Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-10-23
Pycsrcct "a a Foreign war.

There is probably no danger Of an Immediate
outbreak with England; Jet events seem to be
working out such result, The late circular
of Secretary SEwARD to the Governors OIL the
loyal States, respecting the fertilization of oui
sea-coast and lake shores, conveys the impress
sion that the Government apprehends that tnere
is danger of foreign invasion. The recent let
ter Of Lord LYONS and Secretary SrwARps re-
joinder are generally regarded as evidence Oh
latent disposition on the part Of the bii''sn
Lion to pick quarrel with the American Eagle
The history Of the former proves that Wnen nc
want, a prete1t for a fight, he is never at a ioas
In fiuding one, however aimsy 1t may be.
Itwere idle to suppose that this civil war 10
which we are unhappily engaged, can last long
without involving one side or both in iore'gn
war, and in what is perhaps to be equally
dreaded, entlpgliDg foreign alliances Eacf
aide thinks ils cause demands the sympathy o.
the civilized world, and both will naturally seei
foreign aid. The more distant the prospect Oh
either eide Of ultimate success, the more des
nerate will be the efforts to obtain help from
abroad, or at least to prevent the opposing par
ty from obtaining such help.
For the frat three months after the rebellion
assumed decidedly belligerent attitude 1t II
not probable that the idea Of taking any othe
than a.strictly neutral position toward the par
ties at war in the United States, had obtained
much hold on the English mind. But since th'
affair at Bull Run, change has come over th'
aristocratic and governing classes in England
and ia gradually working its way into the mid
die and lower classes. The impression is gam
ing ground that the war, If In the end success
ful on the part of our Federal Government VIII
be protracted one, and Of great detriment tc
grihsh trade and British interests The pro
priety of recognizing the Southern ContedracJ
has been discussed both in public meetings ano
in Parliament 1t is true, that this proposition
does not meet with anything like general favor
but the bare fact that It is broached at oil, II
sufficient TO show that the time may come when
the Government may venture to entertain H.
It would be folly in us to be either alarmed
or to affect stoical Indifference at the prospect
of foreign war. Such war would undoubt
edly complicats and increase the difficulties
with which we will have to contend. Our re-
sources are great; but they are not inexbausti
bic. While the high seas are open to our trade
and our commerce Is unobsIructed except BY
the few freebooters the Southern rebels car
arm and send out, We cannot be seriously Grip
Piled. But war with great naval power like
England would make the ocean and the lakes
instead of the land the scene Of conflict, and
our foreign trade would be greatly impaired.
Restrictions and distractions would iDjuIe, II
not render il comparatively Insignificant.
II foreign war must come, VIC must meet 1t,
and not cowardly shrink from II, or listen to
any dishonorable terms, that the enemies of our
Tree institutions in Europe may have the impu.
dence to dictate to us. Still every eIertion that
can be honorably made should be made to pre-
vent collision with any Of those powers with
whom we have so long maintained peaceabl'
and amicable relations.
It Is very certain that il We could obtain
brilliant victory or two over the Confederate
forces, or obtain and hold possession of some o.
the more important points over which the reoe
Confederacy claims Jurisdiction, there would b'
little danger of foreign interference In our lam
lily quarrel. Decided success at home will in
sure peAcelble relations abroad.