The New York herald., 1863-10-31

abolitionist, because he is 80 old. If any one
wants TO knew when man ceases TO be an
abolitionist by the necessary limitation of age.
we will tell them, in the words Of the Erdmi-
ner, that 1t is when he is no longer "swayed hy
any wishy -wasby humanitarian notions"
The Threatened Operate Conhict-The
Pause Before the Deadly strife.
"Grau has arrived" This announcement
may seem the most simple thing in the world
to the uninitiated; but to the better informed II
Is portentous. 1t is the fash before the report
Of the great gun-the vivid lightning before
the thunder roll-the low, menacing hum Of the
approaching tornado. l
Maretzek Is still smiling, still joval; bat
there turks around the corners of his mouth
smile Of defiance, and in bis eye there may be
seen sinister look, glance which betrays
desire for strife. He has made oil his prepara-
tlons has flung out his banner to the breeze
and on Its broad folds may be seen the soul
stirring list of great operate triumphs,
"Lucrezia Borgia," "Don Giovanni" "Judith"
and "Faust," all great victories over the pub
lie; and Max has msrshalled his forces, and
from within the battlemeuts of his stronghold
he tauntingly dedes Grau to . combat mort.
There is to be no quarter giveni the tin swords
have been sharpened, the long lances Of the
lank and lean warriors have been stepped In
deadly poisons; in fact, the coming conflict bids
fair to assume an unparalleled degree of fero-
city. a,e et a~t~ gs
Grau as yet makes no display of his forces
He is reconnoitring and endeavoring to find
some height from whence he may command
the Notifications of his enemy; but as yet he
has kept locked up within the deepest wells Of
his own counsel the spot from whence he
will launch his first shell. He is impene-
trable, naughty, defiant; ready for war,
he asserts; but, like all wise men he wishes to
look before he leaps, and SO pauses momenta-
rily. 1t must not be supposed, however, that he
falters. No such paltry thought enters his
mind He is not frightened. We can but ad
mire the attitude Of Grau. We admit, how
ever, that as yet he must be considered fili-
buster-a guerilla. He has not, like Maretzek,
regularly organized his forces and unfurled
his banner. 1t is known that hostility fills his
soul; that he pants for the conflict. But when,
where and how shall it take place? Unlike
Maretzek, his plans of campaign are not made
known. Then we are aware that there is de-
fection in his ranks. /, In tact, we must as
knowledge that we look upon Grau's intention
of giving battle to his better prepared enemy
as rather an inconsiderate undertaking.
Overlooking as We are with the milk Of
human kindness, the threatening conflict is
painful to us and causes apprehension. We
fear that there will DO extinction of voices
that those now cracked may quite break up in
the struggle; and we hasten to rush between
the Intended combatants and Offer our advice
TO both we say:-"Let there be no strife.
Join your forces, and together attack your
moro natural enemy-the public. Together
mako determined assault upon them; capture
them-entrance them-take from them their
power of resistance and their greenbacks at the
same time, and then share the spoils. To 40
complish all this, pick and choose from both
your armies the flower OF the stock. To
Aazzoleni and Brigaoli assign separate
| commands. While the one is attacking
the public here, let tho other. with sufficient
force. be sent 70 subdue the good people OF
Boston or Philadelphia. and 80 through the ope-
ratio season . grand and successful campaign
may be carried on. Tho artists not considered
| worthy to enter the ranks or the newly organ
| lied eperatic army might easily be disposed Of
| Some can be dismissed tout bonnensent, a. the
French say; others. who mus, be treated with
show Of ceremony. may be cent Oh on er-
rands which will insure their never returning
Thus Bellini might be despatched 10 look for hia
voice. The present generation would never eel
eyes on him again. Others might be pensioned
of or sent across the lines to JEFF. Davis; and
thus we should end by having, In every sense
of the expression. 80 grand operatic compa
n.y." By choosing the best from both armies 9
most complete and effective force might GER
tainly be found.
| Will not the warlike mpressorii-Maretzel
and Grau-listea to the voice of conciliation!
Will they not take our advice. lay aside their
weapons, cease their preparations for wal
| against each other, and, on the contrary, joir
their forces and attack the publics This, In
our estimation, is by far the most sensible
course to pursue. If, however. Grsu and Ma
retzek must battle. why, then, we shall stand
by and witness the strife, and shall certainly b.
on the side Of the triumphant party. We shall
await the Issue Of the contest, and when VI
see that one party is defeated We shall loudl!
proclaim our adhesion to the other. This W
deem wise course, and one which 1t is aiway
safe TO observe If you wish to be on the win
ming eide.
TIE FRENCH BLOCKADE OF MEXICAN PoRrS.-
We mentioned the fact some days ago tina
the French military authorities In Mexico ha
proclaimed blockade Of all the ports Of ths
republic--by them called an empire-with th
J exception OF Vera Cruz, Tampico and one o
| -, others, whore they have obtained foo
Ia little curious TO sse how ed
-. A.. s,....S. In, =, made. We heard
good deal, both from France and England,
regard 70 the inefnciency Of our blooSS..saa