The New York Ledger
--Commerce vs. Christianity.--The illustrious Bonner, the philosopher of the New York Ledger, indulges in a short essay on ‘"Long Wars"’ in the last number of this peerless paper. Bonner thinks long wars are greatly to be deplored. He devoutly hopes that the conclusions of those writers who argue that the facilities of modern communication, the improvement in arms; and, above all, the mighty interest of modern commerce, forbid the possibility of long wars, may be just. He says the true way to prevent a long war is to make strong war. He thinks every overwhelming blow is a mercy stroke. He tearfully believes that ‘"the policy, the true Christian policy in war, is to smite irresistibly and then tender the olive branch with brotherly hand."’ Profound and pious Bonner!--Gay and festiveness! you are doubtless correct. We think that humanity, Christianity, and above all, commerce--Northern commerce — are powerful arguments against a prolongation of the war on your part. We notice that all of your brethren of the Northern press seem to be deeply impressed with these considerations--‘"above all"’ the last consideration, viz: commerce.One of them (we believe it is your squinteyed Caledonian contemporary of the New York Herald) has let the cat entirely out of the bag, and admits that the commerce — not the Christianity — of the North will be entirely destroyed if the war is prolonged more than six months or a year. You all, therefore, with one accord, shout at a respectful distance from the battle field, that the conflict should be brief, the onset terrible, the victory overwhelming.
You do not admire the Fabian policy of old Fuss and Feathers. You desire to make quick work of it. Alas! that some Murat could not be transferred from that nest of warriors, the Tribune office, to the head of your ragged regiments. But Fortune and Jeff. Davis are opposed to you, and your great idol, H. Ward Beecher, has concluded to stay at home. Consequently, we are forced to the conclusion that your Christianity and humanity — now collected in and around Washington City--and ‘"above all"’ your commerce, will be injured, severely hurt, and it may be, as we devoutly hope, utterly destroyed and swept away.--Wilmington Herald.
