Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-02-09

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with various success-alternately assun-
ing hostile and pacific atttude-slill tue
pros9ectofits amicable adjustment, appears
Less probable now, than at any former Pc
Rod. The chances Of war with Great
Britain seem TO be multiplying, rather than
diminishing. There are doubtless restless
spirits in either country, who would hurry
matters TO crisis, and involve both parties
ia the consequences Of war, rather than
avert such calamity. A portion Of the
press TOO in both countries, are continually
widening the breach by arrogant epithet-
inhaming the minds of the people for pur-
poses no other than mischeyous. A great
majority Of the American people we have
no doubt, would dcprecato war with
England, unless it were last resort afte r
every expedent Of honor, humanity, and
justice had failed.
The idea of a war between two such
powerful nations as England and the Uni
d>States, cannot be entertained by any
but blood thirsty spirits, with pleasurable
emotions. he vast resources possessed
! by the two powers, which would be brought
into requisition in the event Of war, would
result in scenes Of blood and destruction OF
hnman life, unparalleled in the history Of
former wars between the two countries
| Leaving all notions OF honor out of the
! question, both countries would be losers in
tho contest; the pccunary conslde ration
gained by either party, would fal! equally
short of being equivalent for the sacri-
flee Of human life.
OF the merils Of the question at issue
between the two nations it is unnecessary
TO state. It has been ably and thoroughly
discussed during the last few years, and it
would be only taxing the time and patience
Of our readers 10 recapiulaie the facts in
the case. The probabilities OF an adjust
men: Of the question, and the manner in
which it can be settled, are matters Of en-
crossing interest 10 the American people.
Since the report ofthc British Commission
crs, and the late correspondence between
Mr.. Fox, and Mr. Forsyth, in relation to
the burning Of the Caroline, the difficulties
between the two powers, have assumed a
more formidable shape. We have seen i,
minated however, that the positions taken
by MI. Fox, in his recent letters 70 Mr..
Forsyth, were unauthorized by the British
government, bat were assumed without
official instructions. If this should prove
10 be the case, the British cabinet may be
slow to indorse the principles Of this lunc-
tionary.
We would not insinuate that the people
Of the United States should surrender am
oflheir just right, and submit TO continued
aggressions, rather than resort TO the al
Tentative Of war. There is doubtless a
period in the history Of national difficulties,
when =" forbearance ceases 10 be q virtue"
But still there may be over nice distinctions
and notions of honor, which may be unbe-
fitting an enlightened people to entertain.
There is no good reason why national
quarrels in this age Of the world, should
not be settled withou; the shedding of blood,
as well as disputes between individuals
That the killing Of some few thousands of
the enemy, will restore the lost honor of
the nation is better suited to the notions Of
the fourteenth century, than to the present
1t is as morally wrong for nations to kill
and destroy each other, as for individuals;
and the only reason why the moral sense
of the people, does not regard it SO, is be-
cause the progress Of light and truth on
This subject, has not kept pace with 9TH
er matters of the age.
AS a last expedient before the declaration
cfopen hostilities, between the two countries
the dispute in question, should be referred
to the arbitrament of neutral power for
adjudication. Such q reference might
prove the means Of saving many thou
sands Of valuable lives-save the anguish
Of many a widowed wife and fatheress
child-keep many family from becoming
the house of mourning and preserve the
American nation from dishonor withou,
a resort TO physical force.
We have said that there are doubtless
many unprincip'ed men in both countries,
who court collision from selfish and
wicked purposes. 1t is not uncommon to
hear individuals, express a wish for war
between the United States and Great Ri