Smyrna times., 1859-05-12
MISCELLAN ECU S.
w A r..

When the military spirit is in the ascendant,
it is very difficult thing to induce men to
"change swords for ledgcrs." In long con-
tinuance of war mankind become "native and
endured unto that element Invasion of Gu
ba, invasion of Central America, was the natu-
raj fruit of the late war with Mexico. The
spirit aroused by that conflict is not yet spent,
and its consequences cannot yet be calculated.
The foreign policy of the government has un-
dcrgone great change since that war. We
are not now, formerly, conented to stand
upon our own ground; but are looking abroad
for more territory. 1t must, however, be con-
tessed that the d.sorg condition Of the
States on our southern border has done much
TO induce this spirit Of acquisition.
Nevertheless, the significant fact stands &C
fest that war renders those who have partaken
of its excitement adverse to the dull pursuits Of
CIVIL life.
"For what can war. but endless war still breed"
Hence in States where the military are pre-
dominant, as among the continental powers of
Europe, any misundt standing, however slight
endangers the general peace. The govern
mentS are in the haLds of those whose trade is
war, and their impulses lead them in that direc-
ton. They may hesitate in Difference to the
wishes of the commercial and industrial class
es, they may hold in check the elements OF
strife, may postpone the inevitable day, 10 re-
cuperate, to organize, but States SO situated
and in such hands have no assurance of the
continuance Of peace for single hour. On
every occasion OF international dispute the voice
of the military sounds like the sea for the arb-
trament of arms.
Thus it is that every few years the ordinary
current of life is interrupted, industrial pursuits
suspended, and the face of society changed
1t cannot, indeed be denied that wal in some
of its aspects is attended with certain beneficial
effects. 1t rouses mankind from the torpor of
selfshness, into a higher mood Of thought and
feeling. The great events that pass before
their eyes, the stirring scenes of battle, the
kindling enthusiasm, the anxious suspense, the
heroic deeds, all these things awaken and
withdraw the mind from what is merely perso-
ger and more comprehensive character. Those
men whom we fOndly regard as the founders oi
our system of government, and whose names
will live as long as history endures would have
passed through life merely as respectable plant.
ers, merchants, and attorneys, had not the pres.
sure of the revolutionary contest raised them
from that narrow sphere, into soldiers, states
men and patriots. 1t is, however, their pecu-
liar praise that they were not misled by the
pomp and circumstance of war, and did not con
struct our institutions on such basis as to give
the military element predominant influence
in their administration. In Europe it it other
wise, and how long it may be before Euro
pean war may break out, it is impossible to tell
If it results from the present complications, i
must be the prayer of all that it may end il
lberating Italy from the grasp Of her oppres
sors, and lay the foundation for her politca
and moral nfranehisement.--Norlh American