Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1858-07-21
FRENCH OPINION OF THE UNITED STATES and
GREAT BRITAIN,

We find the following article among the de-
tails by the steamer Africa:
"The Constitutional observes that the pre-
sent difference has given rise to remark which
never before SO forcibly struck public opinion,
which is, that whenever any difference arises
between these two powers, one gives proof OF
the most perfect moderation, and condescen-
sion which is not habitual to it, while the other,
on tue contrary affects susceptibility and be-
comes exacting to degree not justified by sue
cess. The Constitutional explains this fact by
showing that, although the United States have
developed their strength, and arc increasing in
proportion hitherto unknown in the extent OF
their territory, the British nation is by no means
ntimidated, nor does she fear their army nor
their fleet. The length of time the Government
of the United States has been reducing the
Mormons to submission is not calculated to give
grand idea of its military strength. The
American navy appears large on paper, because
the steamboats, which convey passengers on the
lakes and rivers are included in the effective
force; but in case of war, Great Britain would
have an immense superiority. The English
Government is conciliatory, because the United
States supply the English manufacturers with
cotton, which article provides employment for
so large proportion of the English people.
But, as the Constitutional truly remarks, if
the English people have need to purchase cotton,
the Americans feel an equal necessity to find
purchasers. So that, although the English
Government is ever ready to make sacrifices
for the maintenance Of peace, the American peo-
pie would suffer most by a war between the
two countries. War would not deprive Eng
land of cotton, for the American planters would
send their produce to Havre, Antwerp, Rotter-
dam and all the Northern ports. They would
send their cotton into English ports in neutral
bottoms, and the Americans would draw their
spun cotton from England by similar convey
ance. The only inconvenience to England would
be that the Intervention Of third party be-
tween the buyer and seller would increase the
price Of the cotton to the English manufacturer,
and the Americans would probably try every
expedient and might finally succeed, in manu-
featuring the raw material at home. Tie Con-
stitutionnel concludes thus
"The manufacture of cotton is for England
the occupation and the life of 100000 or 2,
00O 900 inhabitants. 1t feeds entire provinces.
During the late crisis on that side of the chan-
mel. thousands of operatives were supported by
public charity. What, then, would be the con-
sequence when those cotton manufacturers, who
work five days out of six to clothe foreigners,
should lose that market? Who can tell what
might happen? 1t is then that England might
see o terrible revolution break out at home.
The cotton question would be converted into q
social question. 1t is the sentiment on that
situation which renders England SO prudent and
so moderate with regard to the United States,
and which, on the other hand, inspires the Uni
tedStates with an assurance which in case OF
necessity, she might carry to degree Of temer-
ity."