Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-12-19
England and France.

Whether we correctly informed by the English
aud French journals not il is really difficult decide
but certainly most Of their editors write in tone omn
Gus Of war. Excitement and convuson appear to be
fermenting particularly between England and France
and 'rreprcssibc conflict" lin physical sense) form.
the principal staple Of sensation mongers who clear,
endeavor to outve each other in the extravaganza Of
their predictions. 1t is therefore rather refreshing
amidst the existing turmoil find an author OF rationa
eai6re giving his opinions the subject especially a.
that author is frenchman, NJ Michel Chevalier well
known TO the literary aud political world This gentle
man has recently returned home from England and AZ
ter showing that Britain would only pass from the de.
fensve TO the offensive with that vigor belonging to
John Bulls temperament when he is provoked or when
his peace threatened, he expresses the opinion that
England has no such disposition to 90 war for a light
cause nasnuch public opinion there has the merit of
looking upon a calamity to be deprecated Then.
turning from England to France NJ Chevaler asks his
countrymen what they hope to gain by attacking
England! Docs France" he asks expect thereby to
extend her frontier to the Rhine ?" The New York Ey
press gives several extracts from the Chevaicrs work
of which the subjoined is specimen
1t is not because standard would float upon tho
Tower of London tina; the Germanic Confederation would
be at our mercy. For ar invasion of Great Britain by
French army TO have such issue we should be obred
TO undertake at the same time against Germany
%
say, should have commence bv raising I'M a coali
ton against II is true that after seizinc London We
might in the absence of the RhcniSh frontier induy
ourselves in the delightful luxury of blowing up the
monumental bridges OF that capital of devastating
the railways constructed Snch great expense across
the streets and conSgninC the flames the docks with
che piles of merchandise they contain but this ina
CINE, would III the Of civilization and add
h,ile to orderly generous and chiyal-
rous people But the English nation would nevertheless
sUbsiSt with its colonies its public spirit its genius for
industry and policy, its knowledge aud customs its i'm
periShsblc Institutions
A war between these two great peoples would there
fore be without object it could only give rise 70 fearful
devAstatons unlimited expenditure and pnumeabIe I'M
man sacrifices after which each would resume the pos
tion previousy occupied, neither more nor less
NJ Chevaer considers that there is no real cause for
cnmy between France and England but meanwhile the
rapid manufacture of the tremendous eugnery of war
continues in both nations. The naval backwards are full
OF activity The French army has been but partially dis
banded and can be recalled in few weeks and volun
tcer rife corps forming in all parts of the British Isl
audS Such things are by indicative of peace
ct rejoice al the views OF this author and only wish
that, IN France at least, they more general But
the Tau! nov marches to the coast facing England and
eNPends much breath in verbal menace backed certain
" by Warhke preparations; while the Briton-priie in
bis port, defiance in his eve cooy but more firmly re-
P7s the threat Ii i curious that this mutual discharge
o! national enny should during socaled entente
cordial, and when both countries are despatchipg
an allied expedition for the chassement of the Chinese
The question Of importance the civilized world A.
~hether France and England, with such vast means of
destruction a. are possessed by each of them will
rush into mad conflict the ncalcuabe injury of the
r,azrs Of hum ME, I =