The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-30


reconciliation and of permanent domestic
peace.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES IN EuRoPE.-Our for
eign correspondence, published yesterday,
gives us tolerably complete view of the
state Of Affairs in Europe. The great Pow
ers are evidently preparing for coming
struggle. Even England is arming Corfu
and Malta as they were never armed before,
and the already impregnable fortress of Gibral
tar is being rendered doubly secure by the sub
stitution of Armstrong guns of the highest cali
bre for those formerly in use.
Austria, of course, is fully equipped, and at
vast expense that can only be sustained by
speedy war and victory. Meanwhile ruin
threatens her, and il is that which is most likely
to ruin her. We know the proverb, "give
dog bad name" &C.; and what applies to pri-
vate credit and reputation applies equally to
those of nations. France is steadily preparing
for any emergency, and her naval forces are
being brought up to the highest efficiency,
which is saying much, for it is generally &C
knowledged that she is better equipped in that
respect than England herself AT the same time
thearmy is being similarly perfected, and all the
appliances necessary for transport are rapidly
advancing towards completion.
Russia has regained more than her old
strength since the Crimean war, and Germany
is an anxious spectator Of the moves on the
political chessboard of nations. We find the
key to all this in the refusal of Austria to en-
terrain any proposals for the sale of venetia
All Europe knows that the Italian-H Hungarian
war which threatens her in the ensuing spring
is inevitable; and the consequences of such a
collision are SO uncertain yet ominous that the
necessity Of being prepared for sudden events
is universally felt.
The last shield of Francis H. is soon to be
withdrawn, by the removal Of the French ships
of-war before Gaeta. This act has been forced
upon the Emperor Napoleon by the false con-
clusion arrived at by the King in his last cir
cular to his ministers at the European Courts,
where he stated that France was more his
ally than his personal protectress. That he
will make desperate endesvor to hold out
till spring, when the contemplated war of the
Italians with Austria will leave him some room
for hope, we have not the slightest doubt II
Austria is victorious, not only will the
new monarchy be overthrow, but Francis ii.
will regain his kingdom. The stake for which
the Italians and Hungarians are to struggle
VIII therefore be of the most vital character.
Meanwhile the dissatisfaction which has
prevailed at Naples since the entry of Victor
Emanuel still exists, In the absence Of those
material benefits which the army Of disbanded
officials had hoped 70 acquire by the change of
regime. On the Sd instant the audience In one
Of the theatres insisted upon the "Hymn Of
Garibaldi' being sung, whereupon the Pied
montese troops attempted TO clear the place.
Just then the National Gsard appeared, and
at the point Of the bayonet sustained the
people, and put an end to the interference Of
the Piedmontese. This shows bad state of
feeling between the two armies, and IL will not
be matter for much surprise II we should
hear shortly Of collision, which would have
the effect of giving increased strength
to the Mazzini faction-a result much
to be deplored. Garibaldi. 1t is said,
is 10 be commander-in-chief Of the
entire army against Austria in the forthcoming
campaign. 1t has been suggested that If Francis
ii. can be expelled from Gaeta in the interval,
II will be well for Victor Emanuel 70 declare
Nsplss N . state OF siege, In order to put an
end to the incipient anarchy which prevails
there. 1t would be dangerous TO have recourse
to such decisive remedy sooner. On the whole,
events promise to be very exciting in Italy
for some months 10 come, and there Is no tell
ing how they may end, or how much their re-
suits may influence the future history and map
~ ocrx;popfa1 Euroup