The New York herald., 1845-08-25
The Present Crisis

There is a provoking dubety about the character Of
the intelligence. which increases, in great degree
the intense interest which this question Of war with
Mexico had acquired. On the whole, the .probabi-
lities of war are augmented and strengthened. -
Mexico has not receded an inch. On the contrary,
she exhibits still greater determination in maintain
ing that bold and insolent attitude of defiance and
threatened assault, which she assumed on the very
first indications of the successful termination of the
annexation movement The delay in the action OF
the Mexican Congress, may be the cover OF some
still more energetic and decisive measures than any
she has yet taken.
In estimating the chances of war between the
United States and Mexico, we must not confine our
selves TO mere survey OF their existing relations
We must take a comprehensive and deliberate view
of the presen, aspect OF the nations OF the world
the tendencies Of the age-the strong popular inn
pulses that predominant all over the EARTH
Peace has resigned IN Christendom for a quarter Of
a century. But here and there the attentive OBJ
server can easily discern the workings of a rest
less, uneasy quarresome spirit of discontent that
must one day, ere long, break forth into open
and violent action. In Europe, the masses of the
people are rite tor revolution. Like the angry
meanings OF the tempesbeaten sea, there are fore
yer 10 be heard ascending from the hosts of the peo-
pie mutterngs of discomfort which are full of awful
import Penury and want-hunger and thirst-cold
and nakedness, terrible schoolmasters But
they are fast bringing the masses of Europe 10 a
knowledge ofthe truth and discerning homage of
liberty AT the first blast of the -wartrump. thou
sands and thousands in Europe would start to the
battle against despotism and oppression In this
land-this free and happy land-the same war-feel-
n -
directly opposite causes We are restless, tidgetty.
dlscontented- anxious for excitement-eager for
war. not because are starving, but because we
are too well fed-not because we are ground to the
dust by the iron hoof of the oppressor but because
we are perfectly free, and call no man master But
in both hemispheres we see the masses of the peo-
pie disconnected with the present peaceful condition
Of the world. The multitude cry aloud for war.
They thirst tor It's fearful excitement They think
not of Its horrors-of its blood-of its desolatons-
Of its unuerable evils. They think only of the ex-
citement-of the chances of change for the better.
II is human nature.
Let US also lock at the position which this
republic now occupies with respect to the mo-
marches of Europe The United States are
now in position analogous to that occu-
pied by the French Republic in 1892. But it is a
far more glorious position. To the people of this
land has been committed in an especial manner. the
sacred trust of perpetuating and defending the great
principles Of civil and religious liberty Daily by
living and practical example, we are operating on
the people of Europe-far and wide we are scatter.
Ing over the soil of the ancient world the seeds Of
revolution-in all directions we are summoninp the
down rodden masses to the conflict with the oppres
sor. Laugh at this if you please, perblind fool
bowlng down to the gewgaw of royalty, and kiss
ing the shackles that bind thee in insensate bon.
dage to the throne of despotism, but there is pow
er which has now grown up into resistless might
that will, ere long, deliver thee whether thou wilt or
not. The elements are now in existence and at
work, which are destined to emancipate mankind
and establish tree institutions all over the earth II
war with Mexico come, t will be the commence
ment OF the new era-the dawn of the latter day 81
light and liberty. II must become general European
nations must eventually be drawn into it; and if il dc
not come; IT annexation be quietly effected the deci
slve struggle will only be postponed for brief period
In less than ten years some explosion must occur
involving the ancient dynasties of Europe and ter
minating in great and widespread revolution II
favor OF the rights, liberties, and happiness of man
kind
recent State elections in the south and west rather
indicated that the democrats had gained somewha,
on the wings But the latest returns reverse this
position OF affairs, and show that the whgs if any
thing, have gained ground on the democrats, par.
tculary in Congress, and if we take into consdera-
ton the various elements OF parties, are not sure
but the wings stronger than they were two years
ago II is very true the wings have lost the State
elections in Tennessee but this may have been pro-
duced by the shifting and equivocation Of the whg
candidate on the question of annexation. In Ken
lucky, the wings are stronger than ever. They ap.
pear also TO have gained somewhat in North Caro-
lna.
One Of the most marked indications, however
afforded by these recent State elections is the un
doubted truth that the original organization Of tn,
democratic party in the States, which was formed
under the dynasty of Jackson and in favor of Mr.
Van Buren, is entirely falling to pieces and getting
weaker and weaker every day. In Alabama this
fact is particularly revealed in the defeat of the Van
Buren candidate for Governor, and the election oI
the Calhoun candidate 1t is very evident from
these elections that the organization of the party
originally in favor Of Mr. Van Buren,, is rapidly pas
sing away from him and his friends, and the proba-
bihiy is that it will settle in favor of Mr. Polk for
reelection, provided he manages his cards with
discretion, and conducts the war with Mexico with
spirit and vigor. Every thing will depend on the
conduct of the government during the next wear.
The first year of an administration as Napoleon
used tc say, is year of apprentceship-in the Sc
cond year they begin to show their power, policy
and talent, and in the third and fourth years they
are able to do some good to the country, or great
zeal 'f evil. Mr. Polk has hardly got through his
apprenticeship He is doing pretty well-a great
deal better than Mr.. Tyler-but he has vet to do
much more.
REMOVAL OF RAILS on THE LONG ISLAND TRACK
Several rails were discovered by the Pilot En
CINE, to have been removed on SATURDAY. morn;no
upon the Long Island Railroad, near St. George.
Manor Notice was Immediately given to the
nrlrr xsxha nln IL.