The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-08-05
American Sympathy.

II Is amusing to see tho determined at
ti,udc of the Press Of this country in rela-
ton To the war between France and Prus-
sia-iust as if we could afford to feel JOY
or disappointment whether the tri-color
goes up or goes down, since both OF the
high combating powers arc fighting with
an incomprehcnsible prctcxt for inconi-
prohensible ideas. Yet, with few exceP-
tions, the republican press Of the nation
are in strong to show that our sympathies
ought to be with Prussia; while tho dem
ocr,,tic press arc Just rs valiant for France.
Until further developments the JOURNAL
will coatend for an armed neutrality"
since its influence with Prussia and France
to prevent war didn't amount to much. in
fact Il didn't amount to anything. If the
other journals Of tho country had more
influence. they may well be governed by
the amount of that influence.
If America corld disconnect Napoleon
from the French nation, we might be en-
tircly indifferent to its discontinue; but
his defeat means the disgrace of France
and her loss Of territory. Evolutionary
friendships are worth something. When
we Toast of the struggles, and especially
the triumphs. Of our Revolutionary Fa-
theirs. not once in thousand times do we
stop to consider that but for French aid
they never would have secured our indie
pendence. There would have been no
surrender Of CORVALLIS but for Rocham-
bean and the French fleet under De Grasse,
and that surrender closed the war. while
the German Hessians fought for England.
We wouldn't underrate the bravery and
prowcss of the Continentals, but let us
not forget how much we owe for French
sympathy. French soldiers and effective
French aid. To be sure, the motive which
prompted all that aid may have been very
questionable in character, but neyerthe-
less we received rs much aid rs though II
had been of the purcst kind. and should,
IL we have not, discharge our obligations.
But on the 9TH r hand. we also received
aid from Prussian Baron Steuben, who
disciplined our Continental troops, and
from Baron Do Kalb who died fighting
for our cause. That assistance was not
national, rs in the case Of France, but
sympathy for us in Germany was quite
universal, rs II was during our last war.
Napoleon, contrary to our protest and for
cetful of Evolutionary friendship. did wha
he would not have dared to do had we
not been involved in war-occupied Mex
leo, and made haste with England to nc
knowledge the rcbs. IL ships TO prey
upon our commerce were built and fiitct
out IN England. they found n safe harbol
in French ports and there received plenty
of supplies. To this fact we may. per-
hars. attribute tho sympathy Of the dem
ocratic press Of this country with Napo
leon.
We may now occupy the indifferent po
sition OF other nations during our LITTLE
misunderstanding. While we arc neu
trail let us hope that both parties will come
To us to buy for their necessities, and lie
us pity the man who has no hay or whca
to sell. or ships for carrying trade. A
the least calculation half a million Of mel
will be taken at once from their indus
tries AMI be made consumers instead o
producers. A draft upon reserved sup
niles equal to this will be found in the In
corruption of business and the disorgani
zation of trade. This disadvantagcou
state of things in those countries afecte'
by war. must cause a like advantageou
consumption of the goods OF other ma
tons. Russia is our only rival in export
ing hay and grain, and consequently thes
two great nations would be the most ben
Gifted by long war. Let ms thank on
stars that we are TO be blest in spite o
ourselves. even II somebody suffers,
suffer they must.