The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-12-20

AgItatiOps OF Central EurOpe--The Position
of PrussIa-Ihe New Imp. rial alliance.

AgbtattOps az Central EurOpe-The Position
of PrussIa-The New Imperial alliance.
The last steamer brought us intelligence which
puts a new phase on the affairs of Europe The
waveless calm into which the continent had
settled, after the reco of the late revolutions,
appears to be broken, and we are likely to have
ANYTHING but dull news by the next steam packet
which reaches this country From the English,
French, and German papers, gather these
significant facts THAT Prussia seems at last
determined to carry into effect her long cherished
scheme of German confederatlon-that she has
called on the German States to elect members to
meet National Parliament, at Erfurt, the list
of January, IS50-and that the Austrian cabinet
has made formal protest against its convocation.
Moreover, the Austrian despatch which contains
the protest, speaks of the probability of armed
ntt rvenlion to settle the affairs of Germany. If
these are the facts of the case one other of the
paltes must bluntly retract, or European war
will follow.
The King of Prussia is with the exception of
The CzsD almost the only sovereign in Europe
who thinks for himself-who guides his own
cabinet Frederick William is learned practical
man, and shrewd politician. He and his
father before HIM, had both promised con-
sttutional governments to Germany and be-
lOIt tIt IcCtHt vi %uIopc, us present
Prussian King had conducted his government on
very liberal scale. A few days after the fall of
Louis Philippe, he was driven from the throne, and
compelled TO buy back his crown by pledges which
he is now compelled to fulfil. These pledges were
made the heat OF the moment, we know; but
they were made to men resolved TO be free, and
they have been remembered. The day of their
redemption has come Even the upper classes of
Prussia demand il.
The King of Prussia is too liberal prince to
wish TO be tyrant. lie has always shown him.
self favorable to civil and political progress. But
IN the general alarm which blanched the cheek Of
every sovereign in Europe, he fell back-hc recoi-
ed-he retrograded AS soon, however, as a
period Of reflection came, he began to recover his
ground and feeling that all his subjects are with
him, he has recently resolved to take the bold step
Of calling general parliament OF the German
States, which, in lie federal capacity, may enact
laws and construct league of unity and power
for the central nations Of Europe.
This Is a sort Of Fourth OF July proceeding on
the part Of Frederick William, and its conse-
quences are likely to be serious. There are about
as many states in Germany as there are in our
coIitdelacy, with vastly larger population.
They are as essentially one race as We are they
are as deeply imbued with a republican spirit. To
them all the Fatherand is dearer than life; and
but for the game which despousm has been play
ing since the Congress Of Vienna, the United
States Of the Rhine would long ago have been a
coniederacy, which would have held the balance
Of power on the continent, and dictated terms
even 10 combined Europe.
Before these recent revolutions, Austria was in
fayor Of some such movement, because she could
head il and control II herself Once more the En-
peror Of the Hapsburgh house would have been
the elected emperor of Germany. But Austria Is
now opposed TO any such policy AID the reasons
are Obvious First, the Emperor and his cabinet
have made themselves odiOus beyond measure
throughout Germany, by crushing the Italians and
slaufhtering the Hungarans. II was not enough
10 outrage every compact and violate every princ-
lle Of good faith with the ancier' kingdom OF Hun
gary, nor to lay waste the garden-felds Of LON
hardy. She must summon the aid OF the Cossacks.
And when the victory was won, martial law was
proclaimed in the conquered country, and the no.
blest blood Of the nation was poured out IN deep
stream, TO glut the vengeance Of the Emperor OF
Russia. From the moment Austria made this hu.
initiating and bloody league with the great foe Of
Europe, che lost the sympathy and respect Of
Germany aud the world. Everywhere her name
was given over to execration and adherence.
She could no more favor German confederatlon,
Tor she could 10 more stand at its head. Besides,
such a union would compel her to adopt more
liberal policy, and abandon the bloody butchering
che has sanctioned under llsynau and Rldetsky.
Russia, who Is now the supreme dictator OF Aus
ria, could have no foe so formidable TO cope with
as a German United states; and Nicholas 10
not only the author Of the protest against the
convocaton Of the federal parliament of Ger
many, but he is prepared 60 enter the field
once more against Europe, to crush any com5na-
tioa which threatens to rouse spirit Of nationality
among the German nations, or oppose this progress
TO universal empire. Fooled for the moment nhs
plot against Turkey, repulsed from Con5t snuaope,
and driven back TO his northern home, he is bent
upon accomplishing his object In another way. IL
he loses has prey in the East, he will make up for
il in the South. He has fastened hls grasp on
Austrls, and now dictates her policy. lie forbids
her from entering into the German Union, for this
would lnterpose too mighty barrier against the
fpresd Of his dominion This is, without doubt.
The secret OF this recent protest OF the Austrian
cabinet against the conyocaion Of a German Par.
lament
The only question nov IT, will Prussia be driven
from her purpose-wi she he forced into humi-
liating concession For many reasons, we thiak
not. Towards Russia she occupies the same posi.
tion that Turkey did two months ago, when the
demand was made for Kussuth and his sotle COM
PATRIOTS and sustained as she will be by the force
Of England, France and Turkey, and the syn.oa-
thles Of mankind, and above all having thirty Ger,
man States to stand by her, che cannot retreat.
II Is clear that Russia is playing deep game,
aad has outwitIed the British and French cabinets