The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-28
German Unity.

Some ten days since, after reviewing the train
of events in Germany, which were deemed
likely to terminate in war, we expressed an
opinion contrary to that which prevailed-our
belief being that no war would ensue. Suisse
quent news verlfies our prediction. Prussia
has been forced TO submit. She had, indeed
placed herself in an awkward position, and Sc
rous difficulties may follow. We believe,
however, that no general war will arise In
Germany at present. Austria, England, Rus
STA and France. seem to be combined against
it. Prussia could hope for success in contend
ing aga ,st these powers only by uniting all
Northern Germany in sentiment of the stern
est and most devoted nationality. Such SEN
timent does not yet appear to exist.
With all their learning, the Germans are
deficient in practical knowledge; they are ma
ton of deep thinkers and inefficient actors.
Having for almost a thousand years been subject
to despotism. they have had little experience
in any other government than that which is
despotic. Their rulers have permitted the
people tn dream in libraries, but never 20
speak, write, OF act, save rnder the censorship.
The nation may be divided, generally, into
servile monarchsts and Utopian theorists. So
cialism and transcendentalism in various forms
occupy, 10 a considerable extent, the minds
Of the liberal party. We believe, therefore,
that the time has not yet come for a hopeful
movement toward free institutions in Germany
France is the true hinge Of European progress
1t is evident that the anomalous condition Of
that country is the theme Of anxious study To
all the politicians Of Europe. There lies the
sleeping earthquake whether it will die away :.
exhausted by time, or burst forth with over
whelmng violence, is yet in the mists of the
future.
The following, which we extract from the
London Illustrated .Neics, gives condensed
view Of German politics 1t is tinged with
monarchical predictions. for which the reader
will make due allowance:
AFTER long period Of alarm, suspense and
| peril, there seems glimmer Of hope that Germans
will be prevented from engaging in ssnguinary
warfare with Germans, and from asserting their
love Of union more Hiberries" by the slaughter OF
| their brethren. The conference Of NJ. de Manteuf.
| fe on the part Of the King Of Prussia and Of the
Prince de schwartzenberg the part Of the EN-
peror Of Austria, appears TO have had favorable
result and there is to believe that for the
present at least, until differences shall arise
the mighty armaments Of the rivals will be en-.
| gagged In no more desperate work than in increas
ing the public debt Of the powers that called them
| into being
1--WE cannot. however, indulge in the hope that
the difficulties Of Prussia and Austria are at an end
and that circumstances may not, from day 10 day
Il y,bi hal orre Ill
isting arrangements, and bring the antagonists a
second time face to face. Notwithstanding tho
hslcyon days that have dawned within the week
the King Of Prussia is in the unfortunate position
| Of man who can neither recedc, stand STILL NOT
advance with honor or with safety. The unity o.
| Germany is an idea that has taken too deep a ROOT
in the minds Of the Prussians 10 justify any er
pectation that il will be hastily abandoned Will,
the disunity Of Germany, or the status quo, ia 3,
clearly the interest Of Austria, the present head o
the Confederation, and 90 agreeable TO the idea
aud principles of the Conservative party through
out Europe, that must expect all the moral ant
physical force Of Austria and her allies 10 be en-
erted in it's defence The KING Of Prussia, though
he may avoid war nj present, cannot recede, un
ltss he wish to turn HE Land,oeu into revolution
lists. lie cannot Stand still without covering him
self With ridicule and disgrace in the eyes Of hi
own pe6ple-s result which might lead TO bic depo
sition and he cannot advance, without kindling
war in Europe, Of which the end might be, not TN
aggrandizement, bat the humiliation. Of Prussia
accompanied in all probability by loss, not Sim
ply Of territory, but Of influence.
"A glance at the position Of the Prussian people
, and Of the Prussian King, prior and subsequent u
the French revolution Of ls4s, will show how the,
stand towards each other, and towards the rect o
Europe at the present time. Upwards Of fort
years ago, the late King Of Prussia--s monarch
Of the old scboOl claiming to govern by Diyin
right -promsed his subjects free constitution