The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-11-19
gOI1UMBIA, s. e.
Wednesday Morning, nov. 10. 1878.
war; N6t Necsssary 81, a Desirable.

Warm Nccsssary or Desirable.
The rayipgs Of portion OF the North.
ern press against Cuba remind us Of the
ory-.'on 10 Richmond, -. which made the
welkin ring in 1861. The taste for
blood and desire > for plunder were
gratified but not sated in our late un-
happy conflict. The party which con-
Quoted it had very little advantage on
the score OF humanity over the Oubans,
whoa they now howl about. They
came out rich, and have reveled ever
since in luxury, extravaganza and vice.
Now that the epolitioal power which they
have abused is stepping out Of their
hands. now that their ill.gotten wealth
is taking to itself wings, aud We have as
the consequence OF an unrighteous war
the corrupt administration which it
placed and strongly entrenched in posi-
tion, the most disastrous financial wreck
and general distress ever known III this
country, they olamor for another war
aud another opportunity to spread ruin
and devastation, and then to reap the
profits. We have too vivid recollcc
tion OF the late civil war, we have ex-
perienced too keenly it's consequences
in the overthrow Of constitutional CO.
vernment. in the general decentralization
and in the widespread corruption which
it has engendercd, in the elevation of
bed, and degraded men to rank and posi-
tion, to entertain any desire for another.
The .yermin Of contrast would come
forth, and, like the lice of Egypt, over
spread tho land. The party which is on
it's death bod; dying of it's own corrup-
tion, would be temporarily galvanized.
and clutch once more at the sccptro of
power which is falling from it's hands.
No, we want no war with Spain. We
hope to be spared its horrors and it's
evil effects upon our country. Only
bad men profit from war, aud the 60
yesnment which engages in it rashly is
not wise or wisely advised. The militia
ryoonquest of Cuba and humiliatioe OF
Spain are not to be desired. The effect
upon our remnant of political liberty
would be disastrous. The consequences
would. in all probability, greatly over
balance any better advantage that might
be gained. We have centralism enough
already. It will take half century of
peace, and the unremitting efforts Of
good men in behalf Of good government
and sound political morals. for at least
that length of;time, to recover the coun-
Try TO its position. In the language OF
aqontemporary:
t"Should war be declared to morrow,
there would be thousands of minions
and parasites. men of tainted reputs-
tions. broken fortunes, battered consti-
tqtions, 'ohoice spirits. tired of the dull
pursuits of civil life ready for any en-.
ternrise, against either foreign or their
own country, however perilous. or dis
honorable, or treasonable it might be.
They would flock like vultures to their
prey, and gather thick about the carcass
OF great military establishment. When
our war-dogs returned from the red
shambles OF Cuba, who knows that they
would sit down quietly to lick THAR
bloody lips in peace?"
Aspirit OF justice and discretion can
settle the matter with Spain. without
war. II Cuba is to be made free, let it
be done by bloodless process. The
conduct OF the relentless parties who
committed the atrocity against the Vir-
ginius passengers should be sternly re
buked. They should meet with con-
dign punishment. The Cuban seas
should he made snfe. The wrong should
be repaired to the fullest extent. Pro-
per reparation should be demanded and
secured from Spain. But war should
be avoided, aud the country saved ills
shock md decentralization.
FRANCE And now it is stated that
the Right and Left have been unable to
compromise on Ave years' term OF
Office for MacMahon; that the former