The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-27

not for Lincoln in person. for the box only en-
sion he got handsomely bound book whether
II was the Helper book, or the consultation Of
the United States we are not aware.
When he arrived in New York some of the
capitalists here presented him with magni-
icent carriage; but they made grave mistake
in its construction, for it is not bombproof, and
hence he has not been able to use it at all up to
this time with any regard to his personal
safety,
The latest gift presented to the new President
II handsome gold breastpin intended to be
emblematic of Union; but, curiously enough,
the device is composed of two flags crossed
one the unmistakeable Stag of our Uaion," with
its thirty -four stars displayed, and the other
o rather misty delineation of banner, which,
we presume from it's indistinctness, Is intended
to represent the flag that is to be of the South
ern confederacy, but which is not yet decided
upon. A bundle of sticks forms the basis Of
these two flags, which may mean to recall the
fasces of the Roman ictors, the emblem of re-
tyibutive justice which. was borne before the
magistrates Of that republic, and perhaps indl-
Gates the policy which Mr.. Lincoln is expected
to pursue towards the seeded States; Or it
may be intended to symbolic the wal. known
fable of Esop: it is not very easy to tell which
reading is the correct one. So far it would
seem that the presents made to OLD Abe are
not very apropos
BALANCE OF POWER IN EUROPE, AND IN THE
UNITED STATEs.-H Is evident that the Peace
Conferences, at Washington, have been care
fully fostered by the Premier of the incoming
administration, in the hope that out of their
proceedings may spring the germ Of settle
ment, in the course of time, Of our national
difficulties. The border slaveholding and nom
slaveholding States, which are Union in the
main, in their sentiments, hold the future Of
the republic in their hands, and it is to them
that the people must look for happy teruica-
ton, sooner or later, OF our troubles. The ba-
lance of power in the country, is held by Vir-
gnia Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, aud
Missouri, on the one hand and New York,
Pennsylvania, and New jersey, on the
other. Any platform upon which these
eight States may agree, will be adopted
generally, and be paramount in its control over
coming events 1t is well that it should be SO,
and it is upon the hoped for community of &C
ton of these members of the confederation, that
the conservative portion of the republican
party, at the head of whom it is to be trusted
the President will place himself, rely to carry
on the government of the nation successfully.
hat III osoto 81
Massachusetts, school Of abolitionism may say
or think, if q powerful Union party, having its
nucleus in the border States, shall rally to the
support of the measures Of the incoming admit
nistration. They will make an outcry, and die
hard; but 1t will be the last struggle of fana-
ticism to overturn our institutions. The way
will also be paved, when strong Union posi-
ton shall have been taken, by the balance of
power States, for reaction in those that have
seeded, and the ultimate reconstruction of the
republic.
To the balance of power abroad, has been
owing the preservation, with few memorable
exceptions, Of peace in Europe for over forty
five years. The five great monarchies, to which
sixth, and even seventh, may soon be added,
constitute supreme court of nations, from
whose decisions no appeal can with impunity be
made, as any dissenting Court would find itself
in dangerous minority, arrayed against pre-
ponderating force, with which it would be useless
to contend. There does not pass year, without
some matter of greater CT less Importance
being laid before the five great Cabinets, and
as they, or the majority Of them agree, the
destinies of the world are swayed. The recent
use which has been made for and against Louis
Napoleon, by this all powerful influence, is well
known. Upon 1t hangs. at the present hour, the
history of the coming year-perhaps the ques
ton Of the reconstruction Of the map Of North
ern and Southern Europe. 1t is salutary
check which may be transferred, in principle
to the American continent, with the greatest
benefit to as all. In fact, the interests Of
France and England; Of Italy and Austria of
Russia and Turkey, can seldom be more appa-
rently discordant, than have been, occasionally
those of our own States. If, when political
storms arise, Commonwealth like Virginia,
Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Kentucky.
and New Jersey were ever ready to impose
their kindly offices, the burdens of national ad-
ministration would be lessened, and new qua
rantees would be added for the public peace
1t is favorable omen that Mr.. Seward has
comprehended this. In 1t we see glimmer of
hope for the future, in the present crisis, which
it is to be hoped may not be frustrated by evil
counsels, or disappointed by any untoward
accident
WHAT BRITISH STATESMEN AND THE BRITISH
PEOPLE SAY OF Our NATIONAL. TRouBIEs.-The
ties Of consanguinity, language and commerce
cannot but inspire sympathy between the Bri-
itch people and ourselves. 1t is therefore
only natural that when a great political convul-
sion such as inc present shakes the United
States of America to it's foundation, and even
- II IL. e