The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-01


In Europe.
When, in l716, the American Declaration Of
Independence was promulgated throughout the
world, all Europe looked on with amszement
and surprise. The idea Of self-governmsnt in
30 vast country, and so remote from
"civilized' Erope, seemed to them both bold
and visionary. Greece and Rome had been
republics, and long since crumbled to dust.
The problem was considered to have been
solved, and republic in perpetuity proved an
impossibility. Since that memorable date,
through period Of over eighty years, has this
thriving and glorious republic been watched
by statesmen of all nations, and wonder at
ih complete, success been expressed By the
most enlightened and the most monsrchal
The influence Of this great beacon light Of the
world has, year after year, spread its bright
rays over the political darkness Of Europe, and
England was the first trophy Of its mighty
power aud influence.
The government Of England is, in its practi-
cal working essentially democratic. Its un-
written constitution is moulded by the success
sive enlightenment Of public opinion. The
sovereign has but little political power,
personally, but is the fountain of honor"
and in the case of the virtuous and
beloved Queen Of that nation, her
influence on domestic morals is felt throughout
all circles OF society. II is the ministry who,
if they err are subject to popular censure.
The people, through their representatives 10
Parliament, by vote of want of confidence.
compel their resignation, and the sovereign is
forced to appoint others to govern who have
the confidence Of the peoples representatives
Government is thus plastic and is moulded by
the people at their will. There can never be
revolution, IN the ordinary meaning of the
word-viz, popular violence-from political
causes in England. In vain the aristocracy re-
sisted the frequent appeals Of the people for
the passage OF the famed "Reform BILL jet
the force Of public opinion obtained 1t. Catho-
lie emancipation and the removal Of Jewish
disabilities were accomplished by the same
potent, peaceful and Jet irresistible force.
Now, we ask how has this great lever-public
opinion-iu England been created? 1t is-it
cannot be denied-the direct and indirect re-
suit of the freedom and success of the great
American republic, through its free press, and
the interchange Of personal observation and
intelligence between these two enlightened
nations. Great Britain's North American colo
nies have shared largely in these advantages.
Compare, for a mement, the tyranny and op
preston and the palpable ignorance by which
they were governed by the imperial authority
of the mother country at the time of the Ame-
rican Revolution, and long afterwards, with the
freedom and self government they now enjoy.
Then, when England became inoculated With
the liberal principles Of government, of Ameri-
can germ, and their influence began to be felt
and acknowledged, she joined her sanctifed in
iuence to that Of America, and shed light and
liberty broadcast throughout monarchal and
despotic Europe, from their mighty Dude light,
whose blaze was resistlen.
Admit that its fruits have been Of slow
growth; for so delicate plant as liberty is
difficult to make thrive amid the rocks and
briers Of despotism which has ensoiled itself
for centuries. Witness this influence in modern
days. France passed through the phases Of a
poleon Ill was called by the free votes OF the
people to govern, and whose aim is now to ex-
tend the blessings Of commerce and manufao-
lures for the happiness of his people. Russia
now moois The question Of the abolition OF serf-
dom. Prussia is little behind England in the
desire that her throne may be sustained by the
love and attachment founded on the happiness
of Der subjects Austria-so harsh. so tyranni
cal and arbitrary-is nov promulg ating la VS.
for the freedom and welfare OF her people;
and al this moment a new era OF the blessing
Of q wise government is springing up In
that hitherto cruelty oppressed nation. Italy
has nearly achieved her freedom. and no
power can nos arrest the fat which Heaven
has sent forth Tor liberty and happiness to tha,
enslaved race. A King has been chosen by
universal suffrage. The .yrannical Francis II
ba. been driven forth as al exile and wan.
dersr.
We might trace ibis influence over wider
Held. and point to distant lands yet wrapped
in the gloom OF night which will come into this
happy family OF Christian and political liberty;
but thu. much may suffice. Now having traced
the benign effects which have aowed from the
success Of this Union OF American States. let us
reflect deeply-aye. let every Christian and
every true American citizen within the length
and breadth OF this vast republic measure bis
responsibility at this crisis that the happiness
Of the world depends on the perpetuity Of this
Union.
We cannot bring our minds 70 believe, that
the Uhien will be dissolved. aud the glory Of
an American republic prove an empty boast
and mockery. and TIA, such thriving States
will settle down in tltirs TO separate, petty
and insirniScan, nations. foreign - each other.
and liable TO in'erneoiue wars rendering each
entirely imbecile ard pow-rIess-tbe scorn
q every civilized uation In Europe.
Yet such may untappily prove 70 Dc the