Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-01-30
RICHMOND DAILY WING
BRICHTER PROSPECTS,.
rarDAy MOANING, JASUARY %, 1910.

BRIGHTER PkOSfEC1S.
The pacific character Of the intelligence by the
last steamer, must awaken profound qualification
an the minds Of all patriots who love their country
with an intelligent love, and Of all philanthroPists
who desire the true elevation, happiness and no
nor Of the human race.
, The painful suspense which has so long agita-
ted the public mind, is now, for time at least,
ended. Men no longer wait in breathless silence,
with ears erect, to catch each whisper Of the east
err gale,-now fsncying il bears upon its wings
the stirring call TO arms, and now, with anxious
gancss, hoping almost against hope, that the dove
of peace may cross the stormy waters with the
Olive Branch Of reconciliation I'm his mouth.
This barassing uncertainty is, for the momen,
terminated, and millions of brave and generous
hearts are beating with thankillness and plea
sure at the suspicious result.
There may be those who will consider this
qualification evidence of weakness, of timidity,
or of in6dety to the American cause. IL so, it
10 shared by almost all men OF all parties in this
broad land. But we cannot regard il in any such
light. To us il seems a proof of wisdom, of
enlightened regard for the true interests of the
country, OF just appreciation of the blessings of
peace, and an elevated contempt for the tinsel
and glitter, the pomp and parade of war, when
purchased at such appalling sacrifices as WAR de.
mands. Nor is it at all discreditable to the peo-
pie Of any nation under Heaven that, utterly I'm
prepared for hostilites-with extensive line
OF sea coast sprnkled here and there with ID few
miniature Notifications garrisonej each by Cor.
Poral's Guard; with gallant navy, consisting
however, in all, of some three vessels; with
a commerce, offering rich prize upon every sea
to the cupdty Of daring foe; with large cities, |
the hearts of national trade, lying perfectly open
and exposed 10 a mortal thrust from our adverse.
~; is not discreditabe that, under such circum
stances, we should be glad to defer hostilities
with the mightiest Empire of modern times, and
a Power which is prepared at all points, at this
very moment, TO take up the gauntlet OF defiance
which we have thrown at her feet, and here, at
own unguarded threshold. to decide our quar-. |
rel by the sword.
IL is an easy thing to stigmatze the man of
Peace as n man Of fear, or of cold and failhIess
heart. There may be those who will believe the |
charge, and with whom the vocierous shout, ''My |
voice is still for war;" will pass as evidence of the
genuine metal, the pure and unadulterated gold !!
Of chivalry, patriotism and courage. Peace, like
every other blessing, is never fully appreciated
until its enjoyment is interrupted. An inflam.
nation Of the eye, or attack Of disease, will,
for the first time, enable a man fully to realize
the advantages of a clear vision and good health;
and little touch Of war, few bomb shells burst.
ing about our ears, a few cities in flames, and an
occasional visit of the tax gatherer, may possibly
suggest some idea Of the value of Peace TO the |
minds Of the most bellicOse OF our population. But
why not endeavor to estimate ITS advantages !
Alright without recourse 10 a school, in which |
knowledge lie communicated through the medium |
of blows and bloodshedl Let our people be salts
fed with their well ied granaries. their security |
Of life and limb and property, their freedom from
cIorbitant taxation. These are positive, solld |
substantial blessings, too valuable TO be bartered |
for the bloody wreath of war, a wreath that fades
almost as won, and proves at last only |
crown Of thorns TO its most fortunate possessor. |
Let our ambitious disclaimers in the House of |
be contented. Their President |
has hurled his thunders at the British Lion, ana .
the imperial beast has not ventured even a growl |
in reply. They have murdered the kings |
English" in their sanguinary oratons,-now let |
them sheathe their swords, and shew that they |
can be merciful as well as brave.
- Peace hath its victories as well as war" |
And never, upon any land, have those victories |
been more marked, grand and decisive, than in |
our own. The recognized policy of our country !
is Peace. We know nothing Of large standing
armies or extensive navies. Look at the old !
world and you see both. We behold its govern.
ments advancing their power, and depending for
its continuance upon the sword. They stand in
the arena like belted knights, each enclosed in
his coat Of mail and brandishiDg his trusty lance.
Our nation, on the contrary, is a strong man, a
giant in stature and power, but without arms,
without panoply. And whyl TIA mission is to
build up, not to destroy Its chief weapons are
those OF civilization and christianity "plough
share and the pruning hook" into which its
'sword and spear" were long since changed.
Following IFS pacific policy, it has transformed
wilderness into cultivated garden and ransomed
great continent from barbarsm. But little more
than half century has made this peaceful nation
the wonder of the world. Think Of the extent
and excellence Of the great staple OF the South,
upon which England herself depends. Can war
advance its interests Turn to the North and re.
gard tie uneIampled progress in arts, manuiac.
lures and commerce. Or, look at the Western
Statts....a whole constellation of glorious lights
breaking at once into full orbed sp!endor from the
mids, Of midnight darkness. These are tho Vic.
tories Of Peace, and has War any Victories for
which we would surrender these
RsttOeession Of Als1sHdria.
The following proceedings took place in the AleGsndris
ronrcil or Tbursdhy the 22d instant.