The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1857-01-29
SWEDEN. December %, Il

OhEDEN, OSCSUOeT lOCO'
To the Editor Of The National Era:
The political horizon of Europe is, day after
day, assuming more threatening aspect. The
pride of the English nation cannot patiently
bear the ineiiicency which the English army,
to some extent, exhibited before Sebastopol
but both Government and people appear agi-
tated with secret desire for a renewal of the
war, in order to get the opportunity Of re-es-
tablishing the military reputation Of Great
Britain, which, no doubt, was somewhat i'm
paired in the Crimean campaigns. Russia,
smsrtng with Indignation on account of its
defeats and the humiliating peace which she
was compelled to sign, and breathing revenge
against Austria which she accuses of treach-
cry, and moreover, DESTROYS of avenging upon
Sweden its alliance of the 2lst of November,
1865, with the Western Powers, is employing
every kind of diplomatic artiGce and intrigues,
for the purpose OF breaking up the alliance be-
tween France and England, and of gaining the
friendship of the French Emperor, and thus
opening a chance for beginning hostilities with
the other Powers, with more hope of success.
The batteries of the Russian Court have GER
tainly not failed to make some favorable i'm
pressions upon several of the persons surround
ing the Emperor of France but still the accu-
sations which some Of the English papers
have brought forth against the French Minis
ter for Foreign Affairs have been altogether
unjustiiable, and might have produced just
the very result which the Russian Cabinet is
so anxious to obtain, had not the Emperor
Napoleon been man who is not to be swayed
by so paltry motives, but who, alike insensble
TO batteries and blows, pursues the course of
policy which he deems best calculated to pro-
mote the welfare of France and his own great
ness.
The hostile sentiments which the Russian
Court and Cabinet have of late displayed
against Sweden, have induced the King to put
the military forces of Sweden and Norway in
the most efficient state and the warlike spirit
which appears to animate the now assembled
Swedish Diet proves that the nation is very
willing to second the King in his defensive
measures.
While it cannot be denied that Russia is at
tempting retaining somewhat more territory
thal what is due 10 her according to q strict
Interpretation of the treaty of peace, still, had
Austria aud England been very anxious to
avoid ever7 dispute that might lead to the re-
newal Of the war; they would not have been so
prong in assuming the hostile attitude which
they have actually done. But, while the EN-
peror OF France is willing to show some cour-
iesy towards the defeated enemy, and resolved
not to permit any triiiing cause to kindle again
the flames Of war, England and Austria are
evidently actuated by very different motives.
~ Is also to be observed that the points in ques-
ton are OF no vital Importance as to the indie
tendency or future safety of Turkey.
1t is certainly not my intention to defend the
duplicity Of Russia, but am still less ready to
approve OF the course which the English Gov
eminent and the English press have pursued
1t could indeed not but awaken the suspicion
Of the Emperor of France, when seeing the
sudden change of feelings towards Austria that
S. took place III England asst at the very moment
when an enterprise was about to be undertaken
by Zee combined fleets Of France and England
agalns, the King of Naples, the bosom friend
OF the Cosrt of Austria; and future events may
show how testified the Emperor of France was
IN not hastily engaging himself to pursue the
course which Austria and England were ready
10 follow in this mater.
The conduct of AIatria and Prussia, in at
tempting at interfering lr the affairs of Den
mark, is scandalous, and deserves a most Sc.
we're rebuke. lt is to be hoped that these two
German lowers will have to learn that they are
p0werless in all matters concerning the Scan
dnavian Kingdoms.
Spain and Italy contain many fiery elements.
and nobody would be surprised, should hose
countries, during the ensuing year, become tic
theatres OF revolutionary struggles. The dis
pute between Prussia and Switzerland ia also
an affair that might lead to war, which may
result in general revolutionary movement in
Germany, though at present such an attempt
could only prove disastrous.
Should Mr.. Buchanan commit the great po-
htical blunder and moral crime to give any en-
couragement whatever to Walkers attempt at
introducing Slavery in Central America, there
IS much reason to apprehend that the result
will be war between the United States and
England, as it is scarcely credible that Lord
Palmerston will permit such an attempt to be
accomplished, without opposing it with an
armed force and if so, feel sure that Eng
land will find itself seconded by more than one
OF the European Powers. DIoGoNEs.