The New York herald., 1864-10-06
The News from Poru-rhe Probability
OF Wsr IN south Amertcs.

The News from Poru-rhe Probability
--"-ssT- Of Wsr In soueh Amertca.
Ar WIN bs'sssnby y'suf South American neYs
in another ooiunn, the Peruvian government
has taken an imporssnt step in the quarrel with
Spain for the Chincha Islsnds-that is, for the
integrity OF the Peruvian tsrrltory. Admiral
Pinzon, in command or the spsdish asst, is re-
quIred to re,inquish hts possession OF the
islands and to salute tho Peruvian flag, and the
Peruvian Congress has passed . resolutton by
which the President Of Perl ID authorized, In
case Admiral Pilxon should fail to do what 10
required, to declare and commence war against
Spain. Chile represented to be Indifferent
to the particulars Of the quarrel between Spain
and Perm, and not disposed to be troubled with
it solopg as Spain's seizure Of the Chischa
Islands has tho nature Of . simple seizure for
debt; but she is represented to be at the same
tune ready TO become q full party in the quar-
rel, and to fght with the earnestness OF per.
scnal interest, II it shall appear that Spain is
not so desirous to get security for debt ~ to
re-ostabiish her dominion in South America,
and to make the most Of what Spanish states
men call "Spaia's opportunity" s
War in South America is, then, at least immi-
nent-war between an ancient European
Power aud an American republic OF two and
half millions Of people. Spain has an army
and navy, and Peru has usither the one nor
the other; and thus the probabilities that Peru
could be ,successful in such quarrel seem
small at the first glance. But the disparity in
power between the two countries is not whit
greater than was the disparity between Great
Britain and the United States at the commence.
ment of that war which ended In the acknow-
ledgment Of our national Independence. Eng
land was then the great naval Power Of the
world, aud she possessed an army and q mill
tary establishments withouE al equal In Europe
British troops then still shoue with the glory
they had won in those great fields where Marl-
borough led, and Yendome, Villeroy, Tallard
and Marsn were beaten. 90 the other hand,
the colonies had not ship nor a soldier, but
only good material for both. Spain Is not in
any way so powerful az Great Britain was then,
and Peru can hardly be weaker thaa Wa were.
Her population is but little less than ours was.
1t is of different race, 1t Is true-the mongrei
Spanish population is very miserable material
Dut mOLc tuou uoiA tiiC SpScpio W Auutofa
descent, and the men Of tins race make good
soldiers, and fought in the war OF Independence
with splendid tenacity. a
Moreover, Spain, though she has soldiers and
ships, is practically very wesk--because war is
| money, and Of that Spain has bu! little. For
| this reason Peru can utterly ruin Spain. War
| is rulnous enough to national finances at the
/, best of times; but war in vsieh it is necessary
| to sail or steam Ave or six Thousand miles to
| get at ones enemy is necessarily tedious and
| protrscted, il that enemy has any respect
| able power Of resistance. Peru cannot be
| crushed by Spain at siugls blow, and Spain
cannot afford to give many. Besides Der In
berent weakness to carry on such war there
is always the danger to Spain Of possible trou-
| bles in Europe Political changes are always
imminent in Europe; and, in view Of any such
change taking place suddenly, Spain would cut
q sorry figure with all material power on the
other side Of the globe engaged in desperate
| quarrel about dunghill. Peru appears deter.
mined to fight; but II the Spanish government
has only the wisdom of seliintsrest there will
| be no war. fe skAY