Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1866-06-22
THE GREAT ARMIES OF EUROPE.

While it is n inspiring spectacle to witness
the sentiment of nationality asserting itself
among certain of the people Of Europe against
the arbitrary divisions made in time past of
their territories in tho intereat of particular
dynasties, it is yet a sad commentary upon che
boasted popular enlightenmen of the age, TINT
hundreds Of thousands and even miilions of
men can be marshaled to deacly combat by a
few potentates claiming power and government
over them. This seems no less the case now
than in the most semi-barbarous periods in the
worlds history. The higher development Of
the feeling Of nationality. the more cherished
pride of character and race which shows itself
among the masses in more cultivated nations
now, is in striking contrast with the boorish-
ness of former periods; but nevertheless there
is a lau,entabl degree Of ready and deluded
submissiveness to the self aggrandizns pur
poses of the few on the part OF the many. This
monarchal aud more absolute governments; and
in this day that element Of popular sentiment,
creditable to men generally, of attaclimen 10
the ancient unity OF country and race, Of pride
of the memories Of their past and the dreams
to their future. is relied upon more than any
other agency for the purpose Of inducing q
people to lend all their energies to the wasine
Of great wars That sentiment 10 skilliully
manipulated by politicians aspiring 10 rule.
potentates already in power and determined to
perpetuats or extend it. The destiny of ma
tionalites is SIX illfully appealed to in quarters
where it is potent, and ignored where il 10
not or would be only dangerous. Hence we
see equally in either of-these interests the
stupendous military preparation now going on
among the nations of Europe. The figures are
on scale equal to if not exceeding those of
our own great civil war. The latest sdvices
state that Austria has 6Oo. 900 and will soon
have 100000 men in tho field, while Prussia is
estimated TO have 100000. Italy 100000 and
France 100000, the latter of course capable Of
being augmented 10 any number likely to be
as great facility 40 any nation extant. The
figures may be exaggerated as to the present
state OF the armies, but the ultimate ability Of
the powers to put such forces in the field
nearly ono million Of men on the side of Aus
trla and the minor German States GO. operatipe
with her, and about the same number on tho
part OF Prussia and 1taly--js not, doubted.
This would be in addition to the aueme ent ntstion
OF forces in Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland
and other States within the radius of the i'm
pending hostilities. In the meantime Turkey
and Russia ara both moving ldrgs bodies Of
troops, that which disturbs their relations per.
tanning more to the Provinces Of Wallachia
MoIdavis than the quarrel of Austris and
frussis over the spoils of the duobiss, and
sns eagerness OF Italy to re- acquire Venstia.
Yet neither Turkey or Russia can bs indiffer-
snt 70 the later quarrel, especially Russis, ~
the war would impugn upon their boundaries.
Ihe immense cost Eof:all this, whether war
comes or not, is Of course upon the people
They muss not only do the fighting. but must
Pay its price a!so In money. And this II mona
tho lees the case ip republics than In mon roll,
ifes' where war 10 permitted. ~ :: ., :,