Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1854-02-27
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PoWeIStI Europe II becomes queSuon 0i no lit
tie interest," what position the United States
should assume in regard to them. From our geo.
graphical isolation, we have it in our power 10
remain IS idle spectators of the commencement
of conAagratiOE which vii probably carry des..
oaton ndruin over large portion ofthe ciyiliz-.
ed world. dithisis The position which seems
to be tocitly assumed bysus for hive not q $ vet
seen the slightest intimation from any quarter
that we could be expected to interfere in the mat.
yer III any way whatever. On the contrary, we
have nothing but cool calculations concerning the
benefits which are to accrue to us from the impen-
ding quarreEs.
But would ask, does it comport with the dig
nitystte duty. and the true glory of the United
States ofAmerica, TO assume an attitude of insen.
sibillty and indifference in so important a matter
as this involving edestinies of all the mghtiest
nations ofihe globe2 This is not question of
geography; neither Isl one whchis to be altoget
undetermined by considerations of selfish or
mercantile nature, nor are we toitake council in
this case from either Incidence or Fear. know
well what may be urged in the affirmative on the
score Of precedent and danger of inetldling in
European politics, aud entering into entangling
Slliances with foreign nutions. But Arguments
drawn, from these sources reach not the question
really at issue, which is 10 be considered, prmari
ly, not so much in the light of interest. in that
of duty though this after all will be found 10 in
Yoiye the truest interests both of individuals and
of nations. 1t is question which is 10 be deer
mined not from contacted and selfish view of
our own internal relations and, advantages, but
from thefwlder horizon anlmoree Extensive vision
TO the world at large. Itrespecs, in Short not SO
much what,we owe TO ourselves as. what we owe
10 oilers - -, r 81 - ~
am mo sfuend TO the kind of intervention in
EuEopean affairs proposed to us some time since
by the el. quentkossuth. Still, it,is;undeniable,
that, with the inspiration of True genius, he has
presented some views of our duties TO Other
nations, which well deserve mature consideration.
1t is indeed Questionable whether;the cautious, if
not timid, policy which was suited to the feeble
infancy of this nation, be that which properly
com! orts with its present degree. of development
and strength. The Child who has scarcely as yet
learned to walk alone. may, indeed, hide himself
at the approach OF strangers; but it
becomes the full-grown youth TO act different
part, and meet them face to face. 1t is with ma
ton, as with al individual. Neither are endowed
wipfpowef inf hence whichis not to be exerted.
Neither can'be released from the responsibilities of
the position which has been assigned TO thcm.-J
Zach has mission to accomplish, which no other
can fulfl. In the great drama of human alfairs
which seems 10 be now rapidly approaching its de-
nouements IT is the mations of the earth that are
10 be the real actors uponsthe stage. If God has
given 10 the Emperor of all the Russ:as, an abso-
Lutte sway over a twenty part of the terres-
traI surface, and over 66 millions of half civilized
barbarians+ai fifteenth part of tie human race
ii IS that he mayaceomplish some mighty work
commensurate with his power, in regard tothe 9TH
er nations of the earth, and in fufllme Mt of the
appointed destinies of cur race. And can we sup
pose that such power. influence. character and
resources as are now put into the possession of the
United States 20 remain forever imperative and
unproductive SO far The community of nations is
concerned? DOUBTLESS, America, loo, has herr mis-
sion 10 fulfil. She cannot evade her responsible
ties. In ACCEPTING power and place among the ma
tons, She must accept the relations whichegiti-
mately appertain 10 her position; and. consistently
with these relations, She is not liberty 10 assume
the partof an inditf mt spectator of great ma
tional Conflicts and calamlties.
But it may asked, TO what do these general
observations tend2 In what manner may she in-
teIfere? This must Of course be determined by
the nature of the case presented. But take The
present case. answer, as a mediatoy-.a pacif-
cctor7san umpire. 1t is not necessary that she
commit helseIf TO any system of foreign politics,
orentangEe herself in any alliance, But 1t seems
to me TO be due herself; TO her position; 10 her
actual relations with foreign powers, that she should
promptly abandonthat attitude of cold and selfish
indifference which she has thus far assumed, and
make at least proffer of her nj diation in order
TO the settlement of the pending controversies
between Russia and the other great powers of Eu-
rope.
What could be more appropriate than for the
United States to tender in the present crisis their
aid in the settlement ofithe questions in dispute,
since they are holly sisnterested in regard 10
them and, and disconnected with their results?-
1t would show that they have some interest in The
welfare of the nations with which they are con-
nectel so Intimately by commerce ami by lineage
1twoulds prove that They desire to promote .peace
on earth and good will among men, and that
they are sensible of the dutywhich their position
and their national character itself, impose. rs ss
Besides, to act thus, would be but to nuke a
return for similar favor already conferred by sons.
of these very nations. The Emperor of; Russia has
been worm and steady friend 10 the United States
and decided, with cheertulness, the questions
which at one time were in controversy between us
and Great Britain. Great Britain herself promptly
proffered her mediation when we were some years
since. likely to be involved in war with France
The King of tho Netherlands also acted as our
umpire on another occasion. Now, is it becoming
or honorable in the United States to reeeipe such
favor from other nations, yetshow no disposition 10
make any returu2 Is 1T proper that We should
complacently accept the benefits accrn.ng to us
from the kind mediation of European nations i'll
our behalf, yet when their circumstances impera-
tivelycail for the same friendly Inteiferelce on
part to contemplate their distraction with in
difference, or, if appealedto. shelter our inaction
unde the plea that the peculiar structure of our
government ferbits such Interference Surely there
should be sympathies between nations and min.