New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-21
TIE PEACE IN ETROPE.

TIE geographical position OF Germany separat-
ing The Western Alliance, and above all, France
from the Eastern foe, suggested mediatiOn-abso-
lutte NEUTRALITY at least for Austria being out Of the
question. But this position made the position of
Germany, and, above all, that of her two principal
powers, Austria and Prussia, extremely difficult,
nay, dangerous Both these powers, however,
extricated themselves quite skillfuly, each act
ing in a different way and pursuing different
policy. In judging of their course it should be
borne in mind that selfpreseryation is the first
duty of every Cove rnmeDt, whatever may be its
nature AID character. The greater the
foreign complications surrounding II, the
more is it bound to profit thereby, without
regard to neighbOrs or former allies. Such
was the situation Of Austria, and the Wen
nese Cabinet Unanswered accordingly with skill
and shrcwdness. Though on the one hand it was
dangerous to be thus placed between two mighty
belligerents, on the other the central situation Of
Austria facilitated her policy. Both the fighters
were obliged to seek for her support. Russia at
the outside claimed Of her absolute neutrality-an
mpossibility. The Allies expected Austria TO join
their side, but her finances would not allow her to
try such dangerous experiment, had she been so
disposed. The advantages of being on the winning
side were not clear, so she maintained to the last
udiciOus neutrality, holding herself in reserve as
possible enemy to be feared by each party to the
actual contest
The risks to the crown OF Austria were great in
case she had taken sides. His Empire contains
many smouldering sparks and cOmbustible elements
under the ashes of nationalities-the Magyar aud
the Lombard both bending toward the West, while
the Sayons, kin and cOreligonists of Russia could
easily have been stirred up by Panslaystic prop
aganda. The House of Austria had, therefore, to
maintain its power in the Interior and TO preserve
its frontiers while on the other hand, any weak
ening of her mighty neighbOrs must always be
godsend to Austria. From these dangers Francis
Joseph has come out unframed.
Russia as benefactor in the Magyar insurrec-
ton, and still more in her rise and absorbing ten
denotes, has weighed heavily on Austria At the
beginning Of the Turkish quarrel the latter power
at once showed its dissatisfaction, nay It's hostility
TO the course pursued by Nicholas, and thus en-
couraged the action Of England and France. To
strengthen Russia on the Danube and the Black
Sea, or TO lend hand TO the destruction OfTurkey
was to cndauger the existence of Austria Thus
il was for the utmost interests of her Selfpreser
walton TO check Russia, ct least for time; to pre-
vent her from extending her frontier, and from in
oIcasing even her moral influence over the Slavic
and Christian populations under the Mosem sway
To reach this aim without herself coming 10 blows
was master stroke OF self-preservatye policy
In both, Austria hss succeeded. Francis
Joseph has become successfully an object
of cOaxing and menace to either sde-to
Nicholas and TO Louis BOnararte; the English
politicians, aud the English press, vibrating
betwiAt wheeling and bullying tactics Austria,
however persevercd in her course. She was
glad TO see Russia weakened, but did lot desire
her destruction, as that would have laid Austria
herself open TO attack from France and the West.
BecC ming center of attraction she held the bal
alGe Of power, bat BY no means IN the character
Of neutral. Notwithstanding the senseless abuse
of the English press, ever liable to mislead the
public judgment, dispaSsonate observer must
clearly perceive the eminent services rendered by
FrsuCis joseph 70 the Wcstern Pows,s So aeon