Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-02-10
The War against Paraguay.

Though these are "piping times of peace,
the horizon is not altogether unspecked by
the clouds of war. 1t will not be the fault
of the Administration if it does not sue
ceed in gaining some laurels by its martial
deeds, as well as by its civil policy. The
proposition to seize and hold portion of
Mexico, and to authorize the President to
institute war for that purpose, at his own
good will and pleasure, Notwithstanding
the immaculate bred Scott decision has, in
advance, pronounced his object to be un-
constitutional, is but slight evidence of
his eagerness for military honors. The
continued determination to nourish the
project for the purchase Of Cuba, after the
emphatic manifestation of the sentiments
of the Spanish Court and people, afforded
by the recent action of the Chamber of
Deputies, at Madrid, is another proof of
belligerent disposition; il may possibly
give rise to serious complication, if Con-
gress should comply with the demands of
the President. Still, there is no certainty
that any great difficulties will result from
either of these measures. From the two
warlike demonstrations, however, this Ad-
ministration is certain to reap whatever of
renown or discredit may be attached TO
them. 1t can felicitate itself upon the re-
suits of the war ON land against the Nor
mons, and the naval warfare against the
distant Republic of Paraguay. So for there
has been no blood shed on either side; and
the only thing seriously damaged has been
the United States Treasury. The Utah
war has been exceedingly expensive. Its
trophies may be enumerated, not in eagles
captured or won, but in golden eagles paid
away to contractors. The issue of our
quarrel against the distant Republic of
Paraguay remains to be determined; but,
from present appearances, there is little
reason to anticipate that any results will
grow out of it of sufficient importance to
compensate this nation for its expenses
The latest intelligence from that country
indicates warlike disposition on the part
of our antagonists; and though this Re-
public is numerically strong, and Paraguay
very weak, it is not certain that Mr.. Bow
lin, and the fleet by which he is accompani-
ed, will accomplish the object OF their mis-
sion. More than three hundred years ago,
Spanish expedition, almost as large as
our own, was despatched against the same
region, and was worsted by the savages
who inhabited it. The official organ of Lo-
PEI, the Paraguayan Dictator, declares that
the demands of this country will never be
acceded to, that our forces will be sternly
resisted; and it asserts that Paraguay is
well prepared for war. The only answer
TO our demands is one of defiance. Forts
and batteries have been established along
the line of the river which our feet must
ascend; and is said that twelve thousand
soldiers can readily be summoned to de-
fend them. They are instructed by skilful
officers, of European birth and military
education; and, though not we'll skilled in
the science of war, they are said to be
very courageous and somewhat formidable
warriors. 1t is alleged that if necessary,
forty thousand men can be summoned into
the field by Lopez, and that he will proba-
bly, offer serious and tedious resistance
The future will determine whether Para
quay is of sufficient importance tosus, one
way or the other, to compensate us for all
the trouble now anticipated.-Forney's
Press.