The Sun.
London, England, 1867-10-11 00:00:00

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

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LONDON, FRIDAY, OCT. 11, 1867.

It is curious to notice the great contrast pre-
sented by the Austrian and Prussian authorities,
and the different views which the Legislatures of
the two countries take upon momentous questions
of social interest and the progress of the people.
While the freedom of the Prussians begins and
ends in tattle, notwithstanding all that we hear of
German unity and of the moral victories that have
been gained, the Austrian development if slow, is
sure ; and, moreover, the works they accomplish,
if slowly performel, are sure and certain. The
Lower House of the Reichsrath, at its sitting on
Wednesday, contrived to effect a great deal in the
way of improvement; the fundamental law affect-
ing civil rights was adopted, in spite of a good deal
of opposition from some quarters. This law
comprises many changes in the right direc-
tion, and lays down the principle of
general admissibility to every public func-
tion, liberty of changing domicile, personal
liberty, inviolability of correspondence, rights,
association, freedom of the press, and of tuition and
religious liberty. It will be a great thing for Aus-
tria if they succeed in accomplishing the freedom of
the press, and thus get the start of Prussia and of
France, especially after the reproaches that have
been made against her for adhering too closely to
the doctrines of an exclusive policy and a restrictive
code. Of course it remains as yet to be seen if the
authorities will agree to this, for there are a good
many things in the way of all changes and im-
provement ; but this decision is at any rate a step
in advance, and so much gained in the way of the
expression of public opinion. There is a strong
feeling at work at the present time in Austria ; and
it may, in truth, be said that two nations are con-
tending for the mastery, and the lovers of indepen-
dence are eagerly watching to see which will come
uppermost. In Hungary, too, affairs seem to be
progressing favourably, and the good understanding
which has prevailed between the Austrian Govern-
ment and the Hungarians still prevails unbroken.
Paris is now getting into a state of excited expec-
tation about the EMPEROR'S return from Biarritz,
when a good deal may take place of one sort
or another, and when at all events some con-
tradiction may be given to the rumours
afloat concerning the recent approach of war.
The military preparations are still continuing, and
that fact alone seems to undo the effect of all that
is said and written by the persistent lovers of peace.
The number of breech-loaders in store will, it is ex-
pected, in a short time reach to six hundred thousand,
and all looks very much as if war would shortly
break out. No one need be surprised if the news
of its outbreak should be sudden at last,
for these things that are long talked of
as being in future often come to pass very
speedily at last. The tone of the French papers
bas changed for the worst against Prussia,
and La France of Wednesday declares that France
does not complain of the unity of Germany being
accomplished, but she cannot allow of the absorp-
tion of Germany by Prussia, for that is quite
another thing. Emphatic declarations like this
may be taken as signs of the times, that he who
runs may read, and whose significance cannot be
gainsaid by any but the most perversely prejudiced
observers.

The Atlantic Telegraph confirms the impression
created by the last several mails from America.
The Radicals are evidently losing their hold on the
public, and what they lose the Democrats aro natu-
rally profiting by. The Democrats have carried the
Pennsylvania elections, as was anticipated. The
Republicans have carried those in lowa, but with a
greatly reduced majority, and the result of the Ohio
contests is yet doubtful. These Democratic gains can
hardly fail to strengthen the hands of the Democratic
party in Congress, and should they be increased
to any extent they will exercise a powerful influence
on the national policy. It is not an actual Demo-
cratic majority that is needed to check the arro-
gance of the dominant party in the Legislature, but
only a sufficient number to break up the two-thirds
of both Houses now secured by them. If the PRE-
SIDENT were a different man the question of a dozen
members more or less on either side might be imma-
terial ; but since he may be relied upon to oppose
any unconstitutional or despotic measures, all that is
needed to stem the tide is a party in Congress strong
enough to support his veto. There are yet many
months before Mr. JOIINSON'S term of office has
expired, and during those months much may be
done to restore the balance so rudely displaced by
Radical aggression. The supremacy of civil over
martial law in time of peace has already been vin-
dicated in the Southern States ; and however much
the negro's professed friends may chafe at the
result, the general feeling of the country has
strongly supported the movement. However
dazzled by the excitement of the war, Americans
in general are not so easily misled as willingly to
surrender their civil rights ; and they cannot but
perceive how dangerous is the precedent which some
of the district commanders would fain establish in
the South. The lavish expenditure of the public
money under Radical administration has no doubt
had something to do with the growing distaste to
extreme views. The debt, instead of diminishing,
is on the increase. Already the ominous word
Repudiation has been heard in various quarters,
though it is fair to American statesmen to remem-
ber that it has not yet been uttered by any man of
standing. If the extremepartyretain theirascendancy
in Congress there is little hope for the taxpayers.