Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-06-03

Mr. H. Winter Davis, conspicuous orator 10 the
late Scott campaign. has published book with the
fanta site title of The War of Ormuzd ana Ahrr
man. in which he affects to regard the Y. States
and Russia the respective champions OF the pHn-
ciple of liberty and the principle OF despotism and
to foresee in the distant future mighty and deer
sive conflict between these puissant combattants IN
the great dramma of human history. The fnnda.
mental idea Of this book is so absurd hction that
no effort of ingenuity or power of eloquence could
clothe it in plausible garb. 1t is perfectly safe
therefore, to assume that it will not make much I'M
preston upon the country, when developed IN the
extravagant speculation and hyperbocal rhetoric Of
the peurile production of Mr. Davis
The idea Of an inevitable antagonism. and ulti-
mate conflict between the United States and Russia
is so silly that we only express surprise that
ny sensible man could entertain it for moment
It was the dream of the Persian mythology that the
spirits of good and eyil-Ormnzd and Ahriman-
waged perpetual struggle for the ascendency over
man but to assign any such Quixotic mission to ma
tions is to betray sad want of philosophic refec-
ton. To assume as the basis Of grave disqdision
an inevitable and moral tagonsm between the u
States and Russia, is to betray egregions ignoF
of the past and present political relations of the
two countries.
1t is the idea of some enthusiasts that the science
of governments is abstract and that its the-
Oretica perfection necessarily implies its practical
fitness for man in every condition. Persons who
! reason in this way may regard the government OF
Russia unmixed evil but when we consider
the peculiar condition and wants of the Russia peo.
pie, and their aggregate of individual and national
happiness, will conclude that they not so
much the victims of oppression as such writers
the author of Ormuzd and Ahriman !" would repre-
sent. The government of Russia may be despot
ism, and for that abhorren to the notions Of
republicans but its effect upon the subject people
establishes its fitness for them. Under the govern
ment of absolute monarchy the Russian nation have
emerged from the depths of barbarism, and within
single century have taken position in the front rank
of civilization. The great fact in European history
for the last hundred years is the rise and progress OF
Russia At the battle of Pultowa, July 8th 1909,
infant nation struggled for existence. That infant
has since grown to the statue of giant, and, like
colossus bestrdes the continent of Europe. Its
cal Development has been coincdent with its growth
in political power its conquest in the realms of sci
ence and art and learning have even surpassed the
vast achievements OF its arms In the rapidity OF
its progress it has eutstripped every nation in Eu
rope, and the United States alone can present par
allel to its wonderful career. In every element of
national strength and happiness Russia is great and
prosperous beyond any other country of Europe It's
government is stable and efficient and its peo-
pie more contented than any other, while in respect
TO political supremacy it is universally recognized
the preponderating power of the Old World.
In the character of its rulers Russia has been sim
gularly fortunate In energy, OF will, honesty of
purpose and force of genius, they have for the
part presented striking exception to the proverbia
stupidity, cowardice and meanness of legitimate
royalty. When we contemplate the policy of the
Russian government through all the ylciSstudes OF
its history, we are struck much by the immense
genius as by the colossal ambition of its monarchs.
1t the internal administration of the government be
conducted with anything of the skill and energy
which characterize its foreign policy, need be at
no loss to comprehend the devoted loyalty and pa
triotism of the nation. And we have right to in.
fer, from the consummate ability of the Russian di-
plomacy. that its government manifests want of
genius in conducting the domestic concerns of the
empire Whatever opinion may be entertained of
the Russian government in an abstract view, it is
idle to deny the energy of its administration, and
its perfect adaptation to the condition of the nation
The destruction of Moscow the most heroic display
of unconquerabe patriotism which history records
illustrates the devotion of the people to their coun.
try and its institutions
i The Government of Russia and the United States
are based upon antagonstic principles but their
relations have ever been of the most amcable kind
President Jackson, in official message spoke of Rus
4 sia as " our ancient and steadfast friend.n Mr.
Jefferson, radical Democrat he was. enjoyed and
reciprocated the ardent esteem Of the Emperor AL
exander Indeed, strange as it may to theo-
riss of the "Ormuzd and Ahriman' school this CHI
valrous Emperor entertained an admiration for
American institutions. 1t was his friendly media
tion that initiated the negotiation which resulted in
the treaty of Ghent, and it was by his arbitration
that the citizens of the South got indemnity for the
slaves which were kidnapped by the British in the
last war. The reignng Emperor shares the feelings
and opinions of his predecessor, and have every
reason to believe that the United States and Russia
will consolidate and perpetuate their friendly r2a.
tions by the same ust and pacific policy which has
regulated their intercourse in times past.
Washington Union.