The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-03-01


The Mexican War In an European Military
Point or Visw-The Neutrality OF England
and France-Ocoan steam Navigation
Ths FIench Line of Steamers, &c.
l had conversation, a few evenings ago,
about the with Mexico, with some
British and French officers, during soir<s
at one OF the fashionable salons, where some new
musical debutants from Italy were showing off
their talents. In private society, the sentiments
entertained by military and diplomatic charac-
tiers, are somewhat different from those outbursts
of passion which circulate in the press. Privately.
these personages express their wonder, their as
constituent, their dread, their loudest admiration
at the mighty growth, progress, and energy OF
the United States They look upon the great
republic as movement and development in
moral and political power, equal and similar to
that of steam and electricity in the physical
world
The conversation, to which alude, was very
curious, and very critical. Setting aside the
morale of the war, they censured Mr. Folks add
nnsraton, for the weak and inefficient plan
on which it was carried on. One Of the French
oiicers, who spoke very good English, affirmed
tlat the best, and most efficient plan of opera
ons appeared to be that conceived by General
Gaines, at New Orleans, the first breach OF
hostilities. The United States" said he, "never
should engage in little cheap war. fit is
dee med necessary to go to war at all, it ought to
be crushing, powerful, and profoundly energetic.
Such war is the cheapest in the end-such were
the Of Napoleon, and Of every great mill
tary genius"
! could not help concurring in these ideas II
the energetic measures, set foot by General
Gaines had been followed out by the govern
nent peace might have been effected, the
city of Mexico occupied long since. This would
have told well in Europe, and prevented those
torrents of abuse, sarcasm, and reproach, which
the press Of Paris and London have poured on the
head of Mr.. Polk, and the republic Of the West.
On the contrary, it is much TO be feared that the
war department, at Washington, imagined they
could conquer peace on the cheap, or Canal
street plan--on something like the same principle
which distinguished judicial functionary of
New York once saved TO that rich State about
nine dollars fifty cents, in certain year. by hav-
ing rentin his pantaloons repaired by Ro
chester tailor, at seventy five cents the hole, in
stead Of getting pair at once. What a
pity that military genius, talent, and energy, was
not allowed to have proper influence the
military department, instead OF censuring its de-
signs, and ordering courts martial upon its acts
Be this as il may, the United States must pro-
secute the Mexican war to an honorable conclu-
sion and have no doubt the great body Of the
people are in their right mind these points
The eyes Of all Europe are upon them-the eyes
OF the governments, and the eyes OF the several
people equally There will be no interference,
and no Intervention from this side Of the Atlantic.
Ten years ago, France and England would have
united in such project; but there is no danger OF
that now. Each country is too much occupied
with its own domestic dificulties-each is too
anxious for peace and commerce with the United
States-each depends too much on being fed by
our corn, and clothed by our eotton-and, above
all, each Of the two governments hate each other
cordially, in consequence of the quarrel about
the Spanish marriages, ever to return again to
the entente cordiaLe during the life time Of Louis
Philippe and Queen Victoria. Indeed, the quar-
rel on this paltry point, is more personal
quarrel between the sovereigns, than real ma
tional division. Louis Philippe is charged with
dipping and deceiving Victoria at the Chateau
d. Eu-Vctora, in fact, feels that she has been
duped; just as if she had been little forward
grisette, wearing crown; and, hence, she is in
terrible rage with the French king, and the
whole Orleans family, declaring that she will un-
crown them, and drive th EN- from France one of
these days While this state of arrangement
continues, the power of England and France
will be neutraiized and accordingly, Russia
10 the East, and the United States in the far
West, vail have opportunity to exercise their
inhuence, and extend their empire without let or
hindrance.
l had long interview with the Minister
oil Commerce, the other day, at which /
was assured that the line of four steamers
from Havre to New York will certainly be carried
into operation in the spring. or early in the ensu-
ing summer. or this determination, | was as.
sured there could be little or no doubt Those
ships are to be hired or let to a company of mer.
chants at Havre. The only point not yet cnnclu.
ded upon Is, whether the captains of the vessels
shau, during the contract, be under the au horty
oi the government or OF the company. | fancy,
however, That the latter point will be determined
upon As a matter OF form, the project will be
placed before the Chambers to receive their sane
uon, oil Which no doubt is entertained Bv the
time mat the line commences the rai,oad from,
farls 10 Havre will be complete Il is calculated
that this desirable re suit will take place in Anil
u NOT sooner AS soon as these events shall bave
been completed, II IS calculated that a r,asb ,od
remarkable impulse will be given to the inter.
course between Paris and New York no, alor. !
in commercial affairs, but in literary, phlosophi
cal, social, and political. The great highway be-
tween the continent Of Europe and the United
States will then be 10y the lire Of Pals, Havre
and New York. Vast crowds OF travellers viii
20 and come, and great accession Of trade will
be the result. twill be taken into account, hsw-
ever, that the French steamers are not so fast as
the British-the former will require from one to
m roc DAVIS more ON the vovage ross the Atlantic
] am afraid that the American line, between New