Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-04-17
Declaration Of War BY England and France.

The world is no longer LEFT to entertain doubt and
indulge in conjecture, about tho probabilities of
war IN Europe-it is now existing reality Eng
land and France have made, at last solemn declara-
ton OF the fact, and their vast naval and military
strength is soon to be put to the test in conflict
with The most powerful and formidable government
in the world That this struggle is to be long and
terrible one-the end and consequences Of which no
man can foresee-appears to be evident and is gcne-
rally admitted. But in what manner, and to what
extent it is likely to affect the prosperity and destiny
OF our own country, is subject about which there is
very naturally much variety -oi opinion Interest
ing, however, as this question may be to all classes Of
our people, it is one in respect to which, but little
useful or ineligible speculation can be offered at
present
But the absolute duty of the American Govern
ment in the present crisis Of European affairs appears
indeed to be plain enough. 1t is to preserve strict
and scrupulols neutrality-suspicious. sides with neither
Of the belgefant parties but seeking to secure all the
benefits and Advantages that can be derived from
their differences and conflicts. We have nothing to
gain, and much to lose by permitting our sympathies
to become actively enlisted one way or the other
In fact have teen unable to discover any occasion
Tor the indulgence Of much sympathy on our part
towards any OF the parties engaged, likely to be-
come involved in the present conflict We have, so
lar as we are competent to form opinion, no inter
est whatever-no part nor lot in the purposes and
objects OF the contest now going on between the
crowned heads OF Europe. We are not aware that
this war has been undertaken in defence of a single
right or principle about which the people of this
country need manifest any particular anxiety Leav-
ing Turkey out of view 1t is essentially contest
originating IN selfish motives, and to be waged for
purely selfish considerations and objects.
We may very properly, and do, feel degree of
sympathy in behalf OF Turkey, because, in the ex-
presSive language of the Gar i, is "sick" and like
iy in the natural progress Of events die any way
before long-because, in short it is weak feeble and
decrept and, because astrong aud rapacious govern
ment seeks to despo it of its territory and reduce
II to state OF vassaage and dependence upon itself
With Russia, of course, can have no sympathy
Thatever-except what is inspired by the resem,
olance between the andstealing procliyites of the
Gar and ourselves. And then England might put in
her claims to our favorable regards upon the same
ground-her genius in that line having been magni-
Gently displayed on many occasions There is nothing
IN our opnior in the position Of either of the par-
ties engaged in the present contest-looking excu-
svely to the motives which prompted them to EN-.
bark in (which should particularly challenge the
countenance or sympathies of the American people
France and England, ~ Ir sure, tell us that thew
have armed for the protection" of Turkey,-but il
is evident that the protection of Turkey in ITSELF is
entirely subordinate to considerations of more per,
sonal and selfish character The pretextof the Car is
equally plausbe-h he is pleased assure US that he
arms for the protection Of the Greek Christians in
Turkey, who acknowledge him as the head of their
Church, and to whom they look for succor in every
time Of need. To afford protection to the weak and
oppressed is very good cause, morally considered
but not one in which should expect either Russia,
England, or france, to engage without substantial
consideration.
The existing war, therefore, we believe is a matter
in which Kings, Queens, and Emperors, are princi.
pally interested, and with which the people Of the
United States have no Strict neutrality on
oar part, is alike the dictate of duty and interest.