The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-12
TIE Gar and tAe Coalltson-TheAr Respec-
tive Resources.

TIE Gar Ind Tia C0al1tion-Thenr RcSpec-
tive Resources.
To Judge from the rhodomon AIDES which
are daily uttered through tn, medium of
the Englsi press, public meetings and din
ners, the British lion has only to make
HIS growl heard on the shores Of the Baltic
and Black Sea to Brighten the already ter
rifed Gear into conditions. We still see
this foolish vanity pushed to extremes; and yet
if ever tn re was an occasion which called
for serious and anxious reflection, and for re-
lance rath upon the wisdom of Providence
than upon the short-sighted policy of man, it
is the present. All the facts and circumstances
that m Ike up the hi tory of this Eastern COM
plication would 20 to prove that we are on the
eve Of one of those great political and social
commissions which form distinct eras in the pro-
gress of civilization. What its imme liate effects
may be on TIE fortunes and destinics OF particu-
lar nations, God alone can foresee ; and 1t Is
only tempting of his vengeance thus comb
IDENTIFY to anticipate his designs. The disas-
trous precedent Of 1872 ought to have taught
more humility and moderation to those who
are about to run their heads against the same
rock upon which the fortunes of the first French
empire were wrecked.
But are there really material grounds for this
confidence that the Car will be compelled to
snccumb TO the power of the coalition? 1t is
singular enough that in all the controversy
which this Eastern question has excited, no at
tempt should have been made to estimate with
any thing like accuracy the military resources
Of the belligerent powers, and to base on statis-
teal proof the opinions that have been SO album
dainty advanced on either side. We have heard
enough of the ethics of the dispute (and pretty
ethics they are, if we may judge by recent
disclosures,) and it is now time for us to ex-
anime it in its physical aspect We are not
quite sure that, viewed in this light, the Cars
position is so forlern and desperate as it is re-
presented.
When Napoleon decided upon the invasion Of
Russia, he did not disguise from himself the
magnitude and difficulties Of the enterprise. He
knew that country backed by frozen seas and
bowling deserts could not be easily subdued,
and that it would be impossible for him to pur-
sue its army and government if they fed before
his eagles to the Oural. He felt that his only
CHdHCe'Oi IcuuCiHS ~ lay III INC IaCt IuaC III
proportion its power was vast, the more
it depended on its centre of life. Now,
that centre was Moscow and by obtaining
possession of it he calculated upon being able
to reduce the Russian Emperor to terms. The
calamitous results Of that ill-udged expedition
will, we think. efectually discourage any second
attempt of an invading force to penetrate into
the interior of Russia. UnSble to reach the
heart, the coalition will endeavor to cripple the
extremities of the Northern colossus by closing
uphis frontiers and blockading his ports. They
will not be able to play long st this game
They would exhaust themselves in the effort. and
still leave the real strength and power of Russia
untouched. The London journals lay great
stress on the assumption that the suspension of
the foreign trade of Russia would cause her
great internal embarrassment, aud speedily
bring about a CONFUSION. A glance at the fol-
lowing table-which shows the relative re-
sources and indebtedness Of Russia and of the
nations that are either actually in arms against
her, or are likely to be drawn Immediately into
the struggle-will at once demonstrate the fall
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