The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-26

l
Here are the deaths Of more than two and
half millions Of persons in single year, over
and above the current mortality of the United
States. This enormous excess is due to suf-
fcient operating causes. A considerable por-
ton of it is contributed by France and Eng
land-two Of the healthiest countries in the
world-the common resorts of our enfeebled
lovers of pleasure-countries long since res.
cued from the miasmas attending the first
operations of agriculture, low land and river
improvcments-the very seats of science and
medical skill. 1t is obvious at once that we
must look for the solution of this problem
some where else than in climates, soils, and
mere occupations We must open the great
book of politics--search out its records-au-
alyze lis laws, and be prepared to credit its
astounding testimony. We purposely, and we
think logically, confound politics with cduca-
tion-moral and rcligious-aud with ciyliza-
ton and progress; because the former, in its
various stages Of Development, is result Of
attainments in the latter, and it will be sue
cessfal and stable and firm just as it is based
upou WIZ uCIulSltlouso VI VIC Mluu.
In this connection it is remarkable to OBJ
serve that in the five European States named
their annual deaths, greater or less arc found
to correspond with our ideas of the political
intellectual and moral conditions Of the masses
composing them. five add the United States
to the number, it will go far to strengthen the
conviction that death is produced far more
from moral than mere physical causes.
Independent Of education, moral, social and
political conditions, the people Of this coun-
try are far more exposed than either France,
England, or Prussia; and it is believed even
more than Austria or Russia. Our population
is altogether mcreurial in its nature. 1t Is en-
gagged and has been since the discovery Of the
continent, in telling our forcsts-dredging our
rvers-digging our canals-draining marshes
Atearing up, exposing and purifying soils, and
ell the time inadequately supplied with lnedi-
cal attendance and skill, and often beyond the
reach Of human sympathy. Excluding the &C
tual condition of our people in oil that relates
to their education, to political and social CON-
( petence and independence, and it is obvious
that the amount Of mortality would be greater
in the United States than in England or France
1t is enough TO show this to rccur to the face
OF the country at the present moment. We
are thus driven to the conclusion, much against
our will, that the European system Of govern
ment, including that Of England, is responsible
for the sacrifice Of two and half millions of
lives every year-sacriGccs required, be it re-
membered, to maintain the present aristocra-
cy, which derives the tenure Of its power
through the ignorance Of the people.
This, in truth is the cost in blood to main
tain the real status quo on the other side Of the
water The men who are so profoundly dissa-
tisGed with the republican institutions of the
United States-thcy are sorcly moved by the
enormous wrongs and inhumanities of American
slavery, to overthrow and oblitcrate which they
would if need be, destroy the fabric OF our free
institutions. Viewed in the light Of effects
and II Is not clear how otherwise we are to re.
gard political and Yoral cause.-the govern
ments Of the Oh World carry or every year
more persons than are in bondage in the New.
We admit il the character Of that bondage was
such as 10 produce here in this country the re.
suits Of which We complain in Europe, our