The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-18

to them, and the enormous masses which it can
bring into the field. But there Is q new and
important obtacle which has revealed itself in
the progress of European civilization, which OPP
poses itself to the successful carrying out OF
either of these ideas by the German Powers.
The great popular, social, and religious revolu-
ton which was brought about three centuries
ago, by the efforts Of Luther Calvin, Knox
and other enlightened minds of that age, was
also political in its effects, and divided Europe
into two great camps, swayed by principles OF
the most incorporating hostility towards each
other. All the North of Europe-England,
Holland, and Northern Germany CON-
bined the power and force Of the revo-
luton of that day; whilst the South of Eu-
rope-Italy, France and Spain-were arrayed
in opposition to it, and in support Of the old
order OF things. That distribution Of the mate
rial power, impulses and opinions of Europe is
at the present day entirely altered by the poll
teal revolutions, enterprises and experiments
Of the last halfcentury. The principles of popu-
lar or parliamentary government, more or less
defined, have taken the place in the public mind
formerly occupied by the controversies of the
Church of Rome with the Protestant sects. The
popular masses of France, England, Italy, Ger
many Spain and the North of Europe, have
now common bond of sympathy and brother
hood, whatever may be the form of government
which accident has imposed upon them. AS a
counterpoise, the power of Russia has grown
within the last two centuries into q sudden
strength and preponderance menacing the So
cial, political and religious systems of the rest
Of Europe. e.
1t will be seen from this rapid retrospect that
the distribution of the social and political ele-
ments Of Europe is entirely changed at the
present day, and there is now more or less of .
league amongst the masses against the barba-
rous prin ciples of despotism on which the go
vernment of Russia is based. The Gear in fact
resembles, both inshis attributes and his atti-
tude, those great destroyers Of civilization and
Of the human race, Genghis Khan and Tanner
lane, Of whom he may be said to be sort of
residuary legatee. In the days of the latter
was witnessed the same spectacle that we be-
hold today-Christians and Turks forgetting
their religious differences in a combined effort
to oppose bounds to the Unsuitable ambition of
their barbarian invader.
The failure of the Gear to induce the German
active cooperation, is therefore to be attributed
less to any want Of sympathy for his cause than
to wholesome dread of the enormous force of
popular opinion welded by France and Eng.
land, the two great representatives in Europe
of the parliamentary and elective systems Of
government. 1t should be remembered that
this is not mere quarrel between Russia and
Turkey; it is the beginning of that great conflict
of principles which was foreshadowed by Can
Ring some thirty years ago, in the celebrated
speech which he delivered in the House of Com
mons in support Of the independence of the
South American republics This struggle will
present novel feature, in the fact that in
stead of the revolutionary elements, being
set in movement by revolutionists, it
will be welded by France and England
against Russia. 1t is not likely that in the
presence OF such combination the Gear will
persevere in his insane projects. Should, how
ever, al efforts at negotiation fail, he will pro-
baby, to save the honor Of his arms maintain
contest Of a few months duration; but he will
eventually have to yield to the immense force
that will be brought to bear against him. In
the warlike preparations recommended in the
Queen of Englands speech, we therefore see
the best guarantee ofa prompt and satisfactory
solution Of the questions at ISSUE The best
way to prevent war is by being fully prepared
for it; and if England and France only assume
the firm and decided attitude that becomes
them, we have no doubt that in the course Of
another year we shall see this and other trou
blesome questions etfectually set at rest by the
arrangements Of general congress.