The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-21

BOYD, &c.
-~-
Enyppean Prospet ts- the Coming Conflict
b~rVs~R Russia sOo sDc Uaised SGass's.
It would be not little curious if the Russian
and American squadrons, cruising within a few
days sail of each other in the Pacific, should
actually come into collision and disturb the
friendly relations now existing between the
United States and the Mnscovite empire. The
event has already been anticipated by writers
whose character gives a certain weight to their
opinions; and though for our part we have suf
fcient confidence ia the prudence of Russia and
the discretion Of Commodore Perry to look upon
it as exceedingly improbable, it is by no means
q contingency which can be regarded as beyond
the pale of possibility. Should such an occur
renee take place, and Russia exhibit towards
this country demeanor as naughty and as
overbearing as she has displayed in her negoti-
ations with Turkey and her allies. there can be
little reason for doubling that the world would
witness an explosion and conflict compared
to which the present European difficulties are
mere children's squabbles.
One has only to examine from the point Of
view of an entirely dsinterested observer the
absolute and relative condition OF the various
States which collectively constitute the civili-
zed world to see how vast would be the 10.
terests involved and how great the principle
at stake in such contest. The world contains
Tut two solid powers at the present moment,
emhodiments of directly antagonistic and hostile
dogmas These are Russia and the United
Cfafa Tho former ic q Cnun1 GuhStantial
permanent despotism. 1t contains within it
few or none of the distracting elements which
menace the other powers Of Europe. Its prin-
ciples are clearly understood by all parties,
taith'uliy carried out ny the ruling oligarchy.
and patiently endured by the masses The mate
rial resources Of the kingdom are vast, ana
susceptible of such enormous expansion that it
could sustain itself in an isolated position with
out perceptible hardship A fierce religious
spirit binds together the various tribes which
constitute its subj cts strong feeling of at
tachment to their institutions and loyalty to
their sovereign seems to preclude the posi-
blity of an internal disruption among the peo-
pie. No cancer gnaws the core of the Musco-
wife swav No revolutionary tendencies threaten
its permanence. Even Poland is tranquil; and
the fervor of patriotism burns not more ardeutly
on the banks Of the Hudson or the Potomac
than in the plains of Novogoroo or on the shores
of the Baltic This edifrs, roiidly founded
and co proudly rearing its head to heaven. rests
entirely on one great principle-the anaihila-
tion OF popular liberty and the concentration
Of power in the hands Of few.
The United States on the other hand rest on
adiametrically opposite principle. Here the few
are nothing. Minorites are crushed-all power
belongs to the masses. Reared under such an
enDobing principle as this. every man among
us feels himself part of the State. and en-
dows it with his individual courage and energy.
Hence the towering strength possessed by our
country. If we fight, we do so not for hire or
even for the tnsel prize Of military glory we
contend as principals, and for prize in which
we shall each claim a substantial share. Every
man Of us is Us closely interested in the we'll
being and progress Of the country as a partner
is in the firm to which he belongs. To point
out the vast power which this system gives to
the collective body called the State would be
waste OF time we have only to look around us
to see the evidences OF our growing might aud
coming preponderance in the worlds affairs.
These two states-Russia and the United
States-stand alone in this respect Look
where you will no where else can you find re-
liable symptoms of increasing strength and
solid stability. Great Britain is tottering under
the hideous burthen of a pampered aristocracy
and bloated church all the wisdom Of her
statesmen, all the moderation of her middle
classes cannot avail to prevent an explosion
and fearful catastrophe some day. France is
merely going through fresh crysalis. When,
{ ever she is destined to assume solid status
under stable government, the most able philo
sopher can only conjecture. Germany is vol
cano heaving and casting up, from time to time,
vast masses Of lava, which sparkle glitter and
glow. only to disappear in smoke. Austria
and Spain have reached the last step in the lad
der Of degradation the one groans beneath
a debt that is running State and people to-
gether-,he other is in every way beneath
contempt.
OF all the great nations whose history fills
cur libraries and whose dominions cover the
map the two ue have mentioned are tue only
ones VIII oh possess within them the elements OF
durability. Nor il this the only pont of rescm-
hlance between them. Both are seeking expan-
sion on every side, to the terror and confusion
Of the rest Of the world. Russia covets Tur
key and invados the Danubian provinceE. W.
desire Cuba and Mexico Both are eagerly
watching the dev elopements Of the Pacific. We
send Perry 10 Japan, and the Russian squadron
is close upon bis heels. Both have an eye 60
tnc future benefits to be reaped from q chang
IL things in China. Russia has already an en-.
vey ut Nankn, and If our administration da
ts duty we should at this moment be despatch
Ing plcnipoteniary to Tapping
Unless events belle The shadows They ~
ca flag lolue them ii few years tha prcien
60 piat.uus d both Ems. IL and ibis country vii