Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1863-11-06
For the Enquirer.
LOOK TO THE EAST FOR LIGHT.

LOOK TO THE EAST FOR LIGHT =.
The first light, as We believe, that w
break through the cnveloping clouds Of this
tremendous revolution, will dawn where the
sun emerges-across the Atlantic.
It will come in the shape of combined
movement by foreign nations IN favor OF our
recognition as IN independent power. Not
the most remote star of hope, we think, gllm-
mers above the horizon of our hemisphere to
fash a solitary ray Of light across the nurky
e1pause. The situation OF the two chm'at-
ants, and the overwhelming issue at stake be-
tween them, forbds that there should be any:
That issue is nothing less than one o: ua'ionai
life and death, in which defeat involves to one
uarty bankruptcy and ruin more oTerwheim-
iny than ever overlook nation, and to the
ether debasing enslavement more intolera-
BILE than the most absct scrf ever endured
In such q dilemma, how can the comhatants
ever settle peace? 1t is with settled con>
yiction of the impractieabiity of any other
adjustment that we say, look to the East for
light. Our soldiers have done and are still
doing all that can be done on the field. Vic
tory after victory crowns our arms. But
where is the hope of conquering peace from
Il nation which, the moment it grants it upon
our terms, seals its own ruin and destruction ?
We do not mean by this view'of the case to
dispsrage the heroism cot our troops and the
skill Of our Generals. Far from it. 1t is to
their noble achievements we shall have to
point as evidence Of our ability to maintain
our independence when we ask from foreign
powers to recognize US US worthy the precious
boon.
The idea we would convey is simply that
yalor and arms have done and are doing their
mart in this tremend ,us hour, and wise states
manship and diplomacy must come to their
rescue ond support. 1t is evident the coun.
soils of the camp have transcribed in ability,
nm to this time, the counsels of the Cabinet.-r
The wily Prime Minister of the Lincoln Gov.
eminent appreciates, we fear, better than our
chief counsellors do, the telling influence of
diplomatic strategy in this war.
What is in the way of our recognition by
foreign powers! Does any one know? Oar
hast bone for deliverance from this apparently
;nterminsble conflict is, as we believe, in that
direction, and MAKES this vital, most absorb
inc question We repeat, why are we not re-
coSnized by the leading powers of Europe 2 If
our representatives abb Dad do not know, they
have been sent on their mission to but little
purpose. If they do know, of course the Sc
arst has been communicated to the Sanhedrim
az Rishmond, and we would respectfully AK
# them to out With it to the people. Is the
institution of slavery the great stumbling
block to our independence? This is an enor
nous question, we admit, to deal With but
not beyond the cope of broad and far.sis hted
ststesmanship. At least, it would not dams
age our cause or compromise our dignity to
know what are the views and notions OF the
trans. Atlantic world as to the most reasonable
and practicable plan Of settling the issue, if
issue it is, between Us.
The issue between the North and tho South
is ne to be settled only BY the arbitrament of
arms let us try and settle that between the
South and Europe on the forensic arena. The
settlement Of the latter, we believe, will make
the former foregone conclusion.