to the ia =
naticism of whole people, wild, turbulent, and Gu
PRECIOUS in other particulars but always discriminate
The Government of Philip the First. and his pre-
sent Cabinet, is something in the condition of kept
mistress, which is allowed Ivy of quiet donies
tic arrangement, and which stands upon the fiucu-
ating basis of u momcnary taste. 1t has no hold or
natural tie; it has root in the people. 1t is as
inst cady and uDfxed, loose tenancy of fur
nished lodging. Lafayette is, beyond all question:
the head and organ of the new French Revolution.
cent ers rather is absobedn him. He is the base
the pillar, and the capital hnsclf. In his speeches
we read the decisive renewal of hos,iliiies and the
commencement of n wa. throughout Europe with
the very first and prompt occasion. This old nIaoi-
Clan seems mt to have been worn out by nearly
century of years Like new AGson he has been
boiled up again in the cauldron of revolution He
employs the same cant of philosophy as the old
French republican Gra. and seems DESTROYS again to
kindle the war OF principles, and to put France at
the head ofthe school Of revolutionary humanity.
LetHs look little into particulars Lafayette
lays down these prncipes:-First it is the duty of
France to engage in immediate war, should any one
state OF Europe interfere with the fairs of another
the most express obligation of trca
ties: Secondly, he lays down this maxim: that
France must consider herself absoved from the
treatiss of 1914 and 1915, and denounce them as
part OF the base chains imposed upon Europe by the
trainers OF the Treaty OF PIlntz and of the Holy Al
lance; and Thirdly, lie propounds without reserve
or dsnay, this broad and unequivocally hostile pro-
position -that France is engaged, by the OBLIGATIONS
OF humanity, and the laws Of the social condition
actively To assist every country engaged in contest
for liberty!
Now, we scarcely necd ask our readers whittier
these pinc pies lead? They are the elements of war
and the seeds of national dscord throughout Elropc
They are, if adopted by the French peope iucompnt
blc with pacific relations; are, in truth the phrase
ology Of the old Jacobn clubs in the wear 7g3: and
received, as they have been, with thundars of ap-
pause, when pronounced by Lafayette FROM the trb
une; supported of doors by all the acclama;ions
and enthtrlasns of the press fceby resist ed by the
King and his Ministers; and, indeed, fostered midi
recty oy Seoaftian and that portion of the govern
ment over whose official robes the military sash is
most conspcuous;-in the midst of sentiments h,;,,
these so popular and exciting. will be impossi-
bic, we think, to preserve the peace of Eurone for
three months longer.
Our own opinion is that war will undoubtedly arise
upon the affair Of the election the Belgian crown
it is The 1rst plausible occasion which offcrs aud
that is enough for France.
There are three candidates tor this prize Of rova-
ty. The Prince of Oranee,-but he, it IL thought,
would bring civil war. The choice of the Duke OF
ouchenbourgh the lvourite of all the allies but of
Francs, would be considered in the language of the
note of Sebo siani of January 90 as an immediate
act of hostility towards France. This inperions
minister, indeed. writes to the Congress of Brussels
choice of the Duke Of Leuch,enbero. "tbe
French minister is to quit Brussels without dclay
In the mean time, there is large party which sun
ports the Duke de Nemours, and, Notwithstanding the
disavowal OF Philip and his cabinet he is evidently
pressed on the Belgians by the whole strength and
intrigue of France.
We scarcely need inform our readers that all the
Powers, except the French Cabinet, are opposed to
the Duke Nemours. as it would necessarily lead to
the incorporation of Belgium with France It would
be the virtual annexation OF the two sceptres; n DO
htcal transfer, not indeed by sleg of hand but bv
a downright open and avowed bargain to the terri
tories of France. II would be giving France Do
sltion on the Rhine; the command Of the Scheldt:
the absolute power to dictate the fate of Holland
and to penei rate into the provinces of Prussia and
Northern Germany
Upon this subject we shall finish with an extract
fromthe speech of NJ. Lccoq, the Deputy for Tour
nay, who states the Begc question with great
boidness AMI fairness:-
"Let us come, says this able speaker, "to the i'm
portant question which Prince shall represent our
nation Nemours or Leucbtenberg2 Memoirs is
France in the eyes of the four great Powers-it is
inevitable war. Leucbtenberg is the imperial DIV
nasty IN the eyes of the house OF Orleans-it is
not immediate war, but a source of irritation
against us. Between two such difficulties how
are we to choose? Good sense must direcS u.s. The
proposals which have been made do not prove that
we choose the Duke Of Nemours war is inevitable
but we see 1t in the nature of things; For ENG
LAND DESERVES TO SINK TO THE BOT
TOM OF THE SEA, IF SHE ALLOWS THE
SCIIELDT AGAIN.TO BELONG TO FRANCE
Turning 20 France, fear there will be torrents of