The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-11

The New European Congress.
We received by the Cansda the news that .
Conference had been agreed 10 on the italian ques
ton. The mails by that vessel, which will arrive
this morning, will place In possession Of fuller
details on the subject than we have received by
telegraph. Should this prove not to be the case,
the arrival Of the City of Baltimore, expected
here to-day or tomorrow, with four days later
news, will probably complete our information as
to the preIiminaries and locality settled upon.
In view Of the important questions that will be
treated by this body, the probable notifications
which it will effect in the treaties of 1885, and its
future influence on European relations, we Thick
it opportune to present our readers with
sketch of the different Congresses held for the
regulation of European affairs during the last
half century. But few persons who are not en-.
gagged in political occupations can keep In mind
the changes that are continually being effected
by diplomatic interference. It is, therefore, well
to refeeh the memory by such brief historical re-
troepections as the limited space of daily
newspaper can afford. Without them vast
number of the busy classes, for whom it is our
especial province to cater, might not be able to
devote time to the study and comprehension of
questions which have but q remote effect on their
interests
In perusing this brief historical precis our read
ers will be struck with the mar ked character and
justice OF the retribution which has visited the
principal authors Of that Infamous compact-the
final act of the Congress of Vienna. For the
gross breach of faith which, after promising con-
situations to the people of Germany, instituted
only worse system of despotsm, Austria is
now about to paya heavy penalty. Whether
she sends representative to the Conference, or
absents herself 1t is certain that her pretensioas
will be sternly dealt with. In the conferences of
Paris she was one of the Instruments by which
Poland was avenged on Russia. In the new Con-
gress Russia will be one of the agents by which
Italy will be revenged on Austria. The latter
Power, which was one of the principal gamers
at that time by the isolation of France, now
finds herself in almost an identical situation
Every arm is raised against her; and her diplo-
macy, which has hitherto prevailed by its supe-
rior cunning, seems powerless to avert the dau-
| gers that threaten her. Who will deny
that the hand Of God is manifest in this,
and that the selfshness which has always proved
deaf to the voice of Justice and humanity is now
l rightly punished for its msdeeds
| There can be but one result, in our opinion,
from the deliberations Of the proposed Congress,
| and that is, that Austria will be compelled to
renounce all those treaties with the Italian States
! which give her right of garrison. The law of
nations gives her no such privilege, and there is
nothing in the act Of the Congress of Vienna
which secures it to her. On the contrary, if this
act be properly interpreted, her military occupa-
ton of the Duchies is wholly unjustifable. In
the discussions on this question the point seems
to have been entirely overlooked that there is an
express limitation Of her military Intervention in
the smaller States. The 103d article in restoring
to the Holy See the marches and legations of
Ravenna, Bologna and Ferrara, distinctly speci-
fees that Austria shall have the right OF garrison
| in the fOrtresses Of Ferrara and Commachio. If
the privilege Of forming Independent treaties,
conceded by the constitution Of the Confederation
were understood to convey the right Of military
occupation, of what use, we will ask, was
this provision? Clearly, the Congress
intended that under no circumstances except in
| the cases specified were the confederated States
to put forth such pretensions. The good sense
of this is obvious. The dangers to the Confede-
ration from the Italian possessions Of Austria
were sufficiently manifest without its leaving
any doubt on point which the well known in
clinatons Of that Power were sure to raise at
the first convenient opportunity.
Whether the new Congress will 90 further and
diminish the risks arising from Austrian en-
croachments, by compelling her TO retire beyond
her ancient Italian boundary, is of course mat
ter for speculation. IF it comprehends the in
terests Of peace il will undoubtedly do so, for
no other measure can secure, even for brief
space Of time, the maintenance of peaceabie re-
lations with Sardinia. Surprising such a course
| to be resolved upon, will Austria quietly submit
to be placed In position SO Notifying to her
prides We think not for struggle in the field
will not leave her worse off than she would be
under such q humiliating decision.
BUILDING ENTERPRISES IN THE CrTY.-When
| the financial crisis of 1857 came upon u.s. the
work necessarily stopped on the various build
ipgs then in course of erection in tbis citv and