The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-09


Th-It was rumored about two months since
that an effort was being made by some of tho
European Cabinets to induce Austria to agree
to the cession of Venice for money indemnity.
The statement, however, was believed by most
people TO have had its origin rather in the COM
mon sense character Of such an arrangement
than in any actual steps that had been taken to
effect it. Diplomacy but rarely adopts tho
shortest and most practical road to its objects.
Besides, even if the recommendation had been
made, it was argued that Austria could not be
brought to agree to It, The magnitude Of her
military preparations, and the continued strin-
gency of her coercionary measures towards
not likely to be shaken by the arguments Of the
European courts.
We live however, in times in which the po-
Icy and conduct Of governments are not to b,
Judged by past precedents. If, during the dis
cussions at the Congress Of Vienna, it had been
predicted by any one Of tho veteran diploma
lists there assembled that in less than half
century the elective principle would be re-
cognzed in the continental States "a the
only indefeasible title of kings, he would
bave been looked upon as a visionary. And
YET We have seen this thing come to pass, under
circumstances which should prevent surprise
At any further extraordinary revolution that
may take place in the ideas and conduct o.
governments.
When, therefore, we are positively assured
that negotiations have commenced in Paris for
llc cession Of venetia, we neither find the fac
singular nor cut of the logical order Of events
1t is, in fact, natural sequence of the new
policy which has dictated such large conces
sions to Hungary. We have no doubt thai
Francis Joseph would willingly have com
promised matters with the people Of Venice on
similar terms, if there was a probability that
by so doing he could have reconciled them to
Austrian rule. But it has at last become evil
dent to him, as it has long been to the rest Of
he world, that be cannot continue to isolate
small section Of the Italian nationality from
the powerful aggregate which has been torn
from him and his confederate oppressors.
The enormous burdens which the defence
of Venice entails upon him FORM moreover.
cogent motive for his speedily putting
an end to state Of things which threatens his
government WIN bankruptcy. He could not
diminish those burdens, for the simple reayou
that he had to exaggerate to the people of Italy
the difficulties of the new conquest which they
seek to wiring from him, in order that when he
came to treat peaceably for its surrender be
might obtain his own price for it.
From the fact Of Austria being represented
in the pending negotiations by Prince Meter
Mich, all doubt is put An end to as TO the
willingness of the Vienna Cabinet to treat
We cong, atulate the people of Europe on this
growing disposition Of their rulers to appeal to
reason rather than to the sword for the settle
ment Of heir differences. II is in this way only
hat the relations between the different govern
ments, as well a. between the governments and
their people, CAT be made TO work harmonious
~ for the general interests.