The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-04

A correspondent Of the New York Sun, who
writes TO that paper over the signature of
"tx-Southern Soldier" expresses the hope
that a wa Will break out between the nited
States anl Chill on the ground that such
war would deprive the Republican party Of
its only capital in trade namely, an appeal to
the sectional prejudices of the North.
without echoing hope which if it were
realized would signify vast expend ture Of
blood. It IS nevertheless Impossible not 70 re-
cosnize that ioreign war would do more
than any other influence that nd be brought
TO bear TO close the last wound that remains
of the sanguinary contest which over twenty
FIVE years o arrayed the people of the North
and South agaIn-t each other. War is 70 ter
rible in itself. il involves so many tears and
40 much agony. that il is hard to believe that
any good whatever can come out it, Bet
ter that the sections shall continue alienated
for a long time % come, better that the pro-
cess Of complete reconciliation shall be a slow
and gradual one covering III extended course
of years than that the spectre OF death in bat
tie and camp shall once more fall across the
threshold OF American homes.
And yet though that spectre would bring
infinite sorrow to individuals it would bring
peace and goodwill to the sections. war.
even with a nation like Chill. which occupies
only third rate position among the powers
Of the world. and which to subdue would not
tax the resources OF the United States 20 a
very serious extent. would beyond all doubt
do much to bring the people Of the North and
the South together in bonds OF mutual kind
ness and affection. Only a small part OF our
population capable Of bearing arms would be
drawn into such a war, but a sufficient force
would go from each section to arouse the
spirit of local pride and give TO each a share
in any military glory that might be won.
If a war were to break out between the
United States and foreign power of tie
first rank, requiring heavy draft upon the
militia in every division of tie Union. it
would be found that the South would re-
spond to the call for troops with az much
readiness as the North or the West. Indeed.
it would be not at all surprising if the South
were to show greater ardor in recruiting and
in furnishing soldiers to the National author
tiles than any portion Of the nited States. her
instincts being m re distinctly military and
her moro brilliant record in the late war being
a sharper spur
Such q war as this. war on great sea le.
which would touch every interest and come
home to every Individual in the Union. would
obliterate the last trace of that sectional hos
tility which was engendered 10y the contest
between the States North and South would
share the same glories because their sons
would be fighting for the same cause. All the
achievements of such awar would be common
property There would be no sectional dis
tinction, or sectional lines of demarkatou.
he war Of 1876 would be forgotten, and
the party which has survived on the strength
Of its memories would be buried in oblivion,
part Of the record OF the past history f the
United States, but without any actual exis-
tence in the present.
This is consummation devoutly to be
wished. Appearing upon the public stage in
vested with power az the breaking ont Of the
war. 1t looks as j. it cannot be wholly thrust
out Of sight until another war in which North
and South shall participate on the same side
on equal terms shall be declared. in whose con-
fagration the hatreds and malignite s of sec
tional kepubicanism shall be burnt up like
some unc.ean substance which exists only TO
cucumber and defle the earth.