The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-18

The BuroPsan War-Prepossd 0saaaaAsa II
the United States In Behalf ef Peace.
We briefly diverted The ct e day to the
resoluti n lat ~ ubmitted in the House Of
Representatives b. Mr.. Clingman. Of North
Carolina, proposing an exraordinary diplc-
matte commission to the belligerenls in the pre-
sent European war in behalf of peace. We
spoke Of the resolution, then, as . sensible and
statesmanlike proposition, and our subsequent
reflections upon the subject bavs greatly
strengthened this Impression.
1t would be extremely absurd to assume that
we have nothing to do with this Turko- Russian
war--that, because we are neutral, we are in
no way involved in the consequences The
condition Of our money market, the failures
among our banks Spectators and mercantile
houses, the high prices Of all tn necessaries of
life, the dropping state of our foreign commerce,
the extensive suspensions in our manufacturing
operations, and OF the work upon our unfinished
railroads. ore among the stubborn facts which
inform us that we are involved in the depressing
consequences Of this European war. The Bourse
and the London Stock Exchange fuctuate with
the rise and fall of the news from Sebastopol,
and the tide in Wall street goes no or down
with the arrival Of every steamer from Liver
pool or Havre, if it brings but days later
news from Europe.
This bloody war in the Old World, then, to o
great extent, is disturbing our commerce,
tightening our money market, slackening our
manufacturing operations, arresting the work
upon our internal improvements and throwing
thousands of mechanics and laborers out Of
employment, with tendency to the reduction
Of wages, in the face of steady increase in the
existing high prices Of the necessities of sub
pistence. Therefore, we are interested in this
European war; we are involved in its immsdi-
ate consequences, working as they are, against
the worldwide interests of peace and we have
the right, and it is our duty, as far as compati-
BILE with our neutrality and the honor and dig
nifty of the country, to interpose, as the friend
of both parties, in behalf of the pacifcation of
Europe. We have the right to protest against
the prolongation Of war upon few petty
diplomatic technicalities, when II thus disturbs
our interests, our progress and prosperity as
neutral and to suggest to the belligerents, in
good faith, that they have no right to dcrange
the business affairs Of the civilized world in
the further continuance of their murderous
squabble for the balance of power"
The question next recurs, would the media
torial commission proposed by Mr.. Clingman
avail any thing in behalf Of peace? We
think it would avail much to this end. The
allies are already hard pressed for the
sinews of war. It's costs are tremendous.
Increased taxes and formidable loans are the
order of the day. They would quit the sport
with readiness could they do it without humili
alton. They have evidently caught Tartar
in catching the Russian bear. Nicholas on the
other hand, shows no symptoms of failing wind.
He has made his preparations and his estimates,
and is deliberately in for the chances Of long
and wasting struggle. But of all the crowned
heads Of Europe, excepting, perhaps, Louis Ma
poleon, Nicholas is the best informed of the
substantial strength and prospective power of
this republic among the leading nations of the
earth; and, like his predecessors, he his
high respect for our government, and would be
apt to listen with marked attention to any
reasonable propositions emanating from it in
behalf Of peace.
Why not, then, adopt the proposition before
the Honse for a peace commission! Let five
men be selected, with whose history, character.
and position at home the European cabinets
are familiar such men, for example, as our ex-
Presidents Van Buren,, Tyler and Fillmore, and
from such well known statesmen and diplomats
as Gen. Cass, Mr.. Buchanan, VIM. G. Rives and
Edward Everett-and their arrival in Liver
pool would instantly turn the attention Of the be-
nnserents, and all concerned, to the great ques-
ton Of pacfcation. Diverted to this subject,
the cabinets Of the great powers, belligerents
and neutrals, would be prepared to receive our
peace commiss on with that respectful delibe-
ration which could scarcely fail Of the desired
result.
The arbitration Of neutral and friendly
power between two powers, or parties, involved
in war OF q dangerous quarrel, is no new
thing Russia has frequently occupied this
position of mediator, and once or twice in our
own affairs, if we are not mistaken. King
William, Of England, was the umpire between
Gen. Jackson and Louis Philippe in the affair
of the twenty-five million francs. Louis Napo-
leon was the umpire between our government
and tina. of Portugal in reference to the ques-
ton Of Indemnity in the case Of the brig Gen.
Armstrong. But last, though not least, Eng
land and France entangled themselves in this
present war in volunteering as mediators be-
tween Russia and Turkey. Our commission,
however, could not lead to any such result.
It's duty would simply be to use the friendly
offices of our government between the bellige-
rents in behalf OF peace. If successful, it will
be great achievement; if it fails, we shah lose
nothing, but gain much in the esteem Of all
civilized people.
We hope that at an early day Mr. Cliugman
will call upthis resolution, and bring the House
to IFS discussion; for we verify believe that the
discussion OF the subject in the Congress of the