The Sun.
London, England, 1866-09-18 00:00:00

especially those passages which refer to the absorp-
tion of so many small States. It is said "an irre-
sistible Power—can it be regretted?—impels peoples
to unite themselves in great masses, by causing the
disappearance of minor States ?" This might do in
point of argument if the theory were put into prac-
tice with more effect, but what becomes of the
grand notion of German unity if there is to be
merely one dictating Power, and all others are to be
subservient to its behests ? No doubt had the
proper time been selected and the right measures
used, we should find that many advantages accrued
from the combination of many of the small States
into one; but then there should be no Berlin intel-
ligence and no BISMARCK to prelominate in the
matter. All chance of free expression is denied to
those places which have been lately annexed ; and
where can we found a just expectation that they
will thrive and flourish under such adverse auspices
as those which now surround them? The truth is
that Germany has gone back instead of going for-
ward, as some have supposed, by the late changes ;
and it seems difficult to understand how people can
deceive themselves into belief that progress has been
made. The rules laid down by the Marquis in this
despatch are very good ; but we may well ask, does
Prussia recognise their justice or act upon their in-
spiration ? " Political science should rise above the
narrow and paltry prejudices of a passage; the
EMPEROR does not believe that the greatness of one
country depends upon the weakening of neighbour-
ing peoples, and see no real balance of power save in
the satisfied wishes of the nations of Europe." Now
this is true in every acceptation of the term, but who
in the name of consistency can declare that it is
realised by Prussian tactics of late, or that the policy
which rules triumphantly at Berlin can be called
either comprehensive or national ? It is in all
respects, and in all way; both direct and indirect, '
exclusive and selfish to the last degree, and exhibits
more of the spirit of old days of benighted igno-
rance and tyrannical scheming than it shows any
indication of the higher and nobler characteristics
of more modern and improved times in the history of -
.
the world.

The EMPEROR, it is here said, was right in
accepting the part of " mediator," and his role has
not been devoid of glory, but he has put a stop to
useless bloodshed, and moderated the victor. Of
this latter statement we do not entertain a doubt,
for it was only the fear of France that restrained
Prussia from crushing Austria altogether. So far
as we can judge there is much to be grateful to the
French EMPEROR for in his recent attitude during
the war in Germany. It would have been, indeed,
more satisfactory if he could have contrived to
check Prussia more effectually in her ruthless
course, but then we must admit that the chief blame
rested with our own country. Had the late Admi-
nistration exhibited more firmness, and declared
that they disapproved of the course pursued
by the allied German Powers towards Denmark,
Europe would now be in a very different position,
and there would be none of that dread of approach-
ing war which now militates against so many im-
provements, and inflicting such injury on many in-
terests. The EMPEROR, we learn, " would have mis-
taken his responsibility if he had rushed suddenly
into all the risks of a great war, one of those wars
which revive the hatred of races, and in which entire
nations are engaged." Territorial aggrandisement is
not to be regarded as the object of French policy,
but the lesson to be learned from the late war must
not be forgotten. It is necessary that the military
organisation of France should be perfected without
delay. In this last intimation alone do we perceive
any acknowledgment on the part of the Marquis
that the present sunshine of prosperity and peace
may give place to the stories of war and fear
of strife. The Imperial circular is admirably drawn
up, but me regard it as a temporary and not a last-
ing programme of the movements of the French
Government, and while it may very likely allay the
apprehensions that exist in various quarters, it can-
not possibly do away with the very unfavourable
impression that has been made upon the national
mind of France by the recent transactions of Prussia.

The progress of President JOHNSON through the
States continues to excite the most opposite feelings.
Enthusiasm in his favour is the predominant senti-
ment, and in some places where the Radicals have
endeavoured openly to insult him the force of popu-
lar feeling has carried all before it. The:reception
which Mr. JOHNSON met with in Philadelphia was
most enthusiastic, although the authorities of the
city took no part in it. In Albany the State Senate
had convened an extraordinary session, not, how-
ever, for the purpose of welcoming their illustrious
visitor, but quite the contrary. These gentlemen
had the politeness and good taste to order the doors
of the State capital to be locked, so that Mr. JOHN-
SON was forced to address the people front the
portico of the building. But although in his jour-
ney through Illinois, more especially, Mr. JOHNSON
-was frequently insulted by Radical crowds assem-
bled at the railway stations, no offensive demonstra-
tion occurred at Chicago, where there had been
some anticipations of a riot. On the contrary, the
reception given to the PRESIDENT was most enthu-
siastic, and his tour has been hitherto a decided
success, exceeding the most sanguine anticipa-
tions. The Radical journals, who would probably
be not very sorry to see their prognostications
realised, have been hinting about assassination and
indulging in alarming warnings. The PRESIDENT,
however, has taken them for what they are worth,
and has gone on his way very composedly. The
presence of General GRANT in the PRESIDENT'S
cortege has Occasioned nn little wonder and dis-
pleasure among the Radical party. He was be-
lieved to be one of the pillars of the party, and his
secession is .looked upon
with great indig-
nation. Another 'notable political conversion
has just taken place. Mr. WARD BEECHER has de-
clared himself on the side of the PRESIDENT. This
is a remarkable change, since he has hitherto been
the constant associate and colleague of Mr.
GREELEY, who does not hesitate in the shock of his
friend's recantation to denounce Mr. BEECHER'S
course as " apostasy so base, so
GOD'S poor,
spoohora,teafulnd,
and so hideous," " betrayino,
shaming the honourable record of past years." These
are some of the amenities of American
political life
to which our colder temperaments are unaccus-
tomed. A further sample of the language and
policy. in favour with the Abolitionists, or New
Englanders, may be obtained from a speech deli-
vered by Parson BIWIVNLOW at the Radical Con-
vention at Philadelphia. This worthy does not
scruple to declare that be wishes for the extermina-
tion of the Sauthern people, and to secure this end
is eager to see the negroes rightly educated. Should
a fresh outbreak occur in the South—and he may
well calculate upon such a result from the Radical
measures—he would like, he says, to apportion the
forces of the Union. The first division should
gore.gu”larly armed and equipped, " and do the
killing
pine torchTesh,e
asnecdon,
ddoivitshieonbsuhronulindgb; armed The
twhiirtdh
division is to be supplied with surveyors, compasses,
and chains, and sell the land to pay the expenses of
the war, and then settle it with men who will
honour the Union banner. This is no exaggeration,
but an actual transcript of the linguage used
openly by radical leaders at their boasted Con-