The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-10-11
ntsrnationaI Postal Arrangements.

One of the greatest elements of modern civili-
zation, and which promises to attain yet higher
degree Of development, consists in the reciproci-
ty Of international communication effected
among the people Of America and Europe, by
means of the postal arrangements now in pro-
gress throughout the world.
The first idea, and the subsequent more perfect
extension of this great improvement, like almost
every other great advance in modern civilization,
is due to the genius and energy of the Anglo
Saxon race. The great spectacle of what de-
mocratic people can do and has done in the Uni
ted States, has literally electrified Europe, and
reused up their people and governments to enter
upon career of emulation producing results be-
ne6cial to mankind at large. We may confident
ly affirm that had America remained under the
sway of England-had there been no Mohawks
TO dash her taxed cases oftea into the ocean-no
patriots to meet and unite in confederated de.
claration of independence-no brave and warlike
people to carry out, sword in hand, the princi.
pies therein asserted-Europe would, at this
day, have been at least two hundred years be-
hind in progress and advancement, compared
with what she now is.
1t is really beyond calculation what America
has done for Europe First, the opening of hel
mines revolutionized commerce, and by creating
a new currency in Europe, created new class
Of people, unknown before, intermediate between
the proud noble and the debased serf Ii is in
this class, known as the ''Commons,'' that the
life and spirit, and power, of modern European
nations consist. This class constitutes demo-
cratic leaven which works and ferments
in the old mass Of European life, and
prevents the stagnation and corruption Of
the aristocratic pripcpe from burying the
whole body polite in the1ethargy and ,orpor of
political death. Next after the revoutionizing
effects of commerce, emanating from the dis
covery of America, and opening the channels of
wealth and liberal occupation, to the till then
crushed people of Europe-for before these chan
nels were opened, there were no wealthy com.
mons, we may say no people in Europe, no tiers
etat-all were either pulled up mobiles or subjugat
ed slaves. Next to this great clement of revo.
luton proceeding from America, came the great
spectacle of the energy, and progress and in.
domitable activity of the people of our republic
The first source we have described produced a
corporeal revolution in Europe, changing the
face Of society, creating and giving Importance
TO new class of people; but this second source
has produced a far greater revolution in Europe
a mental and intellectual neutrality-suspicious.
moral effects, and leading to moral and political
reforms, the end of which no one can forcsee
Within the last fifty years the progress and re-
form which have taken place in the European
social organization, are, it may be truly observed
entirely owing to the example and stimulous o
America. If we are wise we shall profit by thi'
contemplation, to go on in further improvement
and advance, roofing out still more the vestigei
Of European corruption which may lnger among
us, giving greater development to the demo.
cratic principle, instead of suffering ourselves
to be pulled up with vain pride, and stop
ping short, from the idea that we have done
all that can be done. here remains room
for great social and moral improvement
among us, truth we ought not to lose sight of
in the contemplation of the greater blessings
and advantages we enjoy over our European
brethren.
In adverting to the progress which civilization
has made and is making in this day, we observ-
ed, in the commencement of this article, that
the postal arrangements now in progress over
the world constitute one of the most prominent
and most important items. By means of this
system, which may be said to be yet almost in
Its infancy, the several nations Of the civilized
world, so long separated from each other by bar
rlerS apparently insurmountable, are being
brought together in direct and immediate con.
tact, 80 as to constitute, as it were, one great
FAM few years we NAV exns,, a. -. y
the remot.st village Of the remotest country
Of the world with as much facility as we are able
now to CO mmunicate with any part of the United
States. We may hold correspondence with an
acquaintance or an agent at Pekin, with the
Same ease as we now hold converse with anv
one at Buffalo or Saratoga. What great influ