The true Democrat., 1854-04-18

dHu tuc pcOplesuaVe SuStdlHcu, WItu INc great est unanimity, the apparently tottering fortunes of the Turkish government against the attacks of the Russian. England and France, in their attempts at reconciliation, and in their efforts to afford protection to the Turks, have been ap- plauded by the voice of the country. Under these circumstances and not regarding the sub- feet as one that touched or affected our interests, the real merits of the question were not exa- mined. The exertions of France and England and their gigantic preparations for the antici- pated conflict with Russia were, without one thought to the future regarded on all hands with the highest favor.
 But more mature and deliberate considera- ton of the subject, occasioned by the recent avowals of the British government, is bringing about change in public feeling any thing but favorable to the cause of Turkey and her al- lies. A very few months since, this country was startled by declaration from the British cabinet that the coalition between France and England had in view, as one of its}purposes, an interference in the political affairs this cont- nent. This intimaton uncontradicted as it still remains, began, in some degree, to open the eyes of our people to the various objects of the unnatural alliance between these two ancient enemies. They have combined together, it is 1 shrewdly suspected, not only for the purpose of resisting the encroachments of the Russian Emperor which threaten immediate danger to their supremacy, but with the uAerior view of carrying out their plans upon this continent Their plans can hardly be thought to be friend ly to this government.
 And the more recent declarations of the Bri- tish government have had the effect very greatly to strengthen these suspicious. The following piece of intelligence has excited universal indig nation:
 'Some excitment was produced in conner cal circles by Lord Clarendon's announcement to the Riga merchants, that all Russian produce, to whomsoever belonging, and even in neutral vessels, shall be lawful prize in the event of war"
 The adoption of this line of conduct would effect this country more injuriously than any other nation. A general European war would throw into our hands the carrying trade of Rus sa, but this steptaken by England, if persevered in, goes to distroy all such trade. The policy of the United States in regard to European quarrels, as concerning matters of no material 1 interest to them will be to observe strict neu- trality. But the carrying into execution the determination above set forth which involves the right to search neutral vessels for Rus sian goods, will not only force us from our neu- tral ground but throw us at once into the arms of Russia as powerful friend and abettor- This government has ever maintained the doc Urine that free ships make free goods;' and as an infringement of it by Great Britain brought about the war of 1912, so it will again produce another rupture more serious perhaps than the | first. We can never tolerate the indignity of having our vessels searched by French and British men-of- war, and rather than do so, will commence active hostilities against the allied powers, though such cause should result i'll destroying the ''balance of power'' in Europe by turning in favor of Russia the scales of victo ry The balance of power in Europe is a mat ter about which Americans will trouble them selves but little as it is of no material conse- quence to them.
 In a short time the truth will be known.- Though England and France combined should attempt to overawe the government of the Unit ed States, and to extort from it an acquiescence in the right of searching our vessels or pressing American seamen, they will learn to their cost the strength and energy it can bring into such contest.
 The growth and power and insolent preten- sions of the French and British naves are mat ters more deeply interesting to this country than the maintainance of the balance of power" in Europe, or the rendering succor to a weaker nation in conflict with a stronger The gal lantry of the American people may mislead them to tosympathse in a bad cause, but it will never bring them to submit to degradation against which their forefathers in the weakness and infancy of the Republic rose up in arms.