The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-11-10

The Revolutions in Europe
In the great excitement caused by the recent
election in this country, and the undivided alen-
ton which has been bestowed upon that important
business, we have almost entirely lost sight of the
wonderful events which are occurring upon the
theatre Of Europe, and the radical changes which
are there being effected in the structure of society
As we have now passed that epoch in our domestic
history which necessarily demands and absorbs for
the time being all our thought, we are now at
liberty to turn once more to our transatlantic breth
rem, and view the interesting scenes which they
are enacting. That the present era is the most
important in the annals of recorded history, there
can be no doubt; but being immediate spectators,
we deem the great events which are passing around
as Of less consequence than if at future period
they should be presented to US decorated by the
pen of the historian, as the acts of by-gone age
In the progress Of the human race every change in
the form of society should be a transition from
lower to a higher state. Through two stages we
have already passed the barbaric, when the wild
but free wanderers from the north and east darken-
ed the imperfect enlightenment of the Roman En-
pire; the feudal, which succeeded the establish
ment of the barbarian monarchies on the ruins of
the old Empire, and now we have arrived at what
we are used to hearing called the very ultimate
boundary Of human adVancement-the civilized
system. Through these three stages, Europe has
nearly passed. and is now struggling to ascend
step higher in the scale of existence and TO achieve
her disenthrallment from the social abuses which
weigh so heavily upon her masses. The genius,
the masterspirt of modern civilization is capital.
The tyrants of the earth govern by its influence,
and only rule while it is employed in their favor.
To get rid Of this slavery of humanity to wealth,
to change the relations of society so that this great
engine of power shall be more equally distributed,
is the end and aim of the revolutions which now
distract the European continent. In many places
the movement is going forward without any fixed
object in view, directed by no particular theory,
but merely animated by hatred for existing insti
tutions, and desire for their destruction In Ger
many in particular, the revolution seems to be of
this character. There the people, as yet under
stand little Of the science Of social organization;
but merely feel the evils under which they labor,
and which result from the present system. They
have formed no plans-they have no theories
but seem impeled by a vague and resistless desire
to pull down and destroy without knowing what
kind ola structure they going to erect upon the
ruins of the PROSTATE edifee. From this state of
things there is no knowing what may result, but it
is certain that from the universal confusion some
change must be produced, and where only evil is
DESTROYED there is at least some chance of good
taking its place. This, we believe, is what the
German reformers desire. Their present aim is
only to free themselves from the corrupt and time
worn institutions which Cypress them, and then let
things take their course, adopting only such
forms as may be suggested by the people.
In France, where for many years the most en-
IiCbforod Of fha
their attention upon the problem of social organi-
cation, the people have adopted particular theo-
ries which they desire to see placed in practical
operation. These theories are based upon different
principles, and, therefore, are widely different
in their natures In fact, the two principal sects
Of socialists are Numerically opposed to each
other in the bases of the systems they wish to esab
lish although they both attack the present unequal
distribution Of property, and both, we believe, pro-
TESS to be opposed to the purely commercial spirit
of civilization. The people of France are possess
ed of strong military feeling which is far nobler
than that for commerce. The excellent correspond
ent of the n Y. Tribune holds the following Ian
guage upon the subject, which, although it may
not be in accordance with the opinions generally
received, is at least worthy of consideration
My visit to Holland has shown me how much superior
ary spirit has been the salvation France and made
what IS the leader of nations and of the civilized world
noble destiny aud that war; notwithstanding it is
horrible thing. has redeemng side in It. War develops
the passion OF ambition. Ambition excites the sentiments
of personal pride and dignity eevates the thoughts and
principles of men, The peasant made soldier, becomes
but commerce transforms into coward and
a cheat.''
We have before, we believe, given sketch of
of the history of one sect of the French socialists
the followers of ST. Simon; at some other time
we will endeavor to say something of the Fourier
ties and the Communists