The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-17

II war cloud in the east is still portent-
Gus, though there are not wanting indica-
tons that the grim visage may smooth its
wrinkled front under the touches of diplo-
macy. 1t is certainlyto be hoped so. Though
the price of wheat may 60 up in hands of
gamblers, adding fuel to the flame that
is steadily eating out the vitals of
American commercial honor, and though we
may sell a few more goods under the tenn
porary tonic of a European war, no one who
seriously thinks about the matter, and recog-
nizes the increasing kinship Of the nations,
but will rejoice if the existing troubles can be
adjusted on a peace basis. There is
nothing more fallacious than the idea
that any country profits by a war,
wherever it may occur. The disturbance and
arrangement of the normal balance and con-
dition of things affects every nook and corner
of the world, and most quickly and seriously
those countries which are in the van of civil
lied commercial intercourse. While there are
many who are ready to applaud the bully who
thinks it an evidence of courage to brag
and buster, and to strike, the great mass
of self-respecting, level headed people give the
praise to the one who can rule his own spirit
under the greatest aggravation, keeping down
his hands until it is necessary to raise them
in the extremity of actual self defense. So,
while the minimizing '.jingoists' may go about
singing their war ballads, and hot-headed men
may incite to belligerent words and acts,
sneering at those who will not join them in
their ebullitions, the solid, substantial, con-
sentative sentiment, both of England and of
Christendom, will be at the back of Mr..
Gladstone, who is withstanding the demands
of the var party, and showing in every posi-
BILE and honorable way his desire, and the de-
sire of the British government, for a peaceful
solution of the complications with Russia. It
is very easy to throw the cap into the air, cry
havoc, and let slip the dogs of war; it is not
so easy to keep a level head and an equable
temperament in the midst of a storm. But
the latter is the higher expression
of ability and judgment, and it
is our conviction that never was Mr..
Gladstone doing his own country and the
world generally a greater service than he is
now, when he is anxiously and sincerely seek
ing a peaceful passage through the dangerous
straits in which he finds his government.
OF course, there may come a time when
this conservatism might deteriorate into i'm
becility; when the integrity of the British
empire, and the future Of the British govern
ment, would demand that parley should cease,
and action take the place of words. When
that time comes Mr.. Gladstone must show his
power and his backbone, or sink into universal
contempt. But, as a rule, when such an
emergency as that arises, it is
the men who have gone the furtlest
in their efforts for peace with honor. who can
be relied upon for the s%ternest, and the strong
est, and the most tenacious measures. In the
present j~uncture of affairs, Mr.. Gladstone is
acting the part Of wise craftsmanship in do
ing what he may, consistently with
the duties and responsibilities of his
high position, to avert the horrors of war.
Americans, with the memories of 1865 fresh
in their minds, should be the last people on
earth desiring to see Europe involved in a
conflict, the extent and results Of which can
only be conjectured. Let us have peace.