The New York herald., 1876-12-01
[From the HERALD, July Z, 1871

Werid-The War Against CsDsarism
In France and spain-Have We =
RePubltcan Form Of Government
The nations Of the world are SO closely
bound together that what affects one will in
many ways affect another. 1t is im-
possible to have social and CONNER
cinl relations with countries like France
and Germany and Spain, and not in soma
way be controlled by tho political emotions
and agitations which sweep over them. The
war against Church influence in Germany is
problem that has not been without .
parallel in our own local history, and
many gloomy-minded prophets still think
that there will be even graver religious
complications in the future. Spain is
wrestling with that same spirit of slavery
and slaveholding arrogance which COM
pelled us to sacrifice SO much blood and
treasure in its overthrow. while there are
problems in France now in process of solu-
ton which may we'll demand our gravest
attention, and from which we may learn
lessons of wisdom.
Although we know so much more Of all
economy than any other people. there is
much to be learned from these warm, subtle
countries of the South. In the North we
see the lusty, vigorous and valiant Russian
and German and Saxon. History shows
what they have done in war and conquest.
We do not venture to think what is still
possible to them after Sadowa and Sedan.
vlyrkr <1~oE So. -.
subtle qualities of craftsmanship and prog
ress-the world has learned nothing since
the times of Machiavelli. In literature, art,
political economy, the laws of finance and
trade, architecture, music-what have We
learned in the North? What have We
that has not come from the SOUTH
Two mighty names, the shadow Of whose
genius rests upon the world like an aurora.
Shakespeare and Goethe come from the
North, but it is the North as moulded and
tinted by centuries of southern taste and
light. When we see what we see in Spain
and France and Italy it is well to pause and
apply to our own conditions of national
life the problems there seeking solu-
ton. We may in the future have
to undergo even more exhausting
struggles unless we build wisely now. 1t is
so much easier to build than to rebuild.
The Spaniards and Frenchmen of to-day are
in the throes of social and political agony to
undo what was vainly done by their fathers.
No similar problems oppress u.s. for with US
every problem is solved by the prodig-
ious wealth and richness of our coil,
the vast sections Of unimproved land
awaiting the emigrant, the readiness
with which wealth is gained. But
there was time when land was free
to the people of the Mediterranean, when
money was earned easily, when society had
no vexing, heartrending problems; and, so
far as the richness OF soil is concerned,
we have never surpassed France in our har.
vests, nor Spain in the variety of our mineral
wealth. And what these Mediterranean
countries see may in time como home to us.
WHAT'S the question in Spain and Francel
AS we understand it, simply this How
best can Spaniards and Frenchmen rule
their native lands, securing to all life.
liberty and the pursuit OF happiness? How
best can there be genuine republican form
of government? What is the question
nor less than this:-Shall we have
republican form of government
We dismiss from consideration all
sentimental and fantastic questions of poll
tics. 1t is not whether we shall have pro.
lection or free trade, suffrage to one class OF
another, Capitalization or State rights
These questions will determine themselves.
But shall we have republican form of gov
eminent? The thought in the minds OF
most of our politicians is, shall we
nominate General Grant for third
time? It is true the thought has
not found general expression. 1t is spoken,
if at all, with bated breath and whispering
humbleness An occasional worshipper Of
power announces in atruculent manner that
we have found new Washington and we
must keep him. Some of the enemies OF
General Grant insist in mocking way
that he shall be at once nominated.
But there is no general expression on the
subject. The want of this expression is o
grave indication. Suppose Mr.. johnson,
or General Pierce, or Mr. Buchanan
had, either Of them, been mentioned as q
candidate for three terms, how promptly we
should have been told the liberties of the
country were in danger. Now we hear no
sound. Nothing is clearer than that
the henchmen of General Grant,
the men who have gained honor
and wealth ont of his administration, and
who see in his denomination and reelection
their own continuance in power, mean to
insist upon his denomination. The argu-
ments are all at hand: we are doing so
WELL the business of the country needs SO
much tranquility the South is SO restless in