The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-18
The News by the Britannia.

The News by the Britannia.
The intelligence just received by the steamship
Britannia is extremely interesting. The whole
continent of Europe still convulsed with ntes-
tine connections, and the war still RACES between
the people and their oppressors. France has not
yet taken up arms, but there every reason to be-
lieve she will eventually send an army across the
Alps, for the purpose of aiding the republican
movement in Italy Her present position is one
which cannot last. In France there are at present
two great parties, branching of, each into four
or five different sections. The distinctive prin-
Cple of the one, is conserv atism; of the other,
progress. AT the head of the former, are Cavaig-
mac, the present dictator, Theirs, and others of
similar views with the other, Ledru Rollln, al
though more ultra IN his sentiments than most
other members OF his party, is most closely lden-
thed The conservatives wish to pursue the
anti progressive policy, which proved the ruin of
he monarchy, and to preserve the entente cordiale
with England, in opposition to the wishes of the
people, who will be content with nothing less than
war This is a wholly mistaken policy. The
peace OF France requires foreign war, and the
present attempt the part of her rulers to
smother the flame which burns menacingly in the
hearts Of the people, will but add to its intensity
when 1t shall eventually burst forth. In fact, in
the present war between monarchy and demo-
cracy IN Europe, France leads the van, and she
cannot, if she would, stand still.
The election of Prince Louis Napoleon to the
National Assembly, and his extraordinary popula-
sity among the Parlsians, proves not lurking de-
sire on the part of the people for restoration of
the empire, as has been industriousy represented
by the English press, but may be regarded as an
indication, however indirect, OF strong anti-Eng-
lish feeling. The name of Napoleon is identified
with the humiliation of England, and hence the
ardent love of the French people for any member
of the family. fact, sane man, looking to the
present condition of France, can, for moment,
doubt that the democratic principle must eventual
ly triumph.
AZ instancing the strength of this principle, we
regard as highly important the vote taken on the
question of having two chambers. The assembly,
at the latest dates, had decided upon having but
one chamber by majority of 24l. This may be
considered great blow to conservatism. Were
Voice that the assembly has rejected the only
anomaly in our government-two opposing forces
pulling contrariwse, each proving hlndrance to
the other, and their diverse action proving Sc
Iious obstacle to the legislation of the country.
Il revolutionary movement has also been made
the conduct of Strive, have risen against the 60
vernment The latest accounts represent them as,
for the time unsuccessful, and that Strive, their
leader, had been shot,
A serious Insurrectlon has also taken place at
Cologne, which, although for the present partially
repressed, may be looked upon as promising I'M
portant results in the future. The Croas, too are
up In arms against the Hungarians, and through
,bOIa ofE from sf IN nd from,
north to south, the people either actually en-
gagged against their oppressors, or preparing for
final struggle. About the result of this struggle
there can be no doubt. Monarchy may, here and
there, at first, achieve few partial trlumphs but
the people must, In the end, be successful Even
now, England foresees this result and trembles. In
her present position the signs of the times UNI
1nlstakaby manifest. At the sailing of the
steamer an extraordinary court was being held at
Clonmel, for the trial of several men for treason
against the government; and IN London some
what similar court was in session. for the trial of
chartists for sedtion. In both countries the myr-
mldons of the law were IN active pursuit Of per-
sons accused OF reasonable practices. Such Is
the CONSERVATION that prevails, that the govern
ment has even gone so far to arrest two ladies',
said to be in some way connected with the late
outbreaks near Carrick- on-Sulr and they are
sparlng no efforts, foul or fair, to procure con-
yiction of Smith O'Brien.
But it is not within her own dominions that
England will experience the greatest danger.
We have shown that the progressive policy in
France must eventually predominant, and that
policy will surely lead, sooner or later, to con-
Aict with England. The latter has not means,
however, to support European war; and in
Iced, TO engage in war at all, holds out to her no
other prospect but absolute ruin. All her disposable
forces are already concentrated In Ireland, and
the moment she turns her attention to the conti-
nent, the spirit of Insurrection, now partially re
pressed, will burst forth.
All this gives certain promise that republican
asm, In Europe. must soon be in the ascendant In
prospect of what is to come our own duty is
manifest. This government must at once open
negotiations with England, to secure the OBJ
servance of the neutral rights of nations, the gross
violation of which, as well as her other imposi-
lions, produced the war of 1912. The principle
we then contended for must be asserted by us,
and recognized by her. In the event of her re-
fusal, let the navy be increased.
We rejoice to learn that government has
already, through our minister, Mr.. Donesen set
on foot negotiations for commercial treaty with
confederated Germany, and that those negotIa-
tions, Notwithstanding the strong secret opposition
of the English government, promise to prove
cminently successful. There is every prospect
that all those petty restrictions on commerce that
kings and other potsntates have hitherto maintain
and at the expense of the country, will be wholly