The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-06-17

ENthIr.-The present condition OF European
affairs In that of the greatest perplexity aud I'M
Certainty. Governments rs we'll as Individuals,
are kt it IN state suspense which arrests their
usual actioD, AID obliges them to keep them
selves prepared tor whatever eventuaiity may
Decor. Politically, as we'll he commercially, this
STATE OF Thugs is the most annoying and anxious
that eau well be conceived. The realities OF q
general war could hardly create more bewider-
!Deht than does this waiting upon events to which
there exists no clue
la Epelaod the aiiairs Of government seem to
baye been brought almost to stand still by the
uncertainty which hares over the Italian struggle.
The Derby administration do not seem to eGjoy
The confidence of any party and yet it is difficult
to turn them out of Office. There is no union or
harmony in the liberal ranks on the questions
which are now convulsing the Continent. The
Manchester ueu deprecate the return of Lords
John Russell or Palmerston to Office. They pre-
fer tovy government, with Austrian proclivi-
TIES, to the re.establisbment of whig
rnle. This is curious etate of Thugs
ard az regards the cause of Italian
esiedness on the part of the English radicals
II looks as if they had no sympathies for OPP
pressed naiionalties where their own interests
iatervene. They calculate on extortiog larger
extension of the franchise from tory admins
tration than from whig, and therefore, they
say "perisb the cause of liberty elsewhere until
We can secure cur own rights" Tue notion adj
vauced by Mr.. Roehuck and Others that the &C
cesSion of Lord Pa'merston to office would be
the signal for int. rvention on the part of
England, is absurd. It belongs to the foolish
prejudices which resulted in the cutlery on the
Greek question, aud which were go ably demo
lished at the time by the ex-Premier. OF all
English statesmen we believe that Lord Palmer
ston is the most friendly to Louis Napoleon, and
best appreciates the useful influence which his
independence and comprehensiveness of views
are exercising over the policy of the European
governments. We're he again restored to power
we believe that English neutrality would be-
come in fact as we'll as in name that strict non
Intervention which the Queens proclamation
eDjoins
In Germany the excitement that has
been got up by the partisans of Austria
has been held in check by The temperate and
prudent conduct Of Prussia. In the secondary
States Of the Confederation the rastncss of the
governing classes would long since have compro-
mised them in the cause of Austria, but for the
firm attitude Of that Power. Prussian statesmen
know well that the masses in Germany are op-
posed to Austrian despotism, and that it must be
clearly shown that German interests are endan-
gered, before hey can be induced to come to her
aid. To try and get them 10 move sooner would
only be to court the chances of revolutionary
outbreaks; for it must be recollected that Ger
man unity has been proved by the events of 1913
to be, in great measure, myth. Germany,
therefore is reduced to an attitude of expectancy
which can only be decided by the resolves of
the Berlin Cabinet
Russia also awaits the progress of events.
Making rapid strides in liberal policy, she has
exhibited, through her press, marked sympathy
with the Italian cause. She wisely, however,
abstains from present interference, until she
finds il impossible to prevent its assuming
European proportions. Russia occupies posi-
ton OF natural antagonism to Austria The for
mer represents the young and progressive spirit
Of the age, the latter the decrepid and exhausted
energies Of a medieval system. The sympatbies
Of Russia must therefore incline her towards
France, because in their political systems there
is a close affinity. This is the bond which is in
future to decide the political alliances of the
Continent. The old theory of the balance of
power has lost all hold over the credulity and
reverence of men.
The political action of the different govern
nents is, as we have shown, made dependent on
ibe events OF the campaign. Until some deci-
sive result is achieved such as the capture Of We
roma or Martua, it is probable that it will remain
in aatu quo Political parties ia England, like
betters in the prize ring, wait for the first hard
hitting to lay their heaviest stakes. The Derby
government will therefore probably linger on
until victory decides into which scale the inf1u-
ence Of England is to be thrown Then men of
greater energy and frmer character will step
into their places and relieve the helm of State
from their vaccilating hold. Germany and Rus.
sia will, like England, be governed by circum-
stances, and will only resolve upon their course
when it is made clear that Austrian obstinacy
will be satisfied with nothing less than general
war. There is one thing that serves to console
the world for the suspense in which it is kept by
tie uncertain attitude Of the different govern
ments The friends of liberty feel that whatever
other interests may be compromised by a general
conflict, those of progress must eventually be
advanced by it.
The BnLE IN THE COMMON SCH00Is-MCCH
ADO ABOUT NoTIuNG.-After long fight. In
which every species Of tactics and manGuvre
was resorted 70, the Board of Education have at
last decided that the Protestant Bible is hence
forth to be read in the common schools. deseite