The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-04-11

Lutte when they commence any great work for
which they have laid themselves out.
Already half the battle is won by the abolition
of the censorship of the press in Prussia, Aus
tris, and other States Of Germany. The German
Parliament, or Diet, is to be called together on
the twenty-6fth of March. at Dresden; and then
the state Of the whole German contederacy, con-
sisting of thirty.six or thirty-eight independent
States, was TO be considered and definitely set
tied.
The revolution, however, is only beginningin
Germany, and its character will be entirely diff
ferent from that which has recently taken place
in France. The latter was the impulsive and
positive accomplishment OF the work Of CEN
fury in three days; but in Germany the people
will proceed step by step, as lawyers proceed in
suit at law, more resembling in this respect
the old English revolution Of 1910, which pre-
sented a contest on legal questions between the
king and the parliament, but which ultimately
ended in revolution and republic. We are not
afraid Of Germany. The work is begun, and
there cannot be doubt but that the movement
now in progress there will not rest until the
ty and fifty millions of people, in the centre of
Europe, will form a federal republic of their
own, which will probably be the most success
full republic that ever will be exhibited in the
world.
In Italy, the revolution is also beginning. In
that beautiful land, with its exctable popula-
ton, the movement will partake more of the
French than of the German revolution but we
cannot hesitate to believe that the Italians from
the Alps to the Medite rranean, will continue the
work Of agitation and reform in one shape or
another, till the whole of that peninsula will be
Reunited In ono nation, under a republican form
of government, on the federal system.
The lesser movements of Saxony, Cracow,
Holland, Spain, and the north of Europe, in
GLIDING Ireland and other parts of the British
empire, are hardly worth mentioning beside
the great movements in France, Italy, and Ger
many; but, taken all together, Europe pre-
sents one of the most extraordinary specta.
cles that ever took place, or that can ever take
place here after. No one could have anticipated
such state of things, so suddenly, but those who
were instructed in the signs and the expressions
of public opinion in such free country as the
Uaited States, and who may have travelled over
the old world leisurely, and marked the symp-
tom of change in progress there. This revolu-
ton we saw, aud marked, and predicted year
ago, during our tour in Europe, through France,
Italy and Germany. We are now only astonished
at the rapdity with which the movements fol.
low each other-at the feebleness of the mo.
narchical system-st the immense strength Of
the people, and the progress of liberty, of all
kinds, in 30 short time.
In such position of things, and with such
movt ments before US in the old world, it is pro-
per that the United States should deliberate
calmly and considerately on our present position,
just gong into another political election,
'or the purpose of electing chief magistrate,
and giving a new and definite action to tho 60.
vernment of this great republic. The Mexican
war has closed brilliantly for the arms of the
Uaited States-briliantly for the genius and skill
Of our military leaders-although somewhat OBJ
scured by subsequent farce of courts martial
and courts of inquiry now holding in Mexico.
But perhaps no mighty tragedy can be right
fully performed on the real stage of human life,
without some broad farce to cheer up the droop-
ing spirits, by way of close to the entertain
ment. as is the case on the mimic stage of our
theatres Yet we have gained great credit and
great honor by the recent events in Mexico.
The position of Europe calls the United States
into a new attitude towards the civilized
world; and it may be well for the people,
throughout the whole republic, to reflect deeply
on the necessity of elevating some one of our
greatest, noblest and most intellectual men to
the Office of chief magistrate. Our military
chieftains, oflate, have not shown much capacity
for civil affairs, nor for comprehending the
movements connected with the march of intel
lect and general improvement. They are great
only in the battle -feld-elsewhere they are more
fit to be actors in farce or a comedy. 1t may
be question, in such position of public affairs,
and looking abroad over the list of our public
men, whether the candidates for the Presidency
should not be selected by the different parties
from their highest statesmen-such as Mr.. Cal
houn, Mr.. Webster, Mr.. Clay, Mr.. Benton, or
Mr.. Buchanan-rather than from their military
chieftains, or from the catalogue of second and
third-rate politicians who have been ruling the
country for the last eight or ten years. The
American republic has an importan, role to play
In the history of civilization and the human race,
during the next half century. Europe has copied
her spirit, and is now moulding her conduct after
our example. Let US take care in the approach.
Ing election to show that ia;ellect-mentel
power and Statesmen srip-have more weight
with us than mere naked, undressed military
talent, well enough for the battlefield but hard
ly fit for the great movement of the new age
GREAT CLAY FRsrlvAL-We have received
the following polite invitation to dine T.
New YoRx, April 10th, 1885,
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, Esq
SIR-By direction Of the Committee Of Arrangements
enclose tickets for the festival be given in honor
the birthday Of Mr. Clay, at the Apollo Saloon. on
Wednesday evening" l2th inst Your attendance Il re-
questsd. Very respectfully,
JOHN T. DODGE, Secretary
His Ex-Excellency M. Van Buren, has received
Lie ias1i4a4ioxa L. ..a~.. ss..-