Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-09-07

WARS ARE UspRorIrApLE.-.War 10 usual
ly a source Of taxation and oppression. Most
Of the European nations are now ground down
with taxes to pay the interest on national debts
incurred in prosecuting unjus, and unneces-
sary wars.
England and Ireland are now sorely oppress-
ed by taxation, the main purpose Of which is
to pay the interest on her vast war debt, much
of which nigh, have been avoided if the gov
eminent had been wise, and desirous Of re-
naming at peace, but the folly Of the rulers IN
plunging the people into war has caused the
whole population to groan for ages under the
weight of heavy taxation.
The unproftableness Of military conquests 10
illustrated in the case of France and Algiers.
France undertook to conquer Algiers as an
easy job; she succeeded at the cost of much
treasure and took possession Of the country,
and reduced it to the condition of French
province. But ever since the conquest it has
been found necessary to keep 80, 900 soldiers in
that region to keep the inhabitants in subjec-
ton, and every year since the conquest the cost
of occupation has been more than one hundred
millions Of dollars over and above all the taxes,
imposts and revenue that could be exacted or
extorted from the people Of conquered Algisrs.
Thus, this conquest turns out to be perma-
nent loss, lasting evil. This is the case in
the occupation of a country that only extends
about two hundred miles from the sea coast.
The United States undertook to make war
on Mexico, and many of our citizens supposed
that it would be very light affair to conquer
that country. The Mexican war might have
been easily avoided if one-hundredth part Of
the trouble that was taken to prevent war with
Great Britain about Oregon had been taken TO
preserve peace with Mexico, but the Govern
ment was dazzled with the idea of national ag-
grandizement and military conquest, and acted
so as to preciprtate war. The consequence
has been that several thousand of our citizens
have fallen victims to the sword, to sickness
and to the casualties of war, and the nation
has, in prosecuting this conquest, expended at
least one hundred and fifty millions of dollars
but the end is not yet Peace is made and an
army of occupation will have to be kept. To
occupy the conquered portion Of Mexico will
require nearly as many men and cost nearly as
much money as the occupancy Of Algers, be-
cause the country is more extensive, more
difficult and further distant, and the people |
more restive, ,reacheIous and turbulent.
If the idea Of occupancy or Of conquest Of
Mexico be adhered to, we must calculate that
it may cost US one hundrcd millions Of dollars
every year this, in ten years, will make
thousand millions and thus huge debt will
be accumulating that will heavily press on the
people for the next generation. This deb,
will cripple business, paralyze enterprise, and
nang as heavy weight on all useful branches
IF business. The people engaged in agricul-
lure, commerce, manufactures, and other use.
ful branches of business will have to pay for
the folly of the politicians and the glory Of the
military. The offlce-holders, the military off.
GERS, the public agents and contractors the job
'ers, speculators, party favorites, and political
oafeis may grow rich Dy the war, conquest,
and military occupation; but the people wan,
peace, and must in every event be the suffer-
ers by war. Il