The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-16
Threatened War Between England and


France.
We insert an article from the London Times
which presents the opinions and estimates OF
an educated soldier in regard TO the relative
military and naval resources of France and
England, and the probabilities attached to an
invasion of the latter country. The statement
is invested with special interest at the pre-
sent moment, when the press of England is
absorbed in the consideration of alleged dan
gers arising out of the towering ambition of
President NAPOLEON, and the comparatively
unprotected condition OF the English coast. 1t
is possible that large proportion Of American
readers will be disposed to regard the subject
with nonchdidnce equal 10 that exhibited by
Captain MAURICE, who, the Times remarks,
reviews the pros and cons of the threatened
war with as much indifference as he would
witness fight between polecat and buzzard.
We cannot bring ourselves TO attach much
importance TO the alarm which now agitates
England. JOHN BULL, with all his gravity
is as gullible and excitable in his way az
Frenchmen OF Americans, and is as apt, when
once reused, to carry his folly to similar ex-
J,
and Montez fevers; JOHN BULL has his minisie-
rial and monetary crises, with periodical panics
on the score of French invasion. The ministe-
rial excitements occur at least once year-the
monetary once in three or four years-while
seven years bring round season of terrible
alarm at unseen dangers from abroad.
Nothing has appeared in cunnexion with the
prevailing cry Of invasion that can take il out
Of the ordinary category Of panics. 1t has been
raised as Justify many times before, always
by the same class Of persons, and always sus-
tanned by an appeal 10 the same range of evil
dence. The reign of LOUIS PHILPPE supplied
at least three occasions of this kind Of appre-
hension; and we cannot remember sught which
was not then in every respect as formidable to
England as what has been presented under
the presidency of LOUIS NAPOLEON. In each
case, editors aud superannuated officers have
grown almost crazy in the contemplation Of dire
calamilles, and have volunteered confessions
which would fully justify LEDRU RoLLIs''
| gloomest spcculations on the decline and fall o.
/ England. Halfpay admirals moan over the
/ condition of her - wooden walls" which, nc
! cordng to their accounts. are in a fair way o.
falling TO pieces from the dry rot, or Of being
| shattered by the enemy without much diff
| Guilty. They are il-built, i'll ofiicered, i'll
manned. and n few rounds-these old heroes
! tell their countrymen-wlll for ever dispose o
/ Fngland's prctenslons 10 be =" mistress Of tn
seas" Gouty generals tell nearly the sam,
tale concerning their branch Of service. tn,
/ coast is without furtifcaiions-the standing
army is much too small--the arms with which
the infantry are supplied are a generation be
/ hind the age-and the artillery, though havin.
guns and men, lacks tho necessary supply q
horses Putting their heads together, thcs,
authorities arrive at the conclusion that an in
yasOn VI England would iusl now be one o
the easiest tasks imaginable; and they ar
labonng with prodgiOus zeal to rouse tia
people and parliament Of England to con
seriousness Of the necessity Of reviviug undo
VicroRIA the fighting regime which prevailed
while PiTr was minister aud GEORGE TIL
TmgD the King.
1t must be remembered that though the cry
originates with honest alarmists, there is
great probability that II IS promoted and use
for mere political purposes. A minister, wea
in parliament, and unpopular in the country
may escape an avalanche Of troubles by
discreet nse Of these periodical fears. Design
ing rulers, anxious to consolidate ihel
power without awakening awkward inquiry
may accomplish all they want under the pre-
tence Of Certifying the island against ambltiou
foes. And, lastly, whole tribe Of needy an
vainglorious men may detect in costly schem
of internal defences the means Of extractin
largely from the public exchequer with it'll
risk Of inquiry or suspicion. For these reasons
the discussions now going on in England ar
not entitled to be regarded as possessed Of th
importance with which some Of our conten
porarlcs are inclined TO invest them