Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-02
ENGLAND AND FRANCE.


1t would be difficult to point out any period Of
the history Of mankind when such general peace |
prevailed as nj the present time. With the ex-
ception of the miserable squabbles in Spain, the
whole world may be said to be averse to war.
Russia, and Prussia. and Austria, and even
France, the most beligerent State in Europe, are
all inclined to peace. Ii differences occur, they
nre amicably arranged by friendly negotiation.
The musket and the sword do not now settle dis
puted questions; the nations of the earth do not,
MS formerly, rush into battle TO vindicato their
Imaginary honor, and slaughter hundreds of thou
sands to avenge the death of one man killed by
accident or negligence. Though all are prepared
to hight, though the English and the French fleets
were never In n more efficient state and the ar
mics OF the great Continental Powers were never
IN better condition for fighting, war is the last
alternative that occurs to any Minister of State.
This is a wonderful and happy change, and i,
IS honorable to the present generation. 1t shows
that they have learned wisdom by experience,
and that they feel a conviction that those scenes
OF bioodshed which have disgraccd the last half
century led only to the loss of human life and the
destruction of the best interests Of society. 1t is
gratifying to find tina, England and France lead
Tue way in this great reformation. Notwi,hstand-
ing all the violent attacks made i'm the French
papers, and occasionally re-2choed from those of
England, relative 10 matters of dispute between
the two counties, there has been no collision ;
The rulers have set at defiance the noisy passions
OF the multitude, and arranged matters with all
the calmness of philosophers, and. we may add,
OF Quakers. Duel!ing is the wane, and so is
war between grea; nations. They find better en-
ployment England, in place Of expanding vas,
sums to humble France, finds it more profitable
iointersect the country with railroads, to promote
commerce, to extend her system OF colonization,
and to convey the blessings of civilized life into
barbarous regions. France, which has long imi.
lated this country in its good well in It's bad
qualities, follows the example, and is now vieing
with her in creating colonies, constructing rail
roads, encouraging commerce, and cultiva,ing the
arts oil peace. The war cry raised by Theirs is
flushed, and no two Governments in the world
arc more peaceably inclined than those of France
and England The interview between the Sove
regns OF these powerful States will afford an OK
ample TO the rest Of the world, and an example
too, that cannot be despised VIVA, glorious
contrast to bygone days! For thirty years thu
people of the two countries never met but 20 muir
der each other; and, after slaughter unexampeC
IN the history Of mankind, they left oil the blood,
work from mutual exhaustion. Neither party
prof,ed by the result. Now, notw outstanding al
the violent ebulitions of the Republicans an,
Bonap0rtlsis, they meet in peace ; the Govern
menls understand each other, and so do the So
verelgns; and we confidently anticipate tha
Queen Victoria and the King of the French will
by the intended interview, establish on still firm
ar basis the amcable relations of their subjects
and secure the peace of Europe.-London Sun.