The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-09
The Coming Struggle In Il europe.

The present position of the European powers,
as it has been defined by the force Of recent
events is Of so singular and unprecedented q
character that it furnishes subject for grave
and anxious reflection. That the existing COM
binations are those into which the antagonistic
interests that have arrayed the principal
monarchies in Europe in two hostile camps are
finally to settle down does not seem probable
to any one who has studied history or who has
watched with an attentive eye the political oc-
currences OF the last twelve months. They do
not in fact possess those elements of attraction
and cohesion which are necessary to impart to
them stability, and they may therefore be re-
garded as only the first OF series of short lived
alliances, which, like the shiftings of the
kaleidoscope, will present Us with succession
Of sartling changes.
There are, however, two great principles at
the bottom of the mass Of complicated interests
and prejudices that at present sway the agi-
tated mind Of Europe, into which all minor
questions must eventually be absorbed. AL
though the conflict Of opinions has commenced
as ii were upon neutral ground we still can
n
out all the complicated phases of the Eastern
difficulty. In this struggle between the on
pressor and the oppressed are involved not
only the political equilibrium of Europe. but
those great questions which have so long di
vidcd the opinions and feelings Of mankind
Although Mahommedanism may be con-
sidered opposed to the spirit OF mo-
dern civilization and progress, we never
theless find the liberals Of Europe true to
their generous instincts and those eternal prin-
cipos of truth aud Justice that constitute their
creed, arrayed to man upon the side of the
weaker party. The contest in which Europe is
about to embark, is, in fact nothing less than
struggle between popular government and alb
solutism; and in its results are involved the
happiness or misery Of large portion of the
human race.
In speculatipg upon the ,sslo Of the approach
ing contest, it is necessary to form correct es-
innate Of the strength engaged in it. On one side
we have Russia, powerful in the uuity and
simplicity of its political system. the vastness
ofits internal resources. and the unassailable
character Of its territories on the other. we
have England and France, with their govern
ments and people, acting in apparently cordial
union, and for the first time for several GEN.
turtles, appearing as allies in European war.
Whatever traditional or personal causes of en-.
nifty may exist against the English on the part
of France and its ruler, they seem to have been
entirely lost sight of 10 the Importance of the
principles at stake in the present crisis. These
two nations are the representatives of the popu-
lar or parliamentary principle in Europe,
and they have been drawn together by
the bonds of their political sympathies and
interests. That their union is sincere there
cannot be doubt for notwithstanding
all that is said to the contrary. the ancient
prejudice5 that formerly embittered them
against each other have been of late years fast
disappearing, the extension Of their commercial
relations and increased facilities OF intercourse
having opened the way to better feelings
What the Interior objects of the French Empe-
ror may be- it Is, from the character of the man.
impossible to divine; his ambition my blind
him to his true interests; but Judging from the
prudence and good sense which he has dis
played throughout the whole of this Eastern
difficulty, there is scarcely doubt that he will
adhere to line of policy which has SO much
enhanced his popularity.
The position of the German powers in the
difficult copjuncturs in which they are placed