Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-04-21
LHom The Lyncijrg ETginian
The European War.

There seems 20 be no longer any good rca-
son to hope that the peace Of Europe can be
preserved and the indications are that the
greatest conflict that has been since the days
of the first Napoleon, when nearly all Of Eu-
rope was in arms. is impending, if not incyi-
table. II is horrible to think Of the slaughter,
havoc and ruin that must result from such a
coutiict-and. for causes That seem TO be corr
parauvely triiljng Yet great wars have often
resulted from trivial causes, and this will not
I be an exceptional case But, it is useless 10
morliize on the subject, or 10 regret, rs we
since ely do, hat peaceful means cannot be
adopted, in all cases, for the settlement Of in
/ ternatioDal disputes fur tie treasure wasted
| in war-to say nothing of the bloodshed,
/ misery and decentralization il has wrought in
/ the worll-wo DOT over every square mile
Of the earth's surface with school houses and
churches; would support missionaries in every
/ land under the sun would provide for all the
/ helpless widows and orphans that now Ian
/ cuish in want would build houses and enlow
| them. for the care If all the destitute and AZ
/ llictci and make the whole habitable earth 20
/ bloom aad blossom as the rose But wars will
/ come % scourge the earth, until the benign
/ reign Of the Prince Of Peace shall be acknow-
/ lodged and established everywhere in the hearts
Of men,
The practical question or us to consider
inst now, in view Of the impeding war, is
How will it affect The people Of the United
States Our own impression is that il vii.
give 4 great impetus 10 busiress Of almost
every kind, since j; must stimulate production
by giving us market for all the surplus we
may have. and react fvoratly on every branch
Of industry.
On The same subject. The y. Y Herald, Of
Saturday, remarks
There will be a great change, rs II by
magic. 10 case tie general expectation Of a
great war in Europe is rcalizad This i'm
pending event the moment il happens, will
touch al. the nerves Of American trade and 10
dustry. Il viii opeu a vast and profitable
market ur everything we can produce, and
set all the wheels Of business ia active motion.
Our banks will fud employment for all their
idle money; our railroads will he burdcncd
with freightS; mighty stimulus will be given
20 tie raising Of grain and pork, 70 the manu-
Ecture Of arms, clothing and military sup
plies, aud we shall recover within the ensuing
two years more than we have lost since the
great pane. II is absurd 90 indulge N sen,i-
mental misgiyings about thriving on tie ca
hmi,ies ofolher nations. Wcare not rcsponsi-
Die for those caamitigS. The effect Of our great
business activity viii be 10 alleviate them We
shall supply food TO those who would other
wise mmisb, clothing 70 those who would
otherwise 60 naked, arrs 70 those who would
otherwise be without adequate means Of de- /
Tense. Oar advantage will be Ike that Of the
producers Of Peruvian bark, for which the
great military hospitals viii create 40 excess
slye demrnd Il is 4 mercy % the sufferers
that tie stimulus Of profit viii insure means Of
To al this, we might add the Illustration |
given by Mr.. jefferson under somewhat SINH F.
lar circumstances, if Europe snail be guilty, /.
Is now seems SO probable, ofensagins in great I
war "Her people viii "holl the COW while we /
milk he.'-thc result Of which must he more I.
favorable to our fortunes than it can possibly .
he to theirs.