Washington sentinel., 1855-01-07

perhaps, understand better than can do here.
In the next place, | might get up such debate
as would lead to discussion of the merits of the
several contending parties, and put ourselves
IN position which neutrals ought not TO oc-
cnpy. therefore feel the full force of the eau.
tion gwen by the old Roman poet, to those
who tread on ashes that may conceal fires un-
derneath. Nevertheless, l desire to make a
suggestion or two on this point
The war originally rested upon very mar
row basis, so small that the parties themselves
did not expect it to produce war. This is
clear from their procrastination and hardness
IN making adequate preparations for so great q
contest. In fact, it was supposed, at one time,
that they had settled the difficulty. The Car
himself is represented to have said that the
war is one "for which, judged by its apparent
grounds, there is no reason; and it is contrary
to the moral, industrial, and commercial inter
ests OF the entire world 1t is true, that he
goes on to charge that the purpose of the AL
lies is to limit the power of Russia. Well, If
that be their purpose, Of course any offer of
mediation from us would most probably lead to
no favorably result. But do not understand
that the Allies have planted themselves upon
that ground as yet. And even If they have for
moment entertained such notions, the form
liable resistance they have met with when at
tacking what was supposed to be the exposed
point of the Cars dominions will go far to
satisfy them that it is not any easy matter SO
to change the map Of Europe as to deprive
Russia of any portion of her territory. / do
not believe they will persist in any such pur-
pose. They are governed by wise and saga.
cious statesmen; and, in view Of the difficult
ties which present themselves, do not think
4 fHnx,A Avxx1 L. IL
st,asei. .L--- si.l-s- e .i-~-~ governments are
willing to make, they can materially diminish
the power of Russia
All history shows that the apparent strength
of alliances is deceptive. Where all the parties
are acting in good faith, and with equal zeal,
it very frequently happens that, from the want
OF proper concert Of action, they fail to ac-
complish their object All Europe at one time
assailed France unsuccessfully, and Napoleon
himself, at later day, carried most Of, the
European nations with him against Russia, but
his reverses caused Austria and other powers
to secede and join his enemies, so that be was
in the end overwhelmed. take it for granted,
that these sagacious statesmen will
not rely so fully on this alliance, powerful as
it seems to be, as to press the matter to the
extreme l have alluded to.
1t does not strike me, Mr.. Chairman, that it
is the interest of either of these powers to de-
sire prolongation Of the war. England is a
commercial nation. The English people are
brave, and energetic, and patient, and so @g
as their Government tells them it is necessary
to carry on the war they will submit to sacri-
fees But England can have no hope of
acquiring territory, SO as to compensate her
for these sacrifices. This remark applies
equally to France. Her Emperor seems to
have been directing his energies of late very
much to the improvement Of the interior Of
his own country, in all respects. and to the
beautifying of Paris | do not, therefore, be-
lieve that the Allies will at present desire to
prolong the war. And very clearly it cannot
be the interest of Russia to have war rather
than peace. The Emperor Of Russia has a
territory twice as large as that of the United
States. 1t is but thinly settled, and the facli.
ties of communication between the different
parts of it are not such MS they should be. He
marches men thousand miles from Moscow
to the Black Sea or the Danube, and they are
decimated two or three times over by diseases
and fatigue, ere they reach the point of action.
Now, you and know very well, sir, that rail-
roads from Moscow and st. Petersburgh to the
Danube, the Crimea, and the Caspian, would
make Russia stronger now than she would be
W Il IL.
out these facilities. / take it for granted that
a sagacious ruler, like the Car, would rather
improve the condition of his country, In this
respect, than prolong such war. Great Britain
is Just the reverse of Russia in this respect;
and by reason of her compactness, insular DO.
sition, and maritime supremacy, she is form.
dable antagonist TO any country under the sun,
having one league Of sea coast.
But, Mr.. Chairman, | have no doubt that
there were some mistakes made originally.
think it highly probable that the parties took
the successive step that led them into this war
without foreseeing where they would carry
them. The Emperor of Russia NAV not have
expected such an alliance when he took DOS
session Of the Principalities, and the Allies
probably thought he would recede when they
made their demonstration. But, sir. they
have now placed themselves in position
where neither can well make the first move 10.
wards settlement, without sacrifice of pride.
and perhaps Of prestige. Their condition il
well described by Vattel, in a few sentences.
which will read to the committee. He saws:
Two nations, though equally weary OF war
often continue IL merely from The fear Of making
the first advances TO an accommodation, as these
might be imputed TO weakness; or they persist in
il from animosty, and against their own interests
Then common friends efectually interpose. offer.
ing themselves as mediators. And there cannot
be a more benefcent Office than that of reconcil.
ing two nations at war, and thus putting stop 10
the efusion Of blood. This is an indis pensable
duty to those who are possessed OF the means OF
succeeding in t."
These sentences, Mr.. Chairman, express
fully what would say on this point. But If
the contest be not terminated now, il must
soon become a general European war. II will
next year probably get into Germany and Italy,
and be more destructive than the wars of Ma.
poleon, because the means of aggression and
destruction are greater at this time than they
we're in his day. When the tri-colored flag is
on the Danube, or the Vistula, the impetuous
glory loving Frenchman will have brought back
vividly the recollections Of Marengo and Jena,
and Austerlitz, and Wagram. Al Europe will
be in blaze, and the war will fall with de.
structiye and crushing force on the industrial
and lower classes, who, in such times, are al
ways the greatest sufferers.
There are some who look with hope and
pleasure to this condition Of things. They say
that the Governments will be oyerthrown. and
the cause Of liberty advanced. have no doubt
but that some OF the existing Governments will