The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-14

crowned head in Europa to dispute our right TO 70
ceive with open arms such nations AZ may sue for
annexation.
Resides the Danger Of establishing q precedent
which would, in all probability. be invoked against
ourselves, we cannot trammel our onward march
here by alliances vita any government Of Europe.
Such bond Of union as England desires would
place us in a fAl.e position towards Canada
similar alliance with France would involve new
relations With the South American States sini
Jar alliance with Spain would alter tho Cuban
question 10 aterisiy. 1t is our policy TO preserve
our present. relations with these various States
uDalteyed
An offensive and defensive alliance with foreign
nation, is Tot thing TO be undertaken lightly. 1t
necessarily involves a participation in all the wars
and oalamities of tho ally, without holding out any
prospect of share in her prosperity Such an al
lance with Great Britain would oblige us to hold
Ourselves in readiness at all times for war with
France or Austria Our expenses would he enor
pcusly increased, even in peace apdif, asis highly
probable a war did break out, might pay the
penalty of our loyalty to England by serious in.
terruption Of our trade and fatal loss of money
and ST men. On the other hand, what advantages
does the proposed alliance present that would c)n-
pensate us for SO grea. risk? We need no foreign
support aid Our progress will be altogether in
dependent ofthe powers of Europe They can neither
hinder nor accelerate it, As easily could they re-
tard or hasten the rising tide.
The advantage of the alliance would be alto.
gether on the side of Great Britain. She would
have every thipg to gain--we everything to lose.
Her position towards her European neighoors would
be ktrtI gthened-o diminished France might
be cowed, but the lesser States of America would
acquire new strength and bodness The mastery of
/ Europe would be placed in the hands of England
but the preponderance over America would no
longer be assured TO the United States Much,
therefore, as we love our transatlantic brethren,
and cordially as we respond to the many civil things
they are pleased TO say Of us, fear that could
acquiesce in their friendly proposal for the pre-
sent.
There may come time when it shall be ex.
pedient for Great Britain and the United States to
form offensive and defensive alliance against
the world Tnose who can read the signs OF the
times, prognos.icase, at very distant day, a
Simultaneous movement Of nil the soyereigns OF
Europe to crush democracy in their kingdoms. Toe
rulers of Russia, Austria, Prussia, Spain aud
France, will one day be found banded together
against the people; anu the world VIII then witness
that struggle to which Napoleon referred, when he
foretold that Europe was destined to become either
republican or Cossack. Napoleon knew Europe
well, but he forgot Ame1sa. In that day, when
Europe shall blaze in one general war-when the
deadly stres shall begin between the dcspotic prin-
ciple the hand. and the liberal principle on
The other Great Britain will obviously be the sole
defender Of the latter in Europe. 1t may then be
for the general interest of humanity, and the honor
of America, that the United States should sponta-
peously throw her weight into the scale with Eng-
land. In this contingency, We may be found fight
hg side by side with the British; but, we take it,
in no other.