The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-04-16

(Rrom the 6wiss National Gasette.1
The present position of Switzerland induccs "
TO urge an idea, the realization of which might be
OF the highest importance and immeasurabe con-
sequences, not only particularly for Switzerland,
but for European liberty in general, namely, al
lance between the republics of the United States
Of North Amenca and Switzerland. Already in
the month Of November OF last year, venerable
aged man, a native of Neuchatel, who has resided
IN England for several years past, and has been
employed long time in the service of the
State, wrote to us from London, that it was the
duty Ut every patriot to exert himself in favor OF
such an alliance. Switzerland did not at that time
appear to be menaced, and our own internal affairs
were CT such an importance, that we laid the letter
aside for future use. In the meantime, we receiv-
ed through an American friend, copy Of an article,
which appeared in Washington newspaper, under
the title: "Austria and Switzerland" on the above
mentioned idea.
(IIere follows an extract from Washington pa
per, commenting upon the motion of Gen. Cass
against holding diplomatic relations with Austria,
showing the important position OF Switzerland az
the asylum Of prosecuted liberty--how she is an
object of jealousy and hatred to the absolute mo-
narchs of Europe, and will probably be made by
them to share the fate of Poland, unless repub
lie ccme TO her assistance. The Swiss journal
then continues as follows II
After having given the opinion of the Washing
ten paper, alliance between the United States
and Switzerland, we shall publish that which our
fellow-countryman in London has written the
same subject Afer having severely blamed the
passive position Of Switzerland, during the years
1873 and lS49, in regard TO democracy struggling
against absolutsm, he writes -
According to the newspapers, you appear to be
surrounded by enemies, who have not as yet agreed
on your future destiny. Yet there remains to you
shadow OF Independence, and if my feeble voice
could have any influence, should not hesitate to
propose send an embassy to the United States to
urge an everlasting alliance between both republics.
The Americans have already proved, in many pub
lie meetings, their lively interest in the progress OF
democracy in Europe, which must be increased by
the atrocities committed in Austria, Hungary,
Lembardy, Tuscany, Naples and Rome. If ever
the present moment is the time TO urge such
an alliance, before you are overwhelmed by the re-
dictionary current, which becomes more destructive
from day to day, and the success Of which renders
ii more audacious and cruel. OF course, don't
pretend to say, that America could furnish you with
armed forces, but II Is more powerful on the seas
than Russia and Austria combined and the conclu-
sion Of such alliance would be a manifestation,
that would simply give the despots to understand,
without diplomatic tricks, and without reserve
The invasion Of the Swiss territory by foreign
troops will be regarded as declaration Of war BY
the government of the United States our fleet
shall Immediately blockade your seapors, and
letters Of mark will be given to privatecrs, to take
your merchantmen, wherever found, which fact
shall at the same be officially notified to all Amer-
can Ambassadors, Charges d'Afairs, and Consuls.
This, my friend, is no eruption Of enthusiasm, but
very earnest proposition, that highly deserves the
consideration Of your government. i think this
affair TO be practicable, and don't believe that
America would refuse her consent. Within the last
two years the emigration from Europe TO the
United States amounts 10 more than half million,
amongst whom are many celebrities from Germany,
Hungary, and Italy many Of which exercise an
influence on the deliberations Of the American
Congress, and would energetically support the de-
fire OF Swiss embassy regarding continual
alliance between both countries"
Thus far writes our friend. We need scarcely
cay, that we not only heartily desire alliance
with the North American republic, because we
thereby get a support for Switzerland against the
the attacks Of derpotism, but because the first and
greatest step would he taken towards the alliance
the favor Of Beranger's beautiful song. la suinse
alliance dss revJass." For our country, we don't
consider the danger Of such great importance, even
FIVE had the conviction that we should be attacked
by Austria and Prussia, under whatever pretence,
for the old enthusiasm for the Independence Of her
fatherlaEd has not yet been eanguished in Swift
zerland, and the power Of the reaction would he
ensily destroyed by the resistance Of the Swiss.
We don't regard the present affairs Of Europe
depiorabe as many other people do. No
thing stop the developement OF ideas or
their divine mission, for the advancement of the
civilization, the happiness and the prosperity Of ell
nations. Progress has nothing TO fear from mo-
mentary success of very natural reaction. All
princes tremble with fear Of their people, they be-
ing in want Of auxiliary forces to retain possession
ct their crowns. The Swiss regiments protect the
king Of Naples, the French pretend to be willing to
renstate the pope; the Austrlans support the grand
duke Of Tuscany; the Prussisns have restored the
grand duke of Baden, after having assisted the king
Of Saxony against his people, and the Swedes and
Russians have protected the king Of Denmark. Is
any greater proof wanted IN support Of the concu-
sion, that the people have never been so powerful,
which is very natural, as they possess all the vir-
tues, and all the noble and magnanimous sentiment,
while the reaction has on it's side only the brutal
power Of barbarism, supported by the capitalists,
renegsdes, and Jeeuits. How can we, therefore,
be discouraged"