The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-09-02
1hs RsvSalaion In India and the Position Of
the Great Powers OF Europe.

Vhs Rsvuiaion In India and the Position of
the Great Powers or Europe.
The French papers continue from time TO time
to throw their fiogs at England and her policy,
in which they are not seldom joined by the other
Continental journals This has particularly been
the case in recent discussions of the India ques
ton, and to such an extent that not few have
imagined they perceived evident indications of
the end of the alliance between England and
France.
1t often happens that those who are looking at
q game from distance, and without the engross.
ing feelings that absorb those who are engaged
in it, perceive more clearly the bearings and ten-
denotes of the play than do the players them
selves So it is with politics and the march of
nations in Europe. Observant and rejecting men
on this side of the Atlantic often take views of
European politics very different from those held
by the actors themselves; who, instead of watch
ing the whole game are wholly engaged in noting
the particular effect of separate aud individual
moves- Looking from distance, as we d.
upon the great political game now being
played in Europe, we do not at all share in
these representations Of rupture of
the Auglo-French alliance. The evidences
which others think to find in these occasional
filings at Englaud by the French and Confidential
journals are, to our view, nothing more than the
sea which continues to roll over the face of the
ocean long after the gale has subsidized and the
wind has set steadily in from the opposite quar-
ter. A few words will explain our meaning more
clearly.
There are, in fact, but two nations that aim at
dominion over the continent of Europe, and these
two are engaged In continued struggle for the
mastery in shaping the policy of the other
courts. These are France and Russia--the West
and the East. England, properly speaking, is
not Continental nation. She is an island, and
an isolated Power; Der development is on the
ocean, aud through that and the exchange of the
products Of Industry che seeks her advancement
Whichever side che takes in the Continental
struggle is assured Of victory. This was most
evident to the first Napoleon in the beginning Of
the present century; and most strenuously did
he endeavor to detacb her from Russia, but with
out avail. His interviews and intrigues with
Alexander failed to awaken the jealousy Of
England and with the Car he could do
nothing unless he gave him Constantinople,
or, as he phrased il, 1.-THE empire Of
the world" The commerce Of England,
secure upon the ocean, yielded her ahr-ianay
the sinews OF w~-. while her fleets were ever
available to transport or to sustain the armies Of
her allies So the first Napoleon fell.
The second Napoleon saw this, and bis first
step on coming into power was to secure the
alliance OF England. Nicholas saw 1t, toe, aud he
also bid for it. A goody share Of the sick man."
Turkey, was proffered to her ambassador, Sir
participation by France. But Englands power
was thrown into the other scale of European
politics now. Russia, fostered by her alliance,
had grown strong and was already too over
II she could to-day offer TO cut up
the Turkish "sick man." to morrow she might
find new patient In Austria, or some other
country, a. she had formerly in Poland, and her
power was already looming up in the East
Finding diplomacy unavailable to shake the
alliance, she tried wer-stFiking her blows
quickly, before the new bonds between the
Western Powers should have become firmly knit.
But the fleets Of England, with the armies of
France, were too strong for her. Failing In this,
she sought for peace and renews the diplomatic
struggle.
In this contest 1t is manifest England has little
to gain or lose except TO eounterblance the over
weening power OF Russia. She is being gradually
,wolrdaJ % a aaliar eror, tho ;pdn.tr,aI ,narkats
Of Europe, aud seeks in distant regions room for
her commercial expansion. She is impregnable
in Europe for ii il evident that neither France nor
Russia can successfully assail her there. What
they may do in India is nov the question. To us,
however, II seems to be 10 question at all In
the present condition of affairs In Europe il is evil
IDENTIFY for the advantage of France to strengthen
England In every possible way. Should she need
assistance to construct her empire In India In
the shape Of drilled troops TO meet any sudden
emergency-for in no other way can she need it
IL Ia evidently for the interest of France TO give
IL TO her at once. Notwithstanding the occasional
sour comments of the French journals on Indian
affairs- comments which emanate from the sub
siding sentiments Of the past, rather than the
true tone Of present feeling-wear are confident that
the thinking men OF France are ready 10 act with
England In every possible way.
In o large and comprehensive view, similar
course, or at least one of forbearance is the true
policy Of Russia also. Universal dominion
Is dream that never can be realized.
If Russia pertinaciously insists In ex-
citing hatred TO the rule Of England in In
dia, the consequences must react with tenfold
energy upon herself, for she can only hope to in
fSct passing injury. Her true policy is to court
England also, 10 that she may not throw too
heavily into the scale of French influence her
heavy purse and stout sword. This is the grea'
game that is being played in European politics
and the players viii do well TO keep it always 10
view. England, too, has duty in the India