The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-08-30
TEso Contest Iva south Ameriea--AUOthor
War o. Ideas.


War os Ideas.
Brazil, in liz geographical position, its OK.
tent, it's RESOURCES, its population and power,
holds about the same reintion TO the other indie
pendent States Of South America that the
United States hold in North America. But
while the dominant power Of the North is
great republic, that Of the southern division Of
the continent is an empire under the govern
ment Of an hereditary monarchy. Brazil, lying
under the equator, and covering the vast and
prolific valley of tho mighty Amazon, and COM
paratvely undisturbed by internal revolutions,
has prospered, is Furnishing and has become
proud and overbearing. The Emperor, taking
his cue from Cesar and the Napoleons, has be-
come ambitious He evidently aims to absorb al
the little republics around him. in view Of the
ultimate occupation Of the whole South Ameri-
can continent q Ne Brasa & BIZ successors.
He has accordingly sought and found con-
venient pretext for war with the little repub-
lie of Paraguay, lying between the river of
that name and another known as the Parana,
the two great streams which pour their i'm
mense volume Of waters into the sea through
that common outlet, the famous Rio de Ia
Plata. Brazil, with the possession of these
rivers, will control South America, and to pos
SECS them she has commenced her operations in
the right quarter. Little Paraguay, however,
Is making most heroic fight to save herself
from extinction as an Independent State, and,
Is the struggle stands, the issue In doubtful.
Brazil, 1t appears, has humbugged all the petty
independent States below into an active alliance
with herself or an advantageous neutrality; 30
that little Paraguay is lighting the fight Of
republicsnism against imperialism in South
America. not only singie-handed in repelling
Brazil, but with other States which ought to be
the active allies Of Paraguay ss in . common
cause. Our sympathies are naturally with the
heroic little republic against the overshsdow-
ing monarchy; for this Is the war of ideas
which we have successfully just fought through
in another shape.
The monarchy Of Brazil, although respect
able establishment In Its way, Is foreign ex-
crescence upon the American continent, and not
the natural outgrowth of American ideas. II 10
founded upon the old European, AsiaHc and
African Idea Of the divine rights Of kings, in
the face of the predominant and expanding
American idea Of the divine right and sove-
reign power Of the people. In this view,
Brazil ID not much better than The French pro-
teotorate set up over Mexico In the name Of ih
German emperor, Macmillan. We can hardly
doubt that England and France will do what
they can in . quiet way to aid the cause Of
Brazil; for II IL their cause, and the cause Of
monarchy and kingcraN the wide world over.
But every republic Of South America should
actively join In supporting the cause Of Para
quay, for she h now, perhaps, fighting the bat
tie which will determine the fate of all Of
them. Al the Same time our government should
st least In some way give h opinion upon the
merits Of this South American quarrel; for, in
volvsd in II commercially, a. well ~ politi-
cally, We have very considerable interests at
stake. We have not heard from the Chevalier
Webb, our fighting ambassador at Rio Janeiro,
for some considerable time; but II il to be
hoped that he will not permit his pleasant rela-
tons with the Emperor and his court to cloud
bis understanding In reference TO this war Of
ideas between Brazil and Paraguay. To make
ali sure, however, against any mistake on his
part, We would suggest the propriety Of q let
ter Of instructions from the Secretary Of State
in exposition Of the Monroe doctrine, SO far as
applicable to South America.
In any event, the common danger Of the
South American republics ought TO be sufR-
sient to ualte them In one common cause with
Paraguay