Weekly national intelligencer., 1854-01-07
MONDAY, JANUARY ., 1854.
THE OLD AND TIE NEW YEAR.


THE OLD AND TIE NEW YEAR ts
Another eventful year has closed eventful in
itself, and pregnant as is now manifest, with yet
greater events to come. 1t leaves the world in a
position materially changed from what it was; and
if-in scme particulars thss hinge has been for the
worse, set in Others and in llore, i Is eer-iniy
for the better Progress-not in the sense of fill
clustering ambition, but in the sober and practical
sense Of the word-has been, and seems still to be-
the order Of things. In what part of the earth,
save indeed in the Zahara or the Pampas, is 1t not
to be perceived! Science is fast shedding her be-
nign and vivitying light on every department Of
human existence, and, best of all, her mission seems
like that of him crying in the Wilderness, but to
usher in and prepare the way for greater than her
self Absolutism it is true, still prevails over a
large portion of both hemispheres, but despotism
itself learning to respect the awakening reason Of
the many, and to yield something Of its rigor to
the spirit of the age If in any part OF the world
it is still severe is in those parts of it that seem
scarce prepared for or at present capable of being
peaceably governed in any other way. Elements
there certainly are of fearful commotion, and whs-
pers are occasionally heard Of that ominous sound
which, upon the ocean, gives warning of the tenn
pest but, on the other hand, the formidable combl-
nation of physical power by those who watch the
masses with neversleeping vigilance seems to pro-
mise continuance of at least outward tranquility
Meanwhile the human mind is up, exploring, inves,
tigating analyzing, recording. Heaven and earth
are searched, and vast acquisitions made in our
knowledge of both, while the advocates ofreveaton
on the one hand, and its opponents on the other,
are earnestly aboring to turn to account the disco
yeres of science in favor of their respective systems
Truth smiles upon the scene: The more thorough
the search the more sure is she eventually to tri
umph, and by every turn of the momentous strife
her empire is sure to be enlarged. 1t is gratifying
to observe to how large extent our own country,
comparatively new in the scientific world, Is particl
pating in this general steepechtse after knowledge
In what department (save those calling for accumu
lations she has had no time to make and syste
matte training which her circumstances have render
ed impossible) does she not hold OF is she not as
suming, respectable position The insulting ques
tion, "Who reads an American book?' is heard nc
more, and is now remembered with blush by those
who proposed it. In letters, as in arms, we have
fought our way to the respect of mankind
On the field of general, far less of domestic poll
tics, this is not the place the time to enter In
regard to the one we must reluctantly confess that
our long fondly cherished hopes of the peace Of
Europe are fast taking flight; fact, however, more
TO be regretted on the score OF common humanity
than from any regard to the interests of our own
country When . general European war once be,
fore prevailed we reaped from it the rich harvest OF
a neutral commerce, and if the wise policy of our
parent statesmen shall yet, by the blessing OF Hea-
ven, be permitted to prevail among us, we may yet
see the stripes and stars floating sereney amidst the
smoke and uproar of contending nations, conducting
for them all an unmolested commerce that mitigaes
the miserics of human strife, and preserves many
private friendly relations among those whom re
lentless necessity compels to recognise in each other
enemies only. But, whatever becomes of the peace
of Europe, we have within our own border enough
pacific sister empires to employ all our energies IL
the pursuit of home intercourse home affections, ano
home prosperity. The commerce between them i
worth the carrying trade of the whole world. Lc
it be cultivated, strengthened, facilitated, multiplied
Let the ties of brotherhood between our people mul
tply like their railroads, and spread as does thei
commerce and their power. Let Americans, let al
Americans, of every name, of every school, of every
creed, of every employment, band themselves to
gethcr as one man; and while the light of new
year sheds its beneiccnt beams upon US let US vow
before high Heaven that We will eleave to each
other, ccavc to our Hag and stand or fall TOGETHER
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TIE EXTRApITI0N. CASE AT NEW YORK.