The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-31

Thus we find him, Immediately after his
accession, stimulating the hopes of the
republicans in Rome-noxt the champion of free
dom in Turkey then the upholder Of constitu-
tioihl rule in Spain-and now stimulating again
the hopes of italian liberalism and the ambition
of Victor Emanuel. During all this period he
has kept UP simuloro Of liberal tendencies in
France, appealing at one time to universal suf
frage to sanction his usurpation, then to the po-
pular hope of material developement through AL
gerian extension and again to the national vanity
through Sebastopol and Cherbourg. In all this
he has fiattered alternately the people and the
army, in the hope of obtaining permanency for
the Nspoleonic dynasty.
But the very means to which he Is compelled
to resort for this purpose are working out his
final overthrow. His occupation of Rome de-
stroyed the men of 4s; his war against Russia
brought no material good to the people of France
or Europe; his support to Queen Isabella has
enabled her to become more absolute than ever;
and his present countenance of the Italian
liberals against Austrian despotism is a
hollow cheat, intended to cover his own
despotic aspirations. But all this seeming
liberalism on his part has stimulated the
mind and the hopes of Europe everywhere; aud
it is now working beneath the interlaced
bayonets of the soldiery with untiring activity
The spirit of his dynasty and that Of
his fellow despots who hang upon and tremble
at his nod, is in opposition to the spirit of the
age, and the latter must prevail. The world
has become too enlightened to be long ruled
by an ignorant and sensual soldiery, led by men
who riot in Wealth acquired by desperate
cheating on the Bourse. Where the volcano will
first break out no man can tell We do not be-
lieve it will be in Italy; it may be in Hungary
or Germany; it may be in Spain, or in France
ITSELF but it will burst forth, and at no very dis
tant period And when it does come, wo to the
men who in power have sought to bind and OPP
press the intellect, and to crafty only their own
sensual and brutal lusts.
For this coming time it behoves us to be pre-
pared for war and its consequences, for the
conflict has no sign Of extending to our shores.
But we should be ready to move in that path of
peaceful Development which is before us, and to
assert that high moral influence which we are
called to exercise in behalf of true liberty every
where. When the present artificial system of
European governments falls before the ven
geance of their own oppressed and despoiled peo-
pies, our government will stand strong at home
and doubly respected abroad. The President,
with the precedence of sagacious statesman,
has taken the initiative steps of that preparation,
hoo fho fotf hnIu ~ thn
nation to follow in the path he has pointed out.
THE DECAY OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH ORA
MA.--The old play goers and critics of London
and Paris have been lamenting for several years
past the decline Of the drama. 1t does not APP
pear that there are any authors capable of writ
ing grand works OF any artists qualified to illus
trate them, provided they were written. Since
the retirement Of Mr.. Macready, the London
stage has been without great tragedian; since
the death Of Rachel, the Theatre Francois has
been almost deserted. Comedy, burlesque or
extravaganza now monopolises the little
theatrical patronage that the Opera has not
carried off. Except upon rare occasions, the
drama has ceased to be fashionable amuse
/ menr, anu the opera has taken Its place. 1t is
quite the same thing in the United States. There
is no great artist before the American public al
present neither is there any immediate prospect
that the rising young men and women will verify
the predictions made for their future careers by
too partial friends and country critics.
Europe is not, however, without great artists,
although they do not speak the tongue in which
CT CHI Ill Al.
grand works. Italy, the land of sunshine and OF
song, of inspiration and of passon-the country
of Dante and of Alferi-has given to the world
| two grand artists, whose acting recalls the
brightest days of Siddons and the elder Kean
| These are Rstor and Salvini. With the par
tculars of the brilliant career of the former the
American public is perfectly acquainted. The
| Parisians pronounced her to be equal to Rachel
| in Maria Stuarda, and the London stage was
| indebted to her for the best Lady Macbeth since
Siddons. II must be noted, also, that in both in
| stances the artist was speaking in language
| which but few of the audience understood
In Spain and Germany the triumphs o.
Ristori were still greater than in France
and England. Her influence is so great with hel
own countrymen that she has been excluded
from at least one portion Of Italy.
AS proper and equal pendant to this picture
Of the fair Ristori we have the appearance Of the
italian actor Salvini, whose debut in the Sale
Ventadour was no less brilliant than that of hil
gifted countrywoman. He is said to have all those
grand natural gifts with which the elder Kear
electrified his audiences, producing effects that
drew tears from the softer part of the audience
and melted cheers from the critical pit, which
rose to greet him. European critics place Sal
vini on the same level with Rstori Both are thu
great artists Of the day, the acknowledged sue
cessors to the nantes of Koan and Siddons, Tai
ma and Rachel. They are still in the morning
Of brilliant career, and having conquered Eu
rope, will undoubtedly seek for new victories IL