The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-10-06
The Progress OF CiviIization.-The Wars OF
the Great Powers OF the Earth.


by every one
The Progress or CiviIization.-The Wars OF
the Great Powers OF the Earth.
IL is singular fact that, Notwithstanding the
general principles of the age are in favor of
peace and closer CONNER al relations, four of
the greatest nations of the earth, though on terms
of amity with each other, yet are each, at the
present moment, engaged in war on the soil of
other countnes. England, France, Russia, and
the United States, whose united armies, fleets, and
wealth, would suffice to conquer purchase the
remaining portions of the globe, are severaly
carrying on an invasive war upon governments
inferior TO themselves in power and in means of
defence. England wages her war of conquest in
Hindoostan and South Africa France sends her
armies to Algers and the islands of the Pacific !;
Russia pours her myriad of troops through the de-
files of Circassia; while the United States encir-
Giles Mexico and her provinces by sea and Joy
land,
In some respects a striking similarity exists in
the causes and the most apparent results Of these
several wars. They carried on upon the soil
of the weaker party-they afford no opportuni-
hes of pitched battles on scale with those which
in the commencement OF the present century,
caused thrones to totter and fall, which shook to
the foundation the social interests. of the world
and were attended with the outpouring of the
blood OF milllons-they create but little excite
ment beyond their own immediate circuits and
and all will end in the extension of the territory
of the stronger power. The powerful influence
of enlightenment and gigantic strength possessed
by the more civilized nations, seems predestned
to draw gradually within the circle of their own
domain the control of the less advanced terrific
ries of the earth, till the latter become eventually
a part and portion of the former and the very
ministers who originated and proclaimed loudest
the necessity OF balance of power, are actively
engaged in the organization OF means practically
at variance with the theoretical doctrines they
profess to adopt and uphold. France upbraids
perfde Albion for her cupidity, at the same time
grasping the territories of defenceless Queen
England holds up her right hand with warning
gesture towards the aggressions of her rebellious
transatlantic child, while, with the left, she applies
the match to the cannon which mows down thou
sands of a fleeing army, and turns the Sutej into
river of blood; America utters a cry of sympa-
thy for the hunted Crcassian, but is forced to
chastise the offending and despicable Mexican.
With the business right of any of the con-
tending parties we have at present nothing to
say. Each undoubtedly can furnish I" reasons as
ceedings, and iustiiying the course they pursue;
but the effects of these wars OF redress or aggres-
sion in one and all the same they hasten the
advance of universal knowledge. Meetings may
be held by the peace parties fanatics may deplore
the existence of national disagreements, and poll
tcians may condemn the policy of the anita
gonist administration, for carrying on war,
with all the invectve epithets contained in
I'll
nunciatons, indeed, be the extension ofciviiza-
ton and religious liberty, these very wars which
they rail against, are, if not the pleasantest, the
most efficient workers of their own designs
Every shot that is fired, or sword uplifted tends
TO dssipate the gloom of ignorance oversha-
downing so large portion of the globe land though
the measures used are those of coercion, yet we
in this case believe that the end sanctifies the
MEANS" and if, perhaps, SO evil is done" itsis
" that good may Gomez
Not one of the powers above spoken of, which
isinvaded by the others, but is inferior in know
ledge, in the possession of liberty, in enghten-
ment, as well as in strength and wealth to their
opponents I; in fact the absence ofthe latter qua
lites is mainly owing to their inferiorty in the
former respects, and the more they associate with
those far beyond them in the blessings of civili-
cation, the sooner do they acquire those bless
ings themselves nor does it materially affect
the result whether the associations be of enmity
or amity, but if the preference is to be given to
either, we say with all due respect and rever-
ence, that in nine cases out of ten, the advance
of an army from an enlightened country into the
territories of one which is backward in the i'm
provements of the age, does more to effect de-
sirabe change in their condition, than the labors
ola hundred missionaries indeed the sword of
the fonner will prepare way in which the latter
may tread with safety and usefulness; and the
one arouses the dormant energies, and holds in
check the depraved passions, for the other to
mould and fetter at will. The experience of the
world has taught this to every Que.
: The spirit Of the age must have its way the
rapid progress of improvement will carry along
with IT the four quarters of the gobe,l and those
that tarry in their movements are liable to be
dragged by force. Whether such force becomes
an act of justice, act of aggression, liz mat
tiers not. Steam and electricity will follow randi
ly in the road which the sword has made. and
cannot be retarded in their march. till a hand Of
iron is welded which will hold within its circle I,
world knowing no conflicts but those of genius
and no weapons but those Of honest rivalry.
Til STEAMSHIP GREAT WEsTERN-Tbis fine
vessel takes her departure on her regular trip on
Thursday next, the Sth inst. She takes out be-
tween seventy and eighty passengers ,among whom
are the Hon. George Bancroft and family, and
General Armstrong, our popular and respected
Consul at Liverpool. We trust that the Western
will have more pleasant passage out than du-
ring her last trip. Her distinguished passengers
could not have safer vessel, or more gentle
manly captain.
Quick PAssAeE.-The ship Currier, Captain
Wolf, arrived below last night from Rio Janeiio,
which port she left the I'd ult, making the pas
sage in 30 days, and bringing advices sixteen days
later than had been hitherto received. We learn
by the captain, that on the 9th of September the
shock of an earthnnal1o .uas ..ax.A..aeI o.. r.;