New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-09-11

tinues. Beginning between two nations, it gradu-
ally widens its circle, sucking other nations into its
fiery maelstrom. Such is human history. Nor is
it different if the war be a struggle for lndepcnd-
cncc. Foreign Powers may for awhile keep out of
the conflict; but the examples Of hisioeT show how
difficult this has been.
| The seven United Provinces OF Holland under
that illuslious character, William of Orange, the
predecessor and exemplar of our Washington, rose
against the dominion Of Spain, upheld by the
| bigotry OF Philip H. and the barbarity of his
representative, Ava but the conflict, though at
first limited to the two parties was not slow TO
gage Queen Elizabeth, who lent to This war of lnde-
pendence the name of her fayorte Leicester and
the undying hcroism of Sidney, while Spain re-
torted by the Armada The United Provinces of
Holland, in their struggle for Independence were
| the prototype of the United States of America,
which need not remind You, drew into their con-
test the arms Of France, Spain, and Holland. In
the rising of the Spanish Colonies which followed,
there was less incrpostion of other nations, doubt
less from the distant and outlying position OF these
Colonies, although they were not beyond the am-
bilious reach of the Holy Alliance. whose purposes
with regard to them were so far thwartcd by Mr..
Canning backed by the declaration of Mr. Munroe
known as the Munroe docirinc-that the British
Statesman felt authorized. to boast that be had
called New World into existence TO redress the
balance of the Old. Then came the struggle For
Greek Independence, which, after a conflict Of sew
eral years darkened by massacre but relieved by
exalted self-sacrhcc, shining with names ike Byron
and Bozaris, that cannot die, at length challenged
the powerful interposiion Of England, France, and
Russia The Independence OF Greece was hardly
Acknowledged, when Belgium, renouncing the rule
of the Netherlands claimed hers also and here
again the Great Powers of Europe were drawn into
the contest. Then came the effort of Hungary, in
spircd by kossuth which, when about 10 prevail,
aroused the armies of Russia. There WAS also tl.e
cotcInporancous effort of the Roman Republic, un-
der Mazzini, which, when about to prevail, aroused
the bayoncts Of France. And lastly, we have only
recently witnessed the resurrection Of Italy, in
spircd by Garibaldi, and directed by Cayour; but
il was not accomplished until Louis Napoleon, with
his Wcl-iraihcd cgionS, carried the imperial eagles
into the battle.
Such are famous instances, which are now so
many warnings. Ponder them and you will see the
tendency the temptation, the irresistible tascina-
t.on or the commanding exigency under which, N
times past, Foreign Nations have been led 10 take
part in conflicts for Independence. do 10, dwell
now on the character Of these various intcrycntions,
although they have bcon mostly in the interest Of
numnn Freedom. |, j. only as examples 10 prtts
on our guard ;ha, now adduce them. The foot
prints all seem to lead one way.
But even our war is not without is warnings.
IF thus r in its progress other nations have not IN
tcrycnod, they have not succeeded in keeping entire
Is aloof. Tie foreign trumpet has not sounded yet
but more than once the cry has come that should
soon hear it, while incidents have too often oc-
cnrrcd, exhibiting on abnormal watchfulnoss OF our
affairs and an uncomfortable passion or purpose 10
utcrncddc in them with signs of uniricndy feel
ing. OF course, this is applicable especially, If not
exclusively. to England aud France.
IrRus FROM ENGLAND.
!. There ia one act ot the british Cabinet which
stands foremost an omen OF pcril-ioremost IN
time. foremost also in the magnitude Of its oonse
qucnccs. Though plausible in form, il is none the
less injurious or unjustifabe. OF course refer TO
that inconsidctatc Proclamation in the name Of
the Queen, early as May 1861, Which, after rais-
ing Rebel slaycmoneers 10 an cQuolRv with the
National Government in Bclligcrcut Rights, sol
EMMY declares neutrality between two e9nol
ya,h,s, a- If the declaration OF equality was not an
insult to the National Government, and the dcclar-
alton Of neutrality was not a moral absurlity often
,iyc 10 and all those prcccdcn's which make
the glory Of the British name. Even il the Procla-
nation could be Otherwise than improper at any
stage If such u Rebellion. il was worse than blum
derat that early date 1heapparent relations between
the two Powers were morc than friendly. Only few
months before the youthful heir 10 the British
throne had been welcomed everywhere throughout
The United Siates-cxcept in Kchmopd-as IN the
land Of kirsmon. And yo,, immediately after The
t1nrs of the Rebel assault upon Fort sumter
before thc National Government had begun 10 PIT
forth is strcug'h-and even without waiting for
tie arrival of our ncwly-appoirtcd Minister who
Wa Known 20 be al Liverpool on his way 10 Lon
don the Proclamation was suddenly launched.
Doubt j.; any wcl.iuiormcd person, who has read
Mr. Daiins's dispatches IL "a May 1861, rccouniing
conversation with the British Minister, will VIM
dictate it in point of time. Clearly the alacli,y If
this concession WAS unhappy, for IT bore IN a'r OF
defiance or at least of hcartcssncss toward an ally
o. kindred blood engaged IN the maintenance Oh iis
traditional power against an Infamous pie'ohSi'h
But il WAS more unhappy still that the good genus
of ENGLAND did not save this historic nation, linked
with so many triumphs Of freedom from aiata.step,
which. nn,ei the guise of "neutnhiy,' was a be-
travail of civilization itself.
II is difficult to cxaggcratc tho consequences Of
this prccipita,c unfriendly, and immense conees
sion, which has been and still is an oyerlowing
corntain of mischief ana bloodshed-hGc t0Rtc Geri