To all thinking men, the course of the war now raging on the continent of Barope is fraught with matter for serious reflection. At no time has the power of the sword, or rather of the rifle, displayed itself in 80 formidable an aspect as at present. Itis but afew months back that France, in the pride of power and future glory, marched confidently to the battle-field. Since then, how terrible is the tale to be told. Although still bravely holding out, she lies almost prostrate before her foe. Territories have been wrested from her, the flower of her army is gone, and her beautiful capital, the pride of Europe, surrounded by a vast army, is subject to the horrors of a siege. Her Government isa fugitive one, from place to place; and the nation will be hampered by abuse debt, which it will require generations to work off. At the same time, rain wide and general is being spread amongst her families, while sounds of mourning from the bereaved will everywhere be heard. Such are the consequences, as far as they go, to France, during so brief a period—such might have been the result to Prussia. Never bias the effect of war worked so terribly and rapidly ona great country. Science has wrought wonders for man, by increasing the daily luxuries and ro-finements of life; but equally has it militated against him by increasing hix powers of destraction, and enhancing the cost of war. The change that has taken place, although descending to a low parallel, may be likened to the increased deadly effect introduced into a combat between two cocks by the aid of steel spurs, Unassisted by art they may battle till wearied out, and quit the field with trifling loss, but in the latter case, the conflict becomes dandly and decided. The progress of civilizntion and the expansion of learning has, hitherto, had the effect of increasing the liberties of the people; but with the first rapid growth of knowledge, the science of war did not make equal strides. It has now burst apon usin fall force, und grave may be its effects to the liberties and independence of nations, Presuming the ownership of arms to be interdicted amongst individnals, of what avail can any rising of the people be now, against disciplined troops armed with the Snider or mitrailleuse They wouldbeasgrass merely before the mower's scythe. In former ages a brick wall around city, manned by a few troops, served to arrest the progress of armies for mouths and sometimes years; but at present, the improved means of conveyance, by expediting the movement of troops and facilitating the supply of provisions, enables armies, in a great measure, to disregard such barriers, and to pursue their course through the invaded country. With such more formidable and rapid means of aggression, let us suppose that another Napoleon the first were to arise, The whole of Europe would probably be placed and kept ander the military despotism of one man, and so long as he maintained authority over his gene-ris, which genius would do, what power could arise against him? It is true that men of such unscrupulous talent do not often appear, but that his prototypes will again arise, is but a part of the working of nature; though let us hope that this time is far distant, utu recently, it became a pleasing de-lusian that the progress of civilization would tend, through the medium of public opinion, to check warfare but civilization does not stop crime it merely alters the manner in which it is perpetrated. Providence, however, when raising one threatening cause, generally provides a counteracting influence, and the present ix not likely to be an exception to the rule, It we look around for this antidote, it would seem to lie in the volunteer movement. All Governments will find it requisite adopt such vast means of defence that they will be unable, without ruiuous expenditure, to keep standing armies adequate to their requirements, and they will therefore divide their power with the. people, by calling for volanteers. This bulwark, if organised as in Englind, will form the safest guarautee for peace in Europe that could be obtained. To prevent war, we re-ire strong defensive, but small often powers; and this is to be found in the volunteers. They will play'the same part as did city walls and forts, in former times. Soldiers, whose promotion in the service depends upon war, will ever obey their leaders, and march gladly to the battlefield; but voluufeere, who have no such inducement, and whose welfare depends upon the maintenance of pence, while serving asa protection to their own liberties, and against outward foes, would not form instruments in the hands of aggressive ralers. Let it be hoped, therefore, that this movement will be fostered throughout Europe; rise to smaller standing sirmict that the attention recently. drawn to the efficiency of the volunteers in England will load to their being placed on an efficient basis, such as will afford an example to be followed by all nations.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.