New-York tribune., 1876-03-14

| foct that we have been ut peace with England
for more than half century, our relations
with her being often most delicate ana COM
plcatcd, proves how easy it is Tor nations 10
reconcile their differences without drawing tho
sword if the pacific will be not wanting. Ex-
trcmely fortunate in our geographical position,
we can hardly derive any territory on tins SIDE
Of the world which its holders on the other
may not be better off for being rid of. with
that fruitful source Of foreign wars, the settle
ment of succcssions, the perpotuity of dynas-
ties, and the balance of power, We have abso-
lutely 10 concern, it being nothing to us as n
nation that thrones are given to or taken from
BOurbons or Bonapartes. Neither have we
any temptation to engage in wars for trade.
The oceans of the world are our highways /;
our facilities for internal navigation are com
plete in themselves; our productions are
peculiar, and everywhere find O market; while
We are saved from aggression not only by
position but by the circumstance that we are
good customers Of other wealthy and producing
nations. We can have war if "we choose" 1t;
but we are strong enough to have peace for
century. if We only desire it, without making
n sacrifice worth mentioning.
Undeniably we are a nation whose history
proves its strong military instincts. The very
strength of these. however, has pacific
tendency for self-cOniidence and self-reliance
are among the most pacific of influences. 1t is
understood by Powers given to an encroaching
policy that we are not t0 be bullied into weak
concessions; and this understanding saves us
from insults which would require OF us, II
they were offered, vigorous notice. 1t Is
understood throughout the world that we ex-
pect good treatment, justice, and especially the
payment of any money which may be owing
to us. We are a democracy holding those to
whom our foreign affairs are c0nided to
strict account; and this has usually secured us
from negligence and laundering. If we have
sent some ministers mediocre, or worse, to
Europe, we have also sent at critical times
some able and honest men who have won for
us consideration and respect. Everything, III
fine, has cOnspired to save US from the cruel
necessity of war; nor are we likely to engage
in it for its own sake.
The picture drawn by Mr.. Morrison Of one
OF the probable effects of the annexation Of
the Sandwich Islands is sufficiently alarming.
If we take these Islands we must have there
"a navy-yard, coal depot, fort, regiment of
,
ritorial governors, aud officials, all salaried,
" delegates in Congress, all to be paid by the
" oyertaxed inhabitants of the United States"
These, of course, are considerations unworthy
of n moments notice, if we need the Islands
" for war, for military or naval purposes" but
are such tremendous preparations for war deSr-
able Is there any belligerent advantage to be
obtained from the possession of the Islands,
which may not be secured by protecting them
in their neutraityf If our pacific policy is to
be continued, it surely will hardly be neces-
saIy to buy islands and stock them with SOL
diers in order to be ready for war. This,
however, is point apart. There may be- bet
ter arguments for the acquisition of the Sand
wich Islands, but the argument of their i'm
portance in case of war is one equally in favor
OF spotting the globe all over with cur for