The New York herald., 1849-05-14
The Foreign News-state OF Europe.

The Foreign News-statc OF Europe.
We continue, in our journal of to-day, copious
details of the intelligence received by the "Hiber-
nis," together with another interesting portion OF
our correspondence. The letter of our correspon-
dent at Berlin will be found worthy of attentive
perusal presenting as it does succnct and intel
lgible view of the state of affairs in the portion of
the continent of which that city is the centre.
France continues in an agtated state. This is
what we had right to expect. That great nation,
aboundng in all the elements Of intellectual great
ness and chivalric ideas of liberty, Is enduring
the throes of mighty political and social change
In all the important centres of the young republic,
the shock of conflicting opinion is felt. The re-
suits of false systems of government and of
finance, are pressing with almost overwhelming
weight upon the state Of affairs which Is just
struggling to emerge from the chaos. We await
with great interest the result of the elections
which took place yesterday, and which will be
conveyed to us in a few weeks. The administra-
tion of Louis Napoleon will be put to formi-
dabe test when the new Assembly is organized; as
it is probable that its supporters will find them
selves in the minority. Still, we have considerable
confidence in the strength and stability of the adj
ministration After ALL the great safety of repub-
lican government consists in the freedom with
which opposing ideas, parties, and factions enter
into conflict That is by no means the most hope
full social and political condition Of any people,
where there is apparently undisturbed repose. Such
peace is generally the peace of the church-yard,
where there is peace because every eye is dim
and every arm nerveess. Agltation-commotion
-convulsion, we must expect; but we must not
we will not entertain any fear for the permanent
establishment of human freedom, not only in
France, but throughout the whole continent Of
Europe.
The most important item of intelligence from
England relates to the navigation laws. They have
passed the Commons House of Parliament The
remarkable progress of internal improvements
in Great Britain has materially operated against he
coasting trade, which, from this and other causes
is declining. Hence the effort to carry this minis
terial measure relative to the navigation laws
England, no doubt, desires reciprocity with the
United States. But it is like Irish reciprocity-all
on one side Of course, il is not likely that our go
vernment will take any measures in response to the
English legislation on this subject Indeed, al
ready, in repudiating the action Of Mr.. Bancroft,
they have signihed their intentions on this point
with sufficient clcamess The intelligent reader
will not fail to notice the remarkable and signi6-
cant illusions to the state of Canadian affairs,
which were made by several of the leading states
men of England who took part in this debate on the
navigation laws. 1t is easy TO perceive that the
connection which subsists between the British pro-
ylnces on this continent and the parent country,
she is called, has now become very SLIM and very
fragile.
The Hungarians, animated by most heroic
devotion to their country and liberty, have
achieved some important victories over their anita
gonists. No one can fail to see that the European
mind has become deeply and essentially imbued by
liberal principles. Everywhere we can discern
the evidences of an unalterable determination, on
the part Of the great Of the people, to free
themselves Of the ancient systems of oppression and
mlsgovernment under which they have suffered
for ages new emotion Of overwhelming inte-
rest stirs the mighty popular heart of Europe
We are now spectators of the most sublime move
ment which the world has yet seen. That strug-
gle, fierce and final which the sages and phiosc-
piers of the past have predicted, is now going on
before our eyes-the struggle between light and
darkness, liberty and despotism We need not
fear the issue. Sooner or later, truth and liberty
will be established in lasting supremacy.
Every arrival from the other side of the Atlantic
will be now eagerly looked forby all who take an in
teres the stirring drama of European affairs. 1t
would appear that general convusicn is rapidly
approaching The adherents to the old order Of
things are adopting various measures TO prolong
their existence. Thus, clubs and public meetings.
and the press, are assaed and cramped. But
nothing can stop the onward progress of events,
and that progress ls towards universal freedom
Procsmations, and state trials, and the bayonet,
and the cannon ball, must, in the end, prove utterly
unavailiDg to check the conquering career of that
spirit which has taken wing all lands, and is
destined to carry liberty to the ends OF the earth
TIE New YoRK AppoINIMENTs.-The announce
ment of the three important appointments for this
city, of Hugh Maxwell, as Collector; John Young,
as Assistant Treasurer; and William V. Brady, as
Postmaster, has taken our whig politicians all
aback. The cliques, il is well known, were divided
as the partisans respectively Of Young and Brady
for Collectors and il is poor consolation to their
clques to know that, while their leaders are pro-
vided for with good Offices, but with very limited
patronage the rank and file are left to the mercy Of
collector entirely disconnected with the Young
and Brady cliques, and who in the distribution of
Office will probably pursue an independent course.
Mr.. Maxwell, IT will be recollected, was leading
member of the Lafayette old committee. which
took an active part in the bringing about the nomi-
nation of General Taylor. After the Presidential
election, it is understood that he disagreed with
his colleagues on that committee, Messrs Grinnel.
Webb 81 Co., in the arrangements made TO effect
the election of Ex-Governor Seward to the u S.
Senate, to whose advancement Mr.. Maxwell has
generally been opposed. In consequence Of this
and other circumstances, Mr.. M. has kept aloof
from the Grinnell clique, and has pursued an nde-
pendent course, in recommending to the President
and cabinet candidates for appointment to office.
Ex-Ccve,lor Young and Ex-Mayor CssIy weso