Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-05-14
WAR TN.ELROpE.

The latest arrivals from Europe bring intelli-
gence of war between Austria on the one
hand and Sardinia backed by France on the
other. For nearly year the occupation of the
Papal States by the joint armies of Austria and
France, has occasioned extended and sometimes
bellicose diplomatic disputes between these two
powers. The contguity of the Austrian prov
inces to the territory of Sardinia and Piedmont,
together with the increase of the armies of the
two latter powers has been further occasion
for the interchange Of diplomatic notes, as well
as fsr the movement of large bodies of Aus
trion troops to the western frontiers of their
empire. Added to these causes Austria has
long looked with jealous eye upon the gov
eminent of Sardinia on account of the freedom
Of speech and of the press enjoyed by her peo-
pie. This freedom has famed the elements Of
opposition to ahsolutism that rigidly prevails
throughout Austria, and has excited the feelings
and enlisted the sympathies and services Of all
the liberals in Italy. In 1913 the attempt at
revolution on the part of the Italian patriots
was crushed but their hopes were not DESTROYED.
They have now enlisted as volunteers in the Sar-
dinian army which enlistment is seized upon by
Austria as an immediate provocation for war.
The situation of Austria is peculiar. She
has large and well appointed army of which
about 100000 troops have been in readiness to
pounce upon Sardinia, and are now probably
engaged in battle. But Austria is poor. She
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market and as last recourse has seized upon
the specie in the vaults of the Bank cf Vienna.
Her troops are not paid and the disafection is
said to be SO great that it is necessary to give
her soldiers employment to keep them from
mutiny. Under these circumstances she has
preciptated war which England and some of
the other European powers were attempting by
negotiations to avert With a force of nearly
double that of Sardinia in the field and en-
camped close to the domains of the latter King
dom, she will attempt to strike decisive blow
before the troops of France can be brought to
the aid of her opponents
From various circumstances, some of them of
long standing, the Emperor of the French has
enlisted as the friend and ally of Sardinia. His
troops have been concentrated on his south
eastern frontier ready to move the moment hos
tilities should be declared. United with the
Sandman army the joint forces will be able, it
is believed, to cope successfully with the Aus
trans. II it is true, as has been asserted on
good military authority, that "the last guinea
decides the contest" the chances are greatly in
favor Of the allies. France displayed an aston
ishins extent and fertility of resources in the
Crimean var. Since then several years of pros
perity has greatly augmented her wealth. There
are now no railroads in process of construction
to absorb her surplus money, all having been
the finest in Europe, is in excellent condition
and is furnished with arms and appointments
superior to those of any other nation in Europe.
The general sentiment of the civilized world
will support her in her present attitude and this
alone will be of no small account If France
under the rule Of the great Napoleon could
for years withstand the combined opposition of
Europe, what cannot France OF the present day
with much greater resources do, when she has
the moral support of the most powerful monar-
chies on the continent
1t is impossible to foresee the ultimate con-
sequence of such war as is now in prospect
If it shall terminate in breaking the chains of
the oppressed nations that have been enslaved
by Austrian tyranny, it will be well worth the
expense however great the cost. That such
will be the result we can hope with some pros
poets of seeing our wishes prove realities.
The effect of European war upon this coun-
try cannot be otherwise than pecuniariiy bene-
fetal. 1t will open up new channels for our
commerce, give us monopoly of the carrying
trade of the world, furnish us with markets for
our surplus breadstufs, and in diminishing
manufactures in the old countries stimulate our
own manufacturing interest. 1t will also direct
to our shores thousands of accomplished arti-
Fans whose intelligent labor will add to the ma
terial wealth and prosperity of our country