Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-05
SWEDEN AND RUSSIA
From the Stockholm Af,onfl,de, An.n

From the Stockholm Aftonflldet, Apr4
The die is cast The Western Powers have at length
declared against the Car civilization social order
political progress has eventually, after twelve months
test of patience that appeared nexhaustble drawn the
sword against barbarism oppression and lawess
tion and the curtain has risen for in drama
OF universal history the unfolding Of which will exercise
most important influence the whole social state of
Europe
The epoch peace has passed These forty years have
developed among the greater portion OF European almost
unanticpated of civilization happiness aud pros-
perity Other days are dawnng, in blood sacrifice
and suffering; their closing human mind foresec-
To all appearance the struggle be terrific and gene
RAJ and no nation no government, eau calculate how long
they will be permitted to remain quiet spectators of
scene OF war carried on beyond their frontiers. The
struggle is for the sacedthe dearest ties of society
its religious and commercial reedou-the political
rights OF the people, aud their advancement civilization
welfare" and happiness The petty quarrel respecting
ces TO the church and vault has extended magnitude
vas aud iInm.asurabe and the sword return to
its scabbard until the fate Of Europe has decided
until victory snail have hnaly declared for the West or
tue EIst-for freedom or Tor Cossack power.
IL - great idea, uttered by despotc monarch but
by IN Who built bis despotism the OF the PEG.
pe' choico-that the Of conques's has forever
ed II 10 no longer the narrow minded sef-hnes OF dy
isti-s that determine for the world the boundaries
OF war or peace. II Europe be doomed Tor a Lengthy
period to orcgo the blessings oil peace aud look hor
os OF war IN the face, it will always be satisfaction TO
reflect that this war not maintained for the acquisition
errtofy-it 10 the peope, the most civilized peop of
Europe, urged by their conscience and their duty take
as TO secure for fuury peace AID order and for
ALL to drive despotism fraud and oppression within its
proper sphere.
It is great and glorious sight TO see how the very
spirit OF the people has rendered the impossible possible
how the march Of civilization has formed n bond of
unity between two nations that have since the
OF the Crusades been war continually suspected and
h.ed ,ch other England and France, those implacabe
foes those rivals full Of berness-have shaken hands
across the channel and united in treaty for higher OBJ
jects than national vanity Out of the difference Of dis.
and that aYtaa
tween these two nations has sprung unity OF mind and
action that must generate feelings Of courage and security
in the minds Of the weakest and most scepticas of
Their cause Is the cause OF humanity, and wherever the
light Of civilization shines the nations OF Europe look 10
wards the united Western powers the
Of truth and the champions for better and brighter
futurity
this strife-its morning dawn already risen IN blond
over the countries Of nearest neighbos-the Scaud
navian people not yet'caled to STARE II may be
longer shorter period before the signal il given for
them TO join In the Struggle the hour has yet arrived
They can still cit IN peace their Ocky strand obsor-
yers, until the period when they shall be called upon to
act Bat, although their yet rest they must not be-
ukewarm specuators Of the phases In the struggle: the
warm sympathes OF their hears their prayers their 70
wishes only have ben-only feeling Of happi.
joy I'll their breasts hear that victory ba,
crowned the united flags Of the Western Powers and Only
ono feeling Of sorrow deprcss them, (which may God
OrbIanoiher fate than that Of success should attend
their efforts SO powerfully and universally Is the public
opinion expressed IN Sweden, and NOfway and by our
thu allies tho Sound that one single voice
will dare to raise itself with other Wishes With Joy hope
and tho sympathy Of friends salute rom our strands
waters. Their success embodes the promise Of our
the flags Of England and France and welcome them to our
future happiness the Swedish heart known no neutrality
between freedom and slavery between the light Of West.
civilization and tho darkness Of Eastern oppresson
With the former must our hearts warmesi sympabies 60
our minds bright hope; aud there Ia no human power
that can smother the silent but good wishes that
rise In every Swedish breast for tho Of the Just
cause and for an honorable victory 10 those that
6ght for II.