The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-03-30
THE CRITICAL STATE OF EUROPE.

The revolution in France which has result
ed in topping from his throne the most able
and sagacious, though not the most popular,
sovereign of Europe, is not the only feature
of the news received by the last European
steamer that looks to the breaking up OF old
landmarks. In England, proud and potent
England, some new living Goals of fire have
been scattered upon the naked hearts OF the
people in the shape of a proposed income tax,
to make up for the deficiency in the financial
budget and the excitement in consequence
is great and the opposition apparently UNI
versal. The first years experiment in free
trade has left the British treasury minus be-
tween two and three millions Of pounds; and
as the war estimates are increased, the def
cheney must be squeezed in some way from
the pockets of the people. A property tax
instead of this the ministry propose an income
tax, by which the poor clerk, for instance,
who receives 5000 year for his services
and of which he may be deprived at any time
by ill health or the caprice Of his employer
pays precisely rs much as the man who en-
Joys the same income from money in the pub
lie funds, and without particle of labor.
Such taxation is so obviously unjust that we
do not wonder at the strong expressions OF
disapprobation which public meetings and the
press almost universally, have put forth in re-
gard to it. Even the Liverpool Mercury,
which has ever been the supporter of Lord
John Russell, stigmatises his policy in this
matter in the most unmeasured terms.
Besides these descriptions in France and
England, we have some sprinklings of pop
ular feeling in the tattercd and badly gov
erned empire of Austria. An emcnte at Wen
ma was suppressed by the power of the police
but in Bavaria (under king subservicnt to
Austria) popular right has yindicated itself
in one respect at least. Lola Montez, who
first made use of her influence over the old
King in favor of liberalism and against the
Jesuits, appears afterward to have gone over
to the latter party, who have learned the ne
cessity of conciliating her. The result has
been a popular instruction, which ended in
her house being pulled down and in her be-
ing arrested and sent off, by the command of
the Minister, in post chaise to Switzerland
The dotng King perilled both his life and his
crown to save her, and she now asserts that
"he will abdicate and follow her"
The King of Sardinia has voluntarily pub
lished constitution for his subjects, on the
basis of the French charter. 1t establishes
two legislative chambers, one elective, the
other to be nominated by the King for life
All laws imposing taxes are to originate in the
elective Chamber, and each article, indeed
Of the constitution seems fair and liberal, with
the exception of one which appears Irish and
overwhelmingly, "The press will be free
but subject to represslve laws"
The Grand Duke of Tuscany has followed
the example of the King of Sardinia-despite
an injunction from Austria forbidding him as
an Archduke Of that country to take any such
step.
The Neapoltans have had three days of
rejoicing for their constitution. Del Garrett
to, the obnoxious minister Of police, who was
obliged to fly from the fury of the people, had
escaped to Mafscillcs, where in the present
temper Of France he is hardly likely to find
a very cordial welcome.
AT Palermo the commanding general had
been driven by the people to eyacuate the is
land, after having wantonly bombarded the
city. A provisional Government has been
appointed, of which Admiral Ruggero SETH
mo, one of the most esteemed inhabitants, is
the head The people have conducted them
oClfSo pAA ilOU bS SOhtSIu
without an independent parliament of their
own.
In Switzerland all remains quiet. Russia,
however, has intimated to the Diet that she
considers the last events in that country to be
a violation Of cantonal sovereignty, and that
consequently she does not feel bound to defend
the neutrality of the country against "meas-
urcs which any of the ncighboring states
might think proper to adopt in its own inter
est" This is step in conformity with the
policy of Austria, France and Prussia. But
France has, as it were, denatonaizcd her
self by revolution from her part in the
"pact," and it remains to be seen whether
Russia will put her fingers in the fire.
In view of all these things, are we wrong
in saying that the present aspect of Europe
is eminently critical and revolutionary?