The Placer herald., 1861-11-30

"crushing Out" the Constitution, in its effort
to "crush out" slavery and the South. And
with that instrument "crushed out" what Sc
curi - is there for the liberties Of the people!
Cur Foreign Relations
Events are transpring indicating quite plainly
that our affairs with foreign powers are not in a
healthy condition. Perfect harmony prevailed
between us and the rest of the world when that
"Imbecile, bad old man" james Buchanan left the
Presidential char.-and 'that great statesman,
and patriot" Abraham Lincoln assumed the reins
of Government-less than seven months ago;
now our own country is drenched with fraternal
blood, and the clouds have become black with
war, beyond sea.
Three months since, England, France, and
Spain put their heads together and began to
consult about the affairs on this Continent.
Greot Britain shipped soldiers and munitions of
war to the Canadas, the Spanish fleet in the Gulf
of Mexico, was seen to increase, and the Govern
or General of Cuba gave a quasi official recogni-
ton of the Southern Coniederacy.
The papers in the United States began to speak
Of these things as an Indication of approaching
trouble, but we were semi-oficially assured, that
our affairs were never more peaceable and safe,
with Foreign powers than then. At length on
the 18th OF October. Secretary Seward. addressed
a circular letter, to the Governors OF States,
upon the subject OF the fortifcatous of "the sea
and lake coasts.' advising the improvement. and
perfection of these detenses in the different
States, and we read that great activity prevails
at the East, in the work on the different defen5Cs
to the hIrbors, along the New England Coast, and
at New York. Although our relations were then
considered in such precarious condition rs to
justify such an appeal, we are informed in the
same letter, that the prospect Of any such dis
turbance, was then less iminent than al any prior
period The Administration had known. since the
nsurrecton in the South.
The late telegraph dispatches. assure Us Of a
thorough combination Of the great powers of
Great Britain, France and Spain OF an immense
fleet ready to sail from Cl5l. to be buck ii by
an immense force. OF which the contingent alone
OF France in troops, is 10000. 1t is true tnis
array of force, ostel'i'ly, LOOKS to Mexico,
bat that is close np0n IL. an( mi ehty colveni-
cnt in situation. should they be needed here. II
a pretext is wanted 10 justify intermedling in
Oul V!itio tlitlc IL IO ttOtoV DiI 1--we ~ III
the search by one OF oar armed vessels, Of /,
British mail steamer, and torcibly taking there
from Messrs Mason and Sidcll
We have failed to find any California paper
willing to justify the action of Comolorc Wilkes
in this matter-although the telegraph seems to
indicate, that he will be supported (tor IA time at
least) by the public sentiment at the Elst-and
perhaps will be backed by the Government. If
the latter conjecture should prove true there is a
difficulty on hands at once, for John Bull won't
stand this
How our Government can consistently sustain
Wilkes in this, will strike the American people
rs very strange MS it was about this very search
ing business. that we made war in lSl2;-but
perhaps we will not be more inconsistent than
ngand is in now opposing it.
The truth is, when nations get at loggerheads
they are like individuals under similar crcum-
sances-not very particular what they fight
about.
Taking the matter into view, from first to last
there is good reason for experimenting war
with one more foreign powers,-u war, in
which we of this coast will be in most exposed
CONDITIONAL war, in which shall be very
severe sufferers.
i We have but two seaward forts along our en-
tire coast, scarcely regular soldier left within
our borders, no arms munit tons to supply
troops if we could raise them. and are more thar
two thousand miles from succor of any kind o
description. If any good patriot can draw the
picture in pleasanter coors, we shall be Thankful
to see it.