The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-05

uncultiyated land, and the opening OF new
uDtries, are far more sensible acts than shoot
ing each other with Paixhan shells or MIME
rifles; and if we read the Book Of Fate Alright
we should be doing violence to our natural
destiny were we to forsake the former. either
by any spontaneous act Of our own, or by sui
fering without a protest, our commercial part
ners to deprive us OF the blessings offered oy
involving themselves in war.
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS- ca THEIR TRAVELS
The steamer Georgia, which leaves this port to
day for Aspinwall, carries among her passen-
gers, General Hiram Wallbridge, member Of
Congress from the Third district. General
Wallbridge is en- route to California, whittier he
goes for the purpose Of collecting, from personal
observation, a correct idea as to the capabiil-
ties and requirements Of that State. SO as to
be able to speak and vote knowingly and ad-
visedly on subjects which may come up in Con-
troduce such measures as his tour may suggest
to him to be Of utility and Importance to it.
We like very much this idea Of our represen-
tatives travelling during the recess, and max
ing themselves personally acquainted with
cities, districts, States. and nations, Of which
they had previously had butsuch meagre know
ledge as is to be derived from books-and we
are glad to see that the plan is coming into
vogue Mr.. Chandler. member Of Congress from
Philadelphia and Mr.. Douglas. Senator from II
linois. are both at the present moment travelling
in Europe, and Mr. Caleb Lyon, member from the
Twenty third district, has but just returned
from an Oriental tour on that continent. to say
nothing of Mr.. Banks. of Massachusetts,, visit
to the fishing banks. This is all right; and we
have every confidence that General Wallbridge,
from his habits of observation and his quick
discernment, will acquire such an intimate
knowledge of California in his short tour
through it. as may afterwards enable him in his
place in Congress to legislate for that State IN
a manner that will rebound to its social, com
mercial and political interests.
LORD JOHN RussELL's LETTER AT WASHING
ToN.-Until some definite appointment is made,
we presume thai the Washington Union must
be considered pro tempore the government
organ at Washington. Upon this assumption
it is no very violent inference to say that the
article which we give this day. from the Wash
lngton Union, upon the late letter Of Lord John
Russell, on the Cuban question, is by and with
the advice and consent Of the Secretary of
State and TIE President. In this light we
think it is entitled to the calm consideration of
the British government. and OF Lord John in
particular. 1t is but the first Of series of art-
cles which may be expected, assailing the sa-
lient points Of Lord Johns manifesto; but
enough is disclosed of the intended policy of
our administration to satisfy His LorLship
and the Creoles of Cuba that if they SHOULD
rise and declare their independence our govern
ment will at least insist upon fair play if it does
not actually put in a helping hand to the cause
of liberty. Unquestionably the Cuban Junta
and the Oreer of the Lone Star will find more
comfort in the views of the Union than Lord
John Russell will discover. We believe. now
that the administration design to follow Up a
positive, policy at Washington. at Madrid, in
London, in Paris, and in Cuba, looking to the
earliest possible acquisition Of the island. Read
the article,trom the Union.