Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-08-12
France and ENGLAND.

French and English alliance -
Because at times political alliances become overcoud-
ed we do not therefore think them necessarily compro-
missed. Tn the best regulated household there may be
moments of quarrel GOODNESS without divorce beco-
ing necessary. Frankness, moderation, patience, and
especially courtesy succeeded in appeasng those
tous irrations, and then regret having given way
too slight ground to the passion Of the moment for
which on the morrow there is cause.
Peace, with its consequences already known, allows
us more to take dspassionate view of what has
taken place during the last three months in Germany
well as in England regards the italian question
and the policy Of France.
Germany will excuse us if we speak of England first ;
we need not give reasons for doing We not
suspected of liking peace have been reproach
ed with liking it too much We never look upon that
reprOach insult because always were, and still
ready to repeat that we love peace provided France does
not suffer therefrom either in her honor in her Just
share of influence, in her legitimate interests On
these conditions, yes we like peace.
Nor we be suspected of not being partsans of the
English alliance. Have not at times been reproach
ed for being too much so! If did not feel offended
it is because always declared why how and on what
conditions wished for and do wish for the English al
lance. It only be certain conditions which we
think the present moment well suited to remind our
neighbors of.
We have often said tive look upon an intimate al
lance between France and England indispensable to
the peace of the world to the progress of all mankind
progress which cannot advance surely except under the
safeguard of the double mortal and material power re-
sultng from the alliance. AS moral power, we find
in the genius of the two nations associated good what
might be wanting in either of them respectively, and
which renders their ascendency irresistible. AS
terial power, without vain presumption and without
contempt for any one this alliance appears to to
present and for long time to come the greatest
combined strength by land and by which be pro-
duced either to do good or prevent evil. The Anglo
French alliance therefore of the highest the
interests of Europe and of the world, also to the in
terests of the two nations respectively. 1hisis, in few
words why advocate it. But let us hasten to add
it cannot exist and last except on the condition of being
sincere, reel procal, conding-n word really cordial
And is this impossible? We do not think so ; for, if
we carefully consider all the excellent reasons for peace
ard good understanding between the English and
selves, still struck if possible, with the in
cOnveniences and dangers which alteration GOODNESS
of those amicable relations would Immediately engender
We believe that we expressing the opinion
Of the majority of the political men of country no
matter to what party they belong the opinion of all the
enlightened portion of the nation of that which has
known how, more than one OCCASION to set aside all
prejudices and bid truce to old sores.
And can much be said for England? After what
has just taken place in the highest regions
we may be allowed to express doubt. 1t appears to
us that atterly the common sense OF the English peOpe
has, almost sngc-handed defended the alliance with
France against the dangers which its statesmen made it
incur. Without endcavoring to support our Observa-
lions by quoting diplomatic documents which have be-
come very old within fortnight we might find much
Parliament We have not recognized the usual reserve
of the great party of which England is Justly proud
We are perfectly aware that it is customary on the
other side of the Channel whenever the army navy
esmat brought forward, to raise the phantom be-
fore the public of the invasion of Old England" and
through magnifying glass to show Cherbourg Brest
and ouon ready to send forth their squadrons loaded
with troops on every speedily converted into French
lakes-lf not at once at least at short interval We
know that this theatrical effect aby succeeds the
pounds sterling voted. But hitherto in this some
what hackneyed custom, VIC behold the chief part taken
by some eccentric individual and attached but little
Importance to it. The circumstances under which the
same have occurred the political importance of
the actors the denouement which they might at
tain, despite themselves do not allow us to remain
silent respecti danger which should like to obvate
If, by one G. tlOse sudden changes of any moment
possible in P; amentary Governments division with
small minority should restore to power the party Just
thrown out, would its programme be in keeping with
the opposition speeches in the House of Lords? This
would be serious. Mstrust, menace almost insult to-
wards France is what find in those tory manifesoes
-mlStruSt when the government of the Emperor has
never ceased by words well by acts to reassure
Europe as to his intentions menace when France scru
pulousy abstains from any provocatOn when she has
nothing armed nothing prepared, beyond the wants of
the IN Italy finally almost ilconceaed insult
der that strange appeal to passion This
not proper behavior towards any one and it is dam
gerous towards country That England should have
thought fit to remain neurathat forgetting her ber-
Ill poNcy she du NOT choose 10 JON rance nDeratlng
laly-ls point shall not examine peace con-
Cuded whether she right wrong before the war
but that her neutrality should be ostensibly directed
against is what do not understand because there
is not anything to justify or to explain it,
France does not lay claim to dominate anywhere
On the sea, the mainland she only wishes her egti-
mate share of liberty and action Does this imply that
she must admit and submit to such domination from
another power? Like gland France possesses rich
and populated coasts, colonies far and near great
merce religious, political and commercial interests final
ly moral influence to maintain the whole surface
OF the globe for this purpose she keeps up an army and
fleet proportionate to her population, her wealth. her
grandeur. When her honor or her interests command
it, France employs her forces she thinks fit against
her enemies but she does not threaten her friends or
her allies she does not doubt their honesty: she does
provoke them suspicious unworthy ofa great nation
We no longer believe in hereditary hatreds we do not
wish to believe any in traditional resentment be-
tween nations long peace long interchange of re-
atons OF every nature footing of equal and mutual
esteem, have, at least we thought So senced those
anachronisms left for dead with glorious soldiers
tho battlefelds Of Alma and Inkermann Are We per-
haps, mistaken?
France has only shown calmncss and moderation in
opposition to the suspicious and hostile neutrality of
) England and of Germany. The Emperor, victorious,
restores peace to astonished Europe Will Europe be
less moderate and less pacific than the Emperor? Will
England who takes note of single vessel more or less
launched at Brest and who votes 300,OO0OOO francs
for her navy; will England who so loudly calls upon
the continent to disarm will she set the example, and
withdraw from her order of the day this programme oil
of ear the sad effect of which we have felt it
our duty to point out in the point of view of the ALI
ence we should wish to uphold? When a cloud passes
overhead pregnant with electricity why attempt to de-
liver the thunderbot? Who knows where it might fall
HARD SAY1NGs.-Now that the election is over and
the excitement consequent thereon feel if apollo