The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

FROM THE PETERSBURG REPUBLICAN:

It is for the interest of the American people to view attentively the present state of Europe, and compare it with their own enviable situation. What a contrast does it afford-pleasing to themselves-melancholy to the afflicted states of the old world. Twenty years ago, the nations of Europe were generally at peace, and apparently happy, under the auspices of their several kings princes and potentates. Order reigned in their several dominions, and the demon of war and confusion was confined to a few powers. Favored by this tranquility, and inspired by a knowledge of the blessings which America enjoyed under a republican form of government, France resolved to burst the adamantine chains of despotism, and adopt a state of things, more congenial to the temper and disposition of her citizens. The power of the king was consequently greatly abridged, and the inherent right of the people began to advance in a proportionate ratio. The potentates of Europe, alarmed at the rapid strides which the French people were making towards an amelioration of their condition, began to interfere in the internal arrangements of France: and thus laid the foundation of those mighty wars and revolutions, which have since distracted that portion of the world.

Austria, Spain, Holland, Prussia-in fine, the powers of the continent generally; entered into a league against France, resolving to crush the genius of liberty in the bud, and divide the French territory among themselves, as a part of them had previously done the kingdom of Poland. Geo. III. followed the general example, for a spark from the fame of liberty had animated the 'sea girt isle,' and the spirit of the ancient Britons was once more kindling into a flame, that threatened destruction to the cause of kings.

Thus leagued, Europe presented a mighty host of tyrants, rushing on with impetuosity to the sacrifice of their victim. France, agitated within by a powerful faction, engendered and nourished by the gold of Britain, and devoted to the Bourbons, was menaced without by the sanguinary legions of combined Europe, and thus thrown into a fatal confusion. The Goddess of liberty, who presided over their first exertions, became disgusted at the licentiousness of her new votaries, and again forsook the old world for her favorite residence in the western hemisphere. Faction succeeded faction-the Brissotines, the Moderates, the Hebertists, the Robespieres, had their day-the national convention and the directory, were succeeded by the consulate; which, in its turn, made way for a military despot; and France whose destiny was prematurely marked out by the treaty of Pilnitz, became, in her turn, the despoiler of Europe.

The crowned heads of Europe-alas! where are they? Humbled, and at the foot of victorious France. The Germanic confederation is destroyed-Italy is revolutionized-Holland, Spain, Switzerland, and the petty principalities of Germany, have become the mere fiefs of France-Russia is driven dishonorably from the field-and the once gigantic power of the house of Austria, is buried in the 'tombs of the Capulets:' Prussia is the instrument of Bonaparte-'Hanover is wrested from Geo. III.-the Hanseatic towns are under the authority of France-in short, Europe, with the exception of England, is at the mercy of the Corsican usurper; and even England has become disgraced, and on the very brink of bankruptcy.

Such has been the issue of a war, undertaken in defence of the 'just and necessary' cause of kings.

What a lesson does this picture afford to the American people? France lost her freedom, by the jealousy of the tyrants who surrounded her: and English gold has been lavished for the same purpose in this country well knowing that factions are the bane of republics. Let us then avoid the wars and convulsions of Europe. The genius of freedom presides alone where peace and tranquility reign. On the lofty pines of the Alleghany the eagle of liberty is perched whose wings extend from the Missouri to the Atlantic-whose influence is felt from Maine to Louisiana.

Let us avoid war, 'as a curse to any people,' so long as we can have peace honorably: But we must not have a 'peace like a war.' We are desirous of cultivating harmony with the whole world: but to attain this object, national honor should not be sacrificed. We have already suffered much; and the national pulse begins to beat high-yet, let us hope we shall remain at peace with honor to ourselves. England will not rush, with thoughtless impetuosity, to the commission of new outrages. Her political welfare, and the prosperity of her subjects, forbid it. But we must prepare for the worst, and, like our fathers, bravely struggle for the liberty and independence of America, or sink with them into an honorable grave.