The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-14
uropenn War Prospects.

by the Baltic involves the European war gues-
ton in greater difficulties than ever. The de-
termination, now reiterated afresh by the Porte.
10 listen 10 no negotiation which does rot
stipulate on the immediate removal OF the
Russian troops from the Prncipalties-- un-
disguised avowal of sympathy for the cause Of
the Gar by the Austrian Cabinet the pro
gress OF Russian intrigue in Sweden and in
Asia-the declaration OF war by Persa-the
rumored movements in Acknowledgement,
finally, the return of Lord Palmerston to power,
and the unequivocal tone of the Paris and
London press-all these symptoms indicate
plainly enough the approaching outbreak ola
general European war We're we TO Judge
hastily, and seek for no deeper meaning than
appears on the surface, we should unhesita-
tingly infer that the peace of Europe was not
likely to be maintained much longer. 1t is to
some such conviction that the decline in the
British and French funds must be ascribed.
But we must guard against rash judgments.
Carefully analysed, the symptoms of war which
we have noted may possibly appear less formi-
dable than they seemed at first We knew all
along that the Porte insisted on the evacuation
Of the Principalites: had the Sultan consented
to place this point in the background the diff
Guilty would have been arranged by diplomacy
long since. We knew also, that Austria had
secret leapings towards the cause of the Gar:
the newspaper announcement of the fact is
neither unexpected nor surprising These two
features Of the war prospect may, therefore, be
set aside. as they were not formerly deemed seri
Gus impediments to pacific solution of the Diff
Guilty. What the Persian monarch may think
fit to do or what the barbarous Atighans
may plot, can have very little effect
on the action Of European governments.
A few regiments OF disciplined European
troops would be more than match for all
the forces Persia and Affghanistan could bring
into the field OF the movements of the Gear
in Sweden we have no other guarantee than
the affirmation of the London press. TO our
mind the statements OF the British journals
must be received with the greatest caution.
1t is lust rs likely that their warlike tone may
be assumed as that it springs from a set resolved
TO proceed to extremities. When the British
press announces that hostlites are inevitable,
that merchants must beware lest their goods
are seized. end that British artisans and me
chanics now in Russian employ mist hasten
home, one can hardly help thinking that a fair
proportion of this is mere buster, intended 10
operate on the mind of Russia, To that empire
the loss of her entire trade, and the withdrawal
of the British mechanics who are now at the head
of all Of her factories and engineering establish
ments, would be severe blow and the intima-
ton that such would be the earliest fruit OF a de-
claration OF war would probably exercise pow
erfu influence on the coarse Of the Gar. 1t
is not impossible that the articles i'll the English
journals to which we refer may have been dicta-
ted by this motive. In like manner, it is quite
probable that Russia will persist in her arbi-
trary course to the last moment. Each Of the
contendipg parties is trying to frighten the
other into submission. Neither desires war
neither has anything to gain by war. Acct
dent may force them into it: each may adhere
obstinately TO its purpose TIL some overt act Of
hostility precludes all chance Tor retreat. But
without some such contingency we are loath to
believe that either Russia or the Western
Powers would willingly embark in an enter
prise so fraught with injury 10 their best inter-
ests as European war;
The WAR AT ERIE--ApxIsTcE d EcLARED-
We give to-day letter from our special cor
respondent at Erie Pa, the scene of the late
disturbances so disgraceful to the State and
the nation. It appears that peace has been pro.
claimed, and that for the present order egns
in Erie. The warlike vendors OF candy, pastry
nd &c orI~ IL:
arms, but have consented to allow the company
to Jay down their rails at the point where they
have several times been torn 10. We trust
that this pleasant state of things will continue
that the good sense of the rioters will tri-
umph over the promptings Of avarce and the
vagaries Of passion then the people of Erie
may regain their good name, the lustrc Of
which has been foully furnished, if not alto
gether obliterated.
We are glad to see that the citizens of Erie
have finally been aroused TO the univ ersal feel
ing Of indignation which their acts created
among Gil the civilized people OF the United
States. And though they were a very long
time at it, we rejoice that the leaders ofthe dis
turbances have ascertained that they carried
matters too far. We trust that they will effect
such an arrangement with the railway agents
az will settle the question forever. The people
OF Erie have succeeded in making themselves
intensely ridiculous; the whole country has
been held up to the laughter and scorn of
Christendom by their recent acts; let us see
what reparation they will make in the future.
1t will be observed that the present is only
an armstce-a temporary cessation Of HOSTILE
ties; they may break out again at any moment
We hope not. A very little prudence, forbear-
snce, and good feeling on either side, will settle
the whole affair
PROSPECTS, OF TIE MAINE LIQuoR LAw-We
understand that there is at present very little
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