The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-03-09

Oh by some one Of the numerous fAsslitiss sf
the camp, the march or "the perilous edge Of
battle" We only say that John Van Buren,, in
raising the standard Of General Sherman, win
be generally considered as singing out the
very champion needed to Lift the democratic
party from the dust
The late prophet Of Israel had popular
candidate; bat he was q failure, and his mission
is ended. II is proper, therefore, that Belmont
should give way to Van Buren,, who is ON old
campaigner and knows how to adapt himself
to the ups and downs OF great political revolu-
lions. The man who was an anti-slavery free
soiler in lS4S, . compromise peace man in 1852,
pro-slavery territorial interventionist in 1856,
squatter sovereignty man in 1860 and war
and proslavery conservative in 1854, Is man
of some experience, and, in breaking ground
for General Sherman, he knows what he is
about Mr.. Van Buren,, as the prophet Of the
war democracy for 1868, Is on the shortest
democratic road to the White House.
Tho War ON the River Plate-Ths Appa-
rent Object or Braxil-Hor Forces March,
Ing ON M0ntevtdoOs
We this morning publish very Interesting
sketch of the causes and tendencies Of the war
on the River Plate, in which the empire Of Bra
I'll and the republics Of Uruguay and Paraguay
are at present engaged. The relations of the
people of the United States and their extensive
commercial intercourse with these rich and
hitherto prosperous countries Of South America
render such q compilation Of the history Of the
conflict a most important one. To facilitate the
inquiries Of the public we also publish map
of the principal theatre Of war, in which cor
rect idea is given Of the various localities to
which the flames of war may extend. In this
contest between Brazil and the republics
already named each party claims that it was
the first offended. It is over year ago
since the contention that has ended in war
first arose. A good many efforts were made
to reconcile the conflicting elements that were
at work, but all Of them proved unavailing
Now, unfortunately for the peace and prosper
ity of those countries, the question has been
referred to the arbitration of the sword.
Thus far all the advantages Of actual war
have been gained by Brazil. A consolidated
empire, possessing well organized land and
naval forces, this Power enters into the strife
with many prospects Of success. The people
OF Brazil have, to some extent, warmly espoused
the cause, and the support of his subjects will
naturally strengthen the hands of the sovereign
and his advisers and give them more conf
dence in the result of the struggle. Besides,
victory has already sat upon the banners of
the empire, and the pride Of the Brazilians will
be greatly elevated. Add to this that the Uru-
guayans are divided among themselves--the
rebels under Flores operating with the forces
Of Brazil against the national party, headed by
the President Of the republic-and we see that
the chances are strongly against Uruguay, on
the principle that "house divided against
itself cannot stand"
But there is another matter to be considered.
The republic of Paraguay, one Of the strongest
of the South American nationalities, 10 an
nounced as having declared its intention to
take up arms against Brazil, and to aid the
Uruguayans in driving the Brazilian invaders
from the Oriental territory. In fact, Paraguay
has already publicly and officially suspended
all diplomatic relations with Brazil, and has
even gone 80 far as to seize vessel bearing
the imperial colors. Further, we learn that .
force Of Paraguayan soldiers, estimated at from
seven to ten thousand men, well provided with
artillery, was advancing to join the national
Uruguayan army. Meanwhile tremendous war
preparations were in progress at Ascuncion,
the capital of Paraguay, and naught was
spoken of there but the coming clash
with Brazil. If Paraguay were to
throw herself into the fray vigorously,
and with all the means at her disposal
which we are inclined to think she will-the
war will become one of the bloodiest and
most serious that has ever been waged in those
waters; for the other and neighboring States
would soon be drawn into the vortex. The
result would be sorely disastrous to them ell,
or at least to those that may survive the shock;
for some Of the weaker fences would be very
likely TO 60 to the wall
The question that naturally arises is what Is
the true object of this war? 1t Is evident that
Brazil has not entered into the conflict without
due reflection. She has counted the cost, as well
as the advantages which are to result from it.
No great war has ever been waged except for
good and sufficient reason. The pretences
which are generally put forth as the causes Of
aggressive wars are seldom the real ones. Ma
tons desiring to war upon one another can
always find pretexts enough to bring on hostili-
ties. The alliance of France and England in
the Crimean war, and the Italian campaigns Of
Napoleon the Third against Austria, afford evi-
dence Of this fact So does the French inva.
sion Of Mexico, and many other occurrences
/ TINT miUhf ha mnnfionad In tha nroceedin0s