The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-02-13
The war In tho n.nan orientn,-conai

The War In the Rnndn Cricntal-Conli-
ton OF the South American Republics.
The latest aavices from South America, con-
tanned in our correspondence from that part
of the world are of more than ordinary i'm
portancc The long-threatoned war between
the empire of Brazil and the republics Of Uru-
quay and Paraguay has at length been precipi-
tated, and hCstilities have been commenced in
rather furious manner. Paraguay very firmly
espouses the cause of Uruguay, and some
months ago notified The Brazilian authorities
that any movement of their troops into the Uru-
Of war, and that Paraguay would at once de-
clare for the invaded State, and send an army
to aid her in rcpclling the invaders OF her soil.
Brazil does not seem TO have been in any way
inundated by the bold threat Of Paraguay !;
for, without delgning reply to the protest Of
tho Paraguayan government, she sent troops
into the Banda Oriental, took possession of
small town, hauled down tho Oriental flag and
hoisted the Brazilian. On hearing of this, the
President of Paraguay-a son Of old Lopez
like man who believes in keeping his word,
Of once seized Brazilian mail steamer, sent
the Brazilian minister his passports, and de-
clared open war against Brazil.
The first serious result of the war thus in
stalled is the terrible bombardment of Paysan-
dd, an account of which we published few
days since. In this fight the Uruguayans &C
quilted themselves with much spirit, and though
the town was reduced to o heap of ruins, it
does not seem that tho Brazilians and the forces
under Flores, their rebellious ally, gained any
substantial advantage.
Meantime the war clouds arc thickening.
Strong achievements Of Brazilian soldiers
were expected to join Flores, while powerful
Paraguayan army Yves on the march to the re-
lief Of the Uruguayans. The spirit Of the Bra
zilians was getting up to fever heat, and, unless
wiser counsels prevail, VIC may look for very
exciting Intelligence from this part Of the con-
tinent for some time to come. Paraguay is the
only power of South America that has been
long preparing for war, and may now be said
to be amply prepared for the work she has un-
deriaken. Nevertheless, Brazil is a powerful
and concentrated empire, having an abundance
vessels; and, if she goes into war earnestly, she
will make terrific ravages along the borders of
her enemies.
While these South American governments
are thus foolishly emhroiling themselves in
desolating and expensive wars and revolutions,
Spain is beginning to learn wisdom, and is
gradually Withdrawing from her schemes Of
renewed conquest and territorial aggrandize-
ment in the New World. She has already COM
pletcly backed out of st. Domingo, after leav-
ing nearly forty thousand of her best soldiers
buried on the fields and mountain sides of that,
to them, truly inhospitablc cline. A lesson 80
dearly bought will not, we hope, be soon for
gotten. And that it is still fresh in their mem
ory is shown by the moro judicious proceed
ings of the Spanish authorities in the waters Of
Peru. Already we learn that the Spanish ad-
miral and commissioner have alighted from
their high horses and expressed wish to have
the question Of The Chincha Islands settled by
diplomacy and arbitration, and not by the
sharp sword. The letters Of our correspond
ents supply all the interesting facts concerning
the commencement and progress Of these nego-
tiatons. At the close Of the conferences the
Spaniards and Peruvians will no doubt salute
each others flags, shake hands and embrace,
and, wishing each other prolonged existence
of several thousand years, the great rumpus Of
Pinzon and Mazzaredo will vanish like bottle
of smoke.
II would be we'll for Brazil, Uruguay and
Paraguay II they would now initiate the
pacific disposition evinced by Spain and
Peru. Il would be much wiser for all these
Powers to unite their forces for common de-
fence against the encroachments of their enc
mics in Europe, whose chief delight is to SOW
discord and disscnsion among them. In unity
they will be strong, but IL they fall to fighting
with each other on every paltry pretext, they
| will necessarily become disintegrated, and will
fall an easy prey to European ambition and
intrigue. Our own rebellion Is now on ii
last legs; and, as Spain has retired from the
contest, our armies will, at the close Of the war
only have to clear out Macmillan and bill
French and German adventurers from Mexico
| Two or three gunboats sent down to Rat Island
with message to the Sandman garrison a.
that place, will soon convince the Italians Of the
propriety Of leaving as soon as possible; sc
that there would be no European intruder
among us ct all. How foolish, then, Is Il FOL
the people Of South America themselves 10 b,
threatening their own peace and prosperity.