The Sun. — 1844-09-10 (London, England)

HENRY POTTINGER.  In giving insertion, in another column, to a copy of the petition of 1,240 inhabitants of Reading, including ministers of all denominations, freeholders, &c., " against sending out British soldiers to foreign and colonial countries," we are anxious to disclaim, distinctly, any concurrence in the views of the petitioners, or the prayer which is founded on those views. Whilst we have, by republishing this document, rendered a well-merited homage to the purity and benevolence of the motives which have dictated its preparation, we must be allowed to express an opinion that it proceeds upon assumptions the most illogical, facts the most perverted, and a policy the most insane which Parliament was ever appealed to to sanction. The " objection" these petitioners take to be consistent should have been taken in limine. They should have denounced the profession of the soldier altogether, and in the first instance. It might then have been competent to them to adduce this incidental liability of the service, as a cumulative argument, to illustrate the inherent or inevitable tendencies of a soldier's occupation to subject him, in their own words, " to services so dreadful, and attended with such a frightful sacrifice of human life." But the petitioners, afraid to propound this doctrine of original iniquity in the soldier's trade, turn round upon his employers, and challenge as an intolerable cruelty that which we shall demonstrate to be an inseparable necessary, unavoidable liability of his professional existence. We, for our parts, detest war in the abstract, and therefore deplore the dire necessity which requires, for the preservation of states, of the civil liberties and privileges of their subjects, and of their political rank among nations, the maintenance and encouragement of those public servants whom social theorists and pseudo-philanthropists delight to designate as "legalised homicides." But practical sufferings and physical injury, national degradation and individual bondage—the loss of property, and the mockery and repudiation of all the laws, usages, and immunities which may be pleaded—vainly pleaded-against its violation—these are experiences more sharp, bitter, and potential, than the finest abstract principles that ever were announced, can be consolatory to those who are made to pass under the yoke of a conquering enemy. It may be a source of honest pride to certain denominations of Christians, consistently to uphold the doctrine of peace and universal harmony among all classes of men. And when the bad passions of our nature shall have been eradicated by centuries of ameliorated institutions, and the wider diffusion of all the lights of morals and religion;—when Kings shall acquit themselves, as faithful trustees for the interests of their people, and their people shall fulfil the reciprocal condition of the great contract of government by devoting themselves with disinterested good faith to their duties to Kings ;—when one nation shall respect the rights of another without speculating on any conditions of weakness or decay for chances of its own aggrandizement at the expense or the ruin of its compeer; then—and not till then—. war may cease with the necessity for guarding against treason or violence, fraud or perfidy.  But, alas ! this golden age is yet far distant we fear. In the meantime, we must be content to maintain armies and navies, as well as legislatures and  D'A jourr excla  , , .r,.• j.,4 , , ".4 ..,,. . 4-V, i,..,,,,it. c 44" 1...1' •li all,• At ' ,-- r 50: .° okt; t,,, 44A,u4544 ' 7. • 11111‘...A0 Z ' :-.,.1-4-..., 7 • Ank• '!. i•' , ,N 4 ~,,t ,' .. I 111',-;. -74. •411,' .'' ' 2'l E I, .., ,t,:" '3l,,ilaEltir'4 li.: k It' i,,,,•'., •t. 2—,-.7.:;•: , :.,i,,„5."`' i, low