The Placer herald., 1861-12-21
War with Great Britain.

or Inc lnteluge0ce lHeTe, anu ol ito piou"
cling intense excitement. Public meetings
were held at which speeches and resolutions
were had, expressive of the anger and indig
nation of the people. We learn also, that
the newspapers have commented upon 1t, in
similar terms
If the two countries were bound together
in interests, as they were before the changes
which have taken place in our own land.
these appearances would not themselves be
alarming. But they are not, and whoever
fails to see it, is behind the times.
President Lincoln says that foreign pow
ers ouoht to see that their best interests are
involved in maintaining in the Union the
States of the South, leaving one to surmise
that there are some at least, who do not.
We have for some time believed that
Great Britain was one of these. She has
strengthened her navy on our coasts and
poured troops and munitions Of war, into
her provinces bordering upon u.s. Evident
" she is prepared for rupture, and our
own Government in the sanction of 1t has
given to the act of Commodore Wilkes, acts
as if more than anxious to take up the
glove If we are correctly informed the
Administration has left itself no opportunity
to recede with dignity, not only approving
of all that was done, but reproving the Of
ficer for not going further. There is no
foundation for di ipomacy to work upon, and
at least procrastinate the event, un;l some
preparation could be made.
The sympathies Of government folio"
the interests represented, that is, when saI
cacous statesmen are at the helm. and ID
this connection, we may speculate as to what
will be the action Of the British Govern
ment.
She has about five million of her people,
dependent upon the supply Of cotton,-she
can buy this article in abundance in the
Southern ports and pay for it, by an ex-
change of manufactured artces-her ship
ping interests will be greatly enhanced by
Obtaining an equal showing, with the States
of the North. Now all these interests can
be inealculably enhanced by the establish
ment of a separate nationality, in the slave
States. because in all these interests she has
had the Northern States as a rival, protected
bv the United States, in advantages which
could not be overcome
Favoring their quarrel in this matter, IS
the position they have always held towards
political refugees, when under the protection
of their flag.
We have rumors of private dispatches,
showing that the moneyed interest, at the
East, are qnite fearful of rupture. Look
which way you will, the clouds are thicken-
inc. and the future becoming more impene
trable. Should this additional complica
ton, of a war with England intervene, not
the prophets of old, could toresee the end.
1t would be like the breaking up OF the wa
ters, of the great political deep, submerg
ing in the fiery flood the great nations of the
earth. France, Spain, and perhaps Russia
would probably be drawn into the vortex.
Armed cruisers by sea- and marching ba-
talions by land, would take the place OF
the peaceful pursuits Of commerce and agl
riculture. Might would become right, and
he who would avoid insult, must be able to
resent it. In view Of the imminent peril !,
what is proper to be done for California:
Shall we continue in sloth and inaction, or
arouse to the necessities of the times? Shall
we be taken like rabits in the net Of the III
vader, or arm like men worthy Of the homes
it is our duty to defend! have we the means
of resisting, if we decide such a course to
be best!
These are questions, that properly obrude
themselves upon the notice of our people,
and we should be prepared to answer prompt
", and act decidedly.
In the event of such disaster, we can
not expect succor from the east, we OF this
coast are too much isolated, aud they would
have their hands full to take care of them
selves.
We would therefore be lett to our own
resources, and these should be well studied.
We hope our apprehensions may not be re-
slized, we pray the bitter cup may pass
our lips, but it is the part of wisdom to
look the truth in the face, and prepare for
the worst. We live in eventfu times, and
the mind must be active that comprehends
the surroundings.