The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-11-20

THE VANITY OF POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS
PARALLEL BETWEEN ITALIAN AND AMERICAN
ArYARs.-It has been remarked by one Of the
most brilliant and forcibls Of English writers
that history is but cycle Of events in which
nations are brought again round TO the point
from whence they have started. The observa-
ton, although somewhat arbitrary in its terms,
is just now receiving q singular illustration In
the respective aspects Of political affairs In this
country and in Italy.
Here, after seventy years Of a progress un-
exampled In the history Of nations, We are
again drifting On revolution, and the dissolution
Of the glorious confederscy built up BY the
patriotism and sacrifices Of our forefathers.
The experiment Of the ballot and representa-
tive institutions would seem not to be capable
of sustaining itself against the efforts Of
the miserable demagogues and inoendiaries
who seek to elevate themselves on the
ruins of our national prosperity. To what
their wicked schemes will bring rs
1t is impossible to foretell. Who can say that
out of the chaos into which they are dragging
situations into their original framework?
Whilst events Of such melancholy gravity are
occurring here, what spectacle do we behold
in Italy! There, in the country which gave
birth to the doctrine of the divine right OF
kings, and which enthroned in its bosom the
worst ecclesiastical despotism that the world
has ever witnessed, its people, after centuries
of cnslavement and suffering, are returning to
that point of their history when their institu-
tons were most favorable to the Development
Of their intellectual and material greatness.
They have learned, as In the fable of the bum
die of rods that union is necessary to strength,
and that the force of people lies in the con-
GENERATION of the national energies. Hence,
Notwithstanding local prejudices, which at
one time amounted almost to the intensity
of hatred, we find Southern Italy voting with
one acclaim its annexation to the Northern
States, under the rule of constitutional King.
Whilst here We weary Of the frateraal bonds
under which we have become prosperous and
happy, the people of Italy are content to make
any sacrifices 80 that all the members Of the
great italian family can be brought within the
same circle Of influences.
but q more impressive fact still than this as
sertion on the part Of the Italians Of the right
of expelling rulers distasteful to them, and of
choosing their own institutions, is The emphatic
approval given to their course BY the English
government in the recent despatch Of Lord
John Russell. That England should thus dis
tinctly admit principle which strikes at the
doctrine Of hereditary right, shows that she Ia
prepared to make those further concessions to
the popular demands in connection with her
own domestic policy, the renaissance to which
has hitherto anu d-d hcr Tie vHiy real Cause OF
anxiety
That which Louis Napoleon demonstrated in
regard to France, Great Britain now fully re-
cognizes in regard to herself and all other
gevernments-that sovsreigns for the future can
only reign by the favor Of the masses.
And II Il significant that, Notwithstanding the
practical Illustration Of this doctrine BY the
people Of Italy, and Its endorsement by Eng
land and France, the despotic governments Of
the Continent. dare take no steps to nullify It
The fact Is that they find their action paralyzed
between two dangers. II they assume the Of
fensive, revolution weakens them from within,
whilst at the same time they will be assailed
from without If they yield passive assent TO
to the new political theories which are being
formulated by the constitutional governments,
they will themselves be ultimately subjected to
their application.
l. IL t.
the path of political reform and regeneration,
our government, which was looked upon a. the
grandest political experiment that the world had
ever witnessed, l. disappointing the expecta-
lions that II had inspired. We had hoped to
teach other nations that republican institutions
were compatible with stability and cohesion. We
are now, alas. taking steps to convince them that
they are the frailest and most uncertain Of hu-
man ties.