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82]
Calling attention to the alliance between
Russia,
Prussia, and
Austria to resist the democratic tendency of the times, he declares:
... If France is the positive pole of Europe, Russia is the negative — the one the day-dawn, the other blackest midnight; the one life, the other death.
Pointing out how
Russia was becoming everywhere the leader of the party of resistance, that
France was in better condition to make war than any other nation of
Europe, and that a general war was sure to break out sooner or later, he argued that the sooner
France begun it the sooner and the more certainly would she conquer a lasting peace.
But in order that his personal views should not be misunderstood, he said, in conclusion:
... I have not been arguing in favor of war for the sake of war. God forbid that any man should be so depraved as that!
I have simply attempted to show that a war is inevitable, that it will be a war between France and Russia, or between Liberty and Despotism, and that France has lost the opportunity of strengthening herself very greatly by neglecting the dictates of humanity in the case of Italy.
The issue of the war, as I have already said, can only be in favor of Liberty; first political liberty will be established, clearing the way for progress, and then will follow equality and fraternity.
All is not attained with the overthrowal of despots, and all the despotism is not overthrown when the kings are driven from their capitals.
From political to social and industrial freedom, the distance at times seems long, but it is not too long for humanity.
While the prophetic strain which characterizes this declaration may be considered premature, it clearly indicates that
Dana's sympathies lay with the party of discontentment and progress wherever it might be found, or whatever might be its chance of success.
