Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-05-09
The Expset tod European War.

The advices by the Niagara created quite
a sensation i'm New York, and there was u
further advance in provisions end breadstutfs.
Of the effect of the news on change, the Her
aid says:
The point which attracted most attention
WAS the three days ultimatum OF Austria,
which some regarded rs Ill equivalent to
declaration of war against SARDINIA. The
subject was freely commented on, both by
French and German merchants, rs well rs
by Americans. 1t would seem that major
ity of our French merchants, and prob
ably of our French fellow citizens gen
orally, were decidedly antl-Austrisn IN
their feelings. and in some cases gave
animated vent to their views on the sub
iect. They considered that the ultimatum
of the three days was little better than
menace, if not challenge to France, and that
fwar unfortunately ensued, she must be con-
sidered ~ the first aggressor. The German
merchants, ~ usual, took matters coolly, and
said but little. What few Austtians there
were among them, also said but little; but
when speaking on the subject with Amsri-
cans, they in some case. defended the right
of Austria to maintain her Italian posses
sions against all attacks, even should 4 war
result from the legitimate protection OF her
Lombardo Nenitian subjects. The represen-
tatives from other parts of Germany and OF
Holland, appeared to hold neutral ideas in
reference 10 the matter. We have repre-
sentatives Of Russian sentiment, among the
merchants. So far az the Spanish feeling
could be judged of, it was opposed to the war,
without any decided expression of preferen-
ces on the subject.
The question chiefly discussed among
American merchants was, a. to what effect
the war. should it occur, would have upon
the interest of the United States. 1t was
thought that it would benefit our shipping
and carrying trade, and help breadstuffs
and provisions, while cotton might. to some
extent, be injured by it. Naval stores have
already improved in anticipation of the war;
and it may also be remarked that saltpetre
has naturally advanced from the same cause,
and that large lots are nuw held on specula-
ton.
The opinion seemed to be that at first il
might affect American securities unfayorably,
but that should it become serious or threaten
a wide extent in its range, it would ultimate
IL, benefit them; because moneyed men in
Europe. OH feeling.insecure, would again do
as they did in the continental revolutions OF
lS4S-send large sums of money to this
country for investment in the better class Of
our bonds and stocks"
The effect Of a European war on American
interests will Of course be an absorbing quos-
ton on this side, in all commercial circles
The suspension to ce tain degree OF manu-
featuring activity would necessarily result in
Europe during the pendencey of hostilites,
and this would unfavorably. for time at
least, affect the price of tho raw material of
cotton. On the other hand, the provisioning
of large and unproductive armies might cause
III increased demand for the surplus bread
and meat products which under propitious
seasons, this country generally produces
This demand might be expected to benefit
our shipping interests also, in a more or less
degree, and give greater activity in rail.
way traffic and trade generally. Under all
this our imports might also become very
large, and in the end bring us excessively,
in debt, rs heretofore. The farmer, how
ever, would in the meantime enjoy high pr-
ces for his products, which Of course would
be felt inconvenently by the large class of
non-producing trades people and mechanics
ut home. baltimore Sun.