The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-11-15
WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER IS
European Politios.

NE.
some weeks past, excited but little attention on hi
side of the Atlantic; yet, they are none the les
worthy Of close and careful examination, for tn
peace of the Continent if not Of the world MAJ
depend upon the turn which affairs may at am
moment take. Among the most important o
the recent occurrences, are the strange trans
actions taking place in the Austrian Empire
This colossal power, built upon the remnants o
subject nations, sustained by an overawing military
force, cemented by the shrewd and selfish policy o.
CENTURIES has crumbled to pieces and been resolved
into ifs original elements; its monarch has fled
and its people are in that state of chaotic anarchy
which follows the overthrow Of an old, and pre-.
csdes the formation Of new system.
Austria is eonglomerate of different races with
distinct languages, manners, laws and institutions
the Germans Of the arch-duchy of Austria, Styria
and the Tyrol; the Sclavonians of Bohemia,
Momvia, Galleia and llyria the Magyars of Hum
gary, and the Italians of Lombardy and Venice
although all parts Of the Austrian Empire are as
distinct and different as separate people can be.
THAT such an ill-assorted combination should hang
together at all is matter Of wonderland it should
preserve the integrity of its organization in this age
Of revolutions would be nothing short of miracle.
rights Of races, and strike blow for nationality.
How bravely they fought, how foully they were
betrayed, and how disastrous was their failure, we
have from time TO time laid before our readers
Hungary was the next to move. The rich, power
full and warlike nobility of this country had ever
preserved sort Of national Independence, but they
were still in great degree subject to the Imperial
Court Of Vienna. They struck for complete eman-
cipation but they had an enemy within their own
borders, for whose power they had altogether too
much contempt. The Magyar nobility of Hun
gary are the rulers and owners Of nation Of
slaves-and slaves. too, Of different race and
language from themselves. The diffusion Of libe-
raj ideas had weakened their hold on the masses.
But they had another enemy. The people of Gro
AHA were to Hungary what Hungary was to Aus
tra, and when the Hungarians asserted their indie
pndence of the latter, Croatia asserted her indie
pendence of Hungary. To add to the complication
of the plot, the Germans Of the empire have at
last made a movement for the consolidation of the
race in the German Confederacy, and for the re-
camaton of political personal rights in the differ
ent kingdoms and prineipalities of which it is COM
posed. From this results most singular warfare.
The Hungarians were fighting the battles of Aus
tria against Italy, and fighting at home against
Austria; the Croats were fighting against Italy and
Hungary; and the German republicans were fight
ing against Italy, Hungary, the imperial troops
and Croatia. At the last accounts the battle stood
something like this all parties were retiring from
Italy; the republicans had driven the Emperor
from Vienna, and the city was invested by the i'm
perial forces and the army of the Ban of Croatia,
and the Hungarians were marching on Vienna with
large army for the ostensible purpose of aiding
the republicans, who are their greatest natural
enemies, but with the probable design Of siding
with either party, as it may suit their interests.
What will be the upshot Of all this confusion no
one can guess. The Emperor of Austria has, it is
said, asked the interference Of Russia, and it is
altogether probable that the Gar will accede TO
the request, either for the purpose Of quoting the
Scayonian provinces on his borders and establish
inga Scavonic kingdom for the banished Emperor
in the east of Europe or for the more probable pur
pose of attaching these provinces, in the general
scramble, to his own dominions. 1t may we'll be
questioned, however, whether the Germans will
submit to such an interference. Their dreams of
liberty and Federation would all be dissipated at
the approach of Russian bayonets upon any part of
their frontiers Germany could not peacefully
witness such an invasion and the States of the
Confedeacy would be obliged to make common
cause with Austrian and Hungarian republican
and arstoerat, against the common enemy. But
such are the complicated relations Of European
Governments, and such the general dread which is
of Russian power and rapacity, that
lostilities between Russia and any considerable
PORTION Of Germany, in which the attack would be
made for the restoration of old privileges and pre-
ogative, and the resistance to defend liberties
lewly acquired, would inevitably lead to general
var And this result is the more likely to follow
rom the new aspect of things in Italy. The inter-
al troubles Of Austria have so weakened the army
ngaged in the Italian campaign that it is doubt
nj whether the conquests made can be retained.
This process Of debtation is daily going on. Hum
arans and Croats are leaving by batalions. or
yagine open war against each other, and the Re- |
ublicans are deserving TO the Italians by compa-
lies Now is the time for Italy II her people
Use again, France cannot be restrained from Civ
ny them assistance. No Government will be suE-
icisntly powerful to prevent the march Of the
roops into Italy in accordance with the almost
unanimous wish of the people. Lombardy and
Venice win cast off the Austrian yoke. But what
Vii be the effect upon the relations q france ana
England How will stand the question of " joint
Mediation, and which viii succeed in obtaining
what both desire, preponderanee Of influence in
he affairs Of the Italian States
There is certainly in all this enough to cause the
most earnest solicitude in our own country. We
Ire 50 connected with the States Of Europe by
commercial ties, that nothing can long affect the
'eaoe or stability of the different nations without
'elng felt in greater or less degree by ourselves;
'uI when we reflect upon the extent Of our COM
nerce on every sea, upon the barbarous code OF
maritime war and the universal disregard with /
Which, in practice, the rights of neutrals are
realed, there would appear to be danger to the |
eaee Of this country from any general adoption Of
,ostllItes and this danger is not lessened, from
ne TACT that war in Europe would certainly lead !