The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-02-08

merston, who was DESTROYS of hazarding war
with Russia
But human calculations are doomed to dis
appointment, when contrary to the immutabe
DEGREES of Providence.
No one is now apprehensive of the speedy
| destruction of the Ottoman Empire by the
means of Russia Instead of thinking of con-
quests and ACKNOWLEDGMENT, the Car is now
occupied in measures for preventing the threat
ened fall of Sebastopol, and the destruction OF
his entire feet in the Black Sea. These re-
suits have been brought about by the bravery
of the Turks, by the talents of Omer Pasha,
and by the brilliant achievements of the united
forces of France and Great Britain But year
since, it was neither supposed that the Turkish
army would prove able to check the advance
of the Russian army, nor much likely that the
English Cabinet should be induced to cooper
ate with France in an invasion of the territory
of Russia still these events have taken place,
thanks to the patriotism of the Ottoman army,
to the frmness of the French Emperor, and to
the influence of public opinion in England
Moreover, the ties of friendship between Aus
tria and Russia have lately been torn asun-
der; and Prussia is prevented from the step
leading to similar result, only by the person
al feelings of the King, and by the influence OF
the Russian partisans among the nobility. Aus
Western Powers in imposing upon the Car,
conditions securing the independence of Tur-
key and the free navigation of the Danube ;
while Prussia remains wavering, or almost in
clined to leave Russia to shift for herself
These results have been produced by the
unanimity in actions existing, during the last
year, between England and France, and by the
admirable skill by which Napoleon III has un.
dertaken to remove all apprehensions of any
schemes of ACKNOWLEDGMENT on his part. To
him, more than to any human being else, be-
longs the glory of having delivered Europe
from the deplorable influence which the three
Houses of Romanoff, Hapsburg, and Hohen-
zolern, have Jointly exercised, for about forty
years, upon the destinies of this continent. He
has thus rendered an invaluable service to the
popular cause, and repaid in part the great
debt which he owed to the generous and heroic
people of France, for forgiving his grasping the
imperial sceptre without their previous consent.
Let it be well understood that the war which
France and England is waging against Russia
has already had the effect of setting aside the
principles of the Holy Alliance, and of deliver
ing the smaller Powers of Europe from the self
assumed guardianship of those of the first rank !;
and that it has for aim the humiliation of the
chief supporter of arbitrary rule. The smaller
States being rid of the protectorate of Russia
and her confederates, the most important step
towards the Introduction of constitutional Gov
ernments throughout this whole continent is
already made and it would be an evidence of
great short-sightedness, were-we not able to
foresee some of its most beneficial consequences.
1t were foolish to depreciate the advantage
which the cause of freedom has thus gained
over despotism, because it has not been achiev-
ed by the champions of liberty themselves ;
still, it is but the remote consequence of the
French revolution of lS4S, and most memo
rable illustration of the wonderful ways, in which
God often pleases to advance the success of the
cause of the oppressed people, while confound-
ing the most ingenious contrivances of the most
consummate kingcraft, as was most assurely
the so-called Holy Alliance. What deep hui
initiation must not Metternich and Nesselrode
the two only survivors of the chief trainers OF
this masterpiece of diplomatic art, feel at seeing
its destruction consummated by the means Of
the nephew of Napoleon the Great, who was
but child of the people, and the ruler Of
France in virtue of the popular will.
DIoGENEs.
Berlin, Jan. IL, 1855.