The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-11-22

Tho War IN Parasuay.-se AhSsiea a {
State 81 Rsvslatiss.
An important question In the history Of oul
hemisphere is being tried In the gallant strug.
gle that the stanoh little free State Of Paraguay
is making against the Brazilian empire and ita
allies. This struggle, In its ultimate analysis,
Is for the South American continent just what
our war was for North America. 1t is strug-
gle to determine the point of prevalence
between systems-whether aristocratic and
monarchical institutions-the imported ira
ditions Of the Old World-shall predominant.
or whether democratic and republican institu-
tons in States formed on our own model shall
shape the destinies of that continent. In the
recent important victory of Paraguay at Curu-
patty, as well as In the whole conduct Of the
war by that Power, we see the best augury for
the result, for the absolute triumph of the
real American system of free States and the
downfall and destruction of the last Ameri-
can monarchy-the last stronghold Of Eu-
r0pean principles on this side the Atlantic.
As has been the case in many wars before,
the real primary cause of the war, the sub
ject that has brought the two systems of gov
eminent in contact and put them on trial of
their merits, has scarcely been named in the
list of reasons. This was simply the desire on
the part Of Brazil to control the vast river
systematic Paraguay, Parana and Plate
that drains the southern part Of her ter
ritery. Only three little republics stood
in the way. But for Paraguay, Uruguay
and strip Of the Argentine Confedera-
ton, the southern boundaries of Brazil
would be natural, the symmetry of her terri
tory perfect and her way to the ocean by that
great system absolutely free. Uruguay was
distracted by rebellion, and Brazil found a
reason to interfere. Her reason was nearly the
same as that given by France for intervention
in Mexico. She must protect the interest of
Brazilian subjects; and at the same time that
she announced her intention to interfere and
put stop to the rebellion that was breaking
down the little republic she was fostering the
rebellion by material assistance.
Brazil succeeded in inducing the Argentine
republic to join her in the pretended attempt
to restore order in Uruguay. The republic
was perhaps the dupe of Brazilian diplomacy,
and lis cupidity may have been excited by the
promise of some special fayors in the naviga-
ton of the Paraguay river. One Power saw
the true state of the case and OWNED the real
purpose of Brazilian interference in the affairs
Of her neighbor. This was Paraguay. Her
government saw that the fight was on the ques-
ton of the existence OF the republics, and
that Uruguay, once destroyed, Paraguay's turn
would come next. That government, therefore,
Immediately informed Brazil that it would con-
troops a cause of war. Treating this bold re-
public with contempt, Brazil carried out her
original design and occupied Uruguay. Para
quay at once declared war. This was in the
summer of 1864. The war has, therefore. lasted
over two years, and now, AZ Paraguay stands
on her defence, the present results Of the two
years attempt to beat her down are instruc-
tive to the world as to the power of resistance
inherent in free States.
The war on the part Of Brazil was in keep
ing with the whole rush for the propagation
and extension of monarchy in America, which
began when it was so mistakenly supposed
that the great republic Of the United States
had fallen to pieces. France rushed to Mexico,
Spain rushed first to Dominica then to Chile,
and Brazil rushed at her apparently feeble
neigbbor, all finding the occasion in the immu-
nifty that our danger gave. But all built on q
false basis. The great republic was not ruined;
and now France Is drawing out and Spain is
doing her best to follow the example. Brazil
also must relinquish her designs. With her,
however, the case is different. She has not the
happiness of the other Powers in being able to
retire to Europe. She is the next door neigh
Dor of the republics, and must stand and face
the consequences of her attempt against their
existence. This may involve the destruction
Of the empire. The alliance against Paraguay
is proved to be contemptibly powerless. II
must break up. This failure will be the for
fixture of the moral influence of Brazil on the
continent, and the next step Will be close
league Of all the South American republics,
under the lead Of Paraguay, and a general
| war against the empire on the score of com.
mon safety. One empire cannot stand In the
presence of two continents filed with repub,
lies aud The time is not far distant when the
| Emperor of Brazil may condole with his Mexi
can Majesty at Miramar.
l
| A New METROPOLITAN GovERsMEST.-One
of the most important duties Of the nex'