The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-21
Foreign News-The State of Europe.


Foreign News-The State of Europe.
We give in our columns this day, full resume
of the important intelligence from Europe, re-
ceived by the Niagara steamer at Boston. of which
only brief synopsis was received by telegraph
and published yesterday. Our private correspon-
dence is especially full and graphic, presenting
the affairs of Europe In plain common-sense and
sensible light, without being blended with those
theories which so much dlsfgure the various
correspondence of the press.
The great movement OF the nineteenth century Is
fairly begun. The revolution ofFebruary in Paris,
was only the commencement of period of half a
century or more, which will be crowded with social
political, and religious changes, Of a deeper and
more interesting nature than whatever has taken
place IN the old world since the subversion of the
Roman Empire, or the reformation of religion
against the domination of the Church of Rome, at
another period. In France, this new movement is
begun but events repeatedly taking place in Ger
many, England, and Italy, Indicate the depth and
comprehenslveness of the sentiment of chang q
which pervades the great mass OF the per. nle
Our last accounts indicate that the monarc and
princes of Europe are alarmed, and thy.t Euro-
pean Congress has been suggested, for the purnose
of adjusting the disputes between monarchs and
their people, or Of presenting check to the fnr.
Their march of popular opinions and ,,,.-
l hiS 20 one - INV .apes which the contest as
sumes at ~. ...e present time
A congress OF European sovereigns will have no
more effect in sitting the spirit which has been
aroused in Europe, than congress of old women
passing resolutions for the purpose of stopping the
falls of Niagara. Every circumstance, and all
events, portend the breaking out of a great and
general conflict In Europe, between the diferent
classes of society. general war is almost Ger.
tain. England and Russia, at the two extremit,es
OF the continent will be united in conducting the
campaign, with such additional aids as the frag
ments OF the German or Italian monarchles NAV
be able to lend them The French republic is at
the head of this great movement and the local
contentious now taking place in the National As
sembly and among the people, turn upon the point
whether the government OF General Cavagnac
shall stand still and present barrlcade to the
march of public opinion, or whether France, clear
ing all obstacles out of the way shall not take her
natural position at the head of the liberal masses of
the European world. Our own opinion Is, that no
Individual in France, not even Napoleon, could he
be called forth from his grave, can Withstand the
spirit of the age, urging on the great, final, and
general struggle between monarchy and demo-
crazy.
1t is true we hear a great deal said In various
quarters about socialism, red republicanIsm con-
servatism, and variety of clique doctrines and
sectional or local parties but all these different
elements will soen assume general and compre-
hensve character, and be arrayed together against
the feuda and monarchlcal spirit OF Europe for
the purpose of testing the question by physical
force. France, whenever she assumes her proper
position, with a new direction and with fresh
energy in her government, will be found arrayed
against the British power, as well as against the
Russian. She will, however, have on her side the
sympathizing masses all around the central exist
ing point of European civilization. In Germany,
the democratic sentiment is more preva-
lent and promising, as an active and PRACTICAL
principle, than even throughout the departments
OF France. Italy presents similar features, leading
either to full democracy, or blended with the
visionary frailties which affect the French in
tellect to great extent. The impending struggle
between these two great principles is gradually
developing itself with every fresh arrival.
In this new situation Of affairs in Europe the
American government ought at once to assume
new pOsl1On, ana muse new energy into her
diplomatic and foreign councils. The contest
between monarchy and democracy IN Europe
may last tor many years-wbo can say it may not
continue for half century? The old war, grow
ing ont Of the first French revolution, compre-
hended in Its duration a period Of nearly that
length and the opening war threatens to be at
least as Icing, and perhaps bloody In this POSI-
ton of affairs, the United States ought at once to
prepare for maintaining her neutral position with
dignity and determination. In this fearful con-
test, which is coming on, the commercial, fnan-
cial, and manufacturing interests of Europe must
undergo a terrible revulsion. The American gov
eminent should take care to protect the interests
OF American commerce and trade, which must be
as deeply affected by the results of the struggle IN
Europe thew were during the great war at the
beginning Of the present century.
We reiterate our firm belief, that our navy
should at once be increased, and negotiations
opened with the various maritime powers, in order
to ascertain what their purposes may be in regard
10 neutral nations and neutral rights, for all
future time.
FOREIGN PAPERS We are indebted TO Mr. j.
w Sullivan for the latest Irish and English
papers. lie receives large number by every
ofsa