Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-02-19

As'racan and with their increase mus
be introduced the desire Of and the fines
for moral social, political, and religion
liberty and this desire and this fines
viii be the sure precursors of those all
Important blessings. Holland and Bel
GUM have been more in the position O
spectators than actors in the great events
of l8i9. They both have been, however
enlightened, because liberal in their legis
lation, whilst quietly pursuing the I" aim:
| of fair delightful peace" OF Spain two
good things are to be recorded in her his
tory for the past year. She has improved
her internal condition by paying consider,
able attention TO railroads, bridges, &c,
and has extended her commercial relations
with other countries by the establishments
Of I tolerably liberal and, in her peculiar
position, judicious tariff. OF her political
condition We know but little, but we are
willing to hope that ii has acquired stabil-
Itv, and increased something in its adap-
taton to the wants Of The people. during
the year which has Just closed. Portugal
cannot be standing still nothing on the
earth is quiescent; we know Of nothing
in which she has advanced, and therefore
we fear that she has retrograded.
Such is our view Of the present state Of
Continental Europe, as produced by the
events of the~pasl year. We do not regard
it as a very favorable one upon which TO
base our expectations respecting the pres
ent year. The revolutionary temper has
been succeeded by a temporary lull, rather
than a permanent calm. The forces Of
revolution are exhausted, but not annihi
lated. The Europe of 1850 is at peace,
but not paciGc-tranquil, but not tranquil
Iized-quiescent, but not contented.
But in any coup GGil at the general
position Of European politics, TO omit the
consideration Of England, and her interest
and share in them, would be worse than
plaving the tragedy Of Hamlet without the
Prince Of Denmark. And here, if the Wis
ia Of the wear upon which we have entered
fail. TO reflect the sunny hues Of an un-
mixed prosperity, il is at least undimmed
bv the cloud of coming adversely. The
nast wear ha. witnessed the signal success,
under much extrancous pressure and OBJ
s'ruction, Of the great free-trade measure
# 1916; and tie opening year will cIucl-
date the practical effect of free sea. With
no Legislative embargo on It's commerce IN
corn and ships, England may well hope
to contend victoriouslvwiih any difficulties
that may beset the path of onward pro-
gress in the immediate future. The po-
litical and social evils under which the
country still groans arc doubtless numcr-
ous. but there is comfort in the considera-
,ion that no abuse can now show llsciI
without instantly calling into action band
of earnest men pledged TO its reform. So
ciety was never in more criticising mood,
never more intensely self-consclous, never
more careful in collecting facts and lnqul-
rinp into causes. and at the same time
never more firmly resolved 10 apply a
practical remedy to every proved grew
ance, than il is at present. If our Gov
ernment rightly interprets the spirit OF The
times, and comprehends and appreciates
tbe direction and force Of public opinion,
on tie great pending questions connected
with the social and moral welI-bemg OF
the community, the ensuing Parliamentary
session NAV be as fruitful, as any former
ones have been barren, Of timely and be-
pefcent legislation. Ministers have in
reality no organized opposluon 10 ehcoun-
ter in any course Of reformatory policy
viii ch il may please them to adopt.
No fewer than ninety-three ships are
building in Sunderland most of them OF
large tonnage. Several ships have been
sold to foreigners, particularly Danes'
The general opinion at Sunderland is that
the trade of ship-building will be more
prosperous in 1850 than ever. We have
heard of a gentleman who visited Liver,
pool with the Intention of contracting for
the building of three or four large ships
but The .hip-wrights were so full OF orders
that rot one of them would contract, even
Il