THE PARAGUAYAN WAR.

Southland Times, Issue 1169, 2 June 1869, Page 3

THE PARAGUAYAN WAR.

> Nothing in the history of modem warfare is more remarkable than the extraordinary and almost unparalled devotion to Lopez displayed by the Paraguayans. That singular race, isolated from their neighbours by traditionary restictions, accustomed to self-sacrifice by the austerity of their Jesuit training, and proud of their comparatively pure nationality as contrasted with the heterogeneous mixture of races to be found in the ranks of their opponents, regard their President- General with something little short of religious awe and receive his orders, civil or military, in a spirit of unquestioning obedience. Whatever faultß or deeds of cruelty may be urged against Lopez, it is impossible to maintain that he rules by mere arbitrary power or terrorism. No personal Government based on such a foundation could have stood the strain to which that of Lopez baa been subjected. It is to be hoped that the time for mediation cannot be far off. The allies must now see the impossibility of achieving their object without simply destroying the Paraguayan race from off the face of the earth. And even supposing they are prepared to attempt and able to accomplish this, the blood and treasure which they would have to expend would be utterly out of proportion to the stake at issue. Their honour must be satisfied by the material triumphs they have gained in the face of the most heroic resistance, and we cannot help believing that judicious joint diplomatic action on the part of any two or three Powers might put an end to a moat sanguinary and uncalled-for struggle.