The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-06-18


The European Question ta . Revola-
sionary Peins or View.
The cause Of republication in Europe has
unquestionably much to gain from the war
which is now impending. Its progress had
been impeded by variety OF influences, among
Nspoleon's foreign and domestic policy and
the rebellion in this country. With the blum
ders, however, committed by the Emperor In
connection with Mexico, and the triumph Of
our government over the dangers by which Il
was assailed, the hopes Of the European repub-
icans began to revive. In the results of the
one they found ground for the belief that the
popular prestige Of Napoleon had become
weakened, while in the other they obtained .
practical demonstration Of the force and value
Of the principles to which they attach their
faith. Unquestionably the magnificent spec
taclo Of courage, hopefulness and resolution
presented by the American people throughout
the late struggle won them many admirers out
side Of the republican ranks, but without sue
cess it would have failed to have gained them
as converts. In proportion to the magnitude
Of that success has been the effect Of the reac-
ton. Those who were partisans Of monarchi-
cal forms, as offering the only sure guarantees
those who were wavering between the two sys-
TENS have frankly gone over to the republi-
can. What, therefore, at one time seemed des-
tined to discourage and suspend the progress
of democratic ideas in Europe has, in reality,
given them an impetus which quarter Of
century Of quiet working would have failed to
impart to them.
In the war which is about to commence re-
publicanism finds fresh grounds for hopeful
ness and rejoicing. With suicidal blindness
the governments which are Its most formidable
obstacles are rushing on to their destruction.
being a source Of encouragement, is in reality
that On which the European democracy places
most dependence for the success Of its aspira-
lions. It's leaders know that 80 long as the
theory Of the balance Of power /, adhered to
and maintained there will be but little chance
for the success Of their schemes. Let it be dis
turbed or broken up, and they will begin to
make their power felt Already we see in
Italy and in Hungary the republican element
appealed to for support. Let the European
democrats only be true to the cause and refuse
to allow themselves to be made use Of by dis
tressed despotisms and they will by and by
have the game In their own hands. During the
war their attitude should be ono simply Of
preparation and watchfulness. 1t is whom the
period Of exhaustion sets in after prolonged
and desperate struggle that they can best at
tain their ends. All the governments Of Eu-
rope, constitutional as we'll as desposic, are
trembling at the prospect thst awaits them.
Staggering uuder weight OF debt that has
become intolerable TO their people, the enor-
nous additions that will be made TO it by the
cost Of general war will bring them into a
condition Of hopeless bankruptcy and in its
train, as we all know, follows revelation.
England fatters herself that she may escape
these dangers, but it is doubtful. In sbdicat-
ing her functions 40 . first class Power and
refusing to take her share in an effort TO main
tain the public peace, she invites and will
unqucstonably provoke aggression. The pu-
sillanimous course she 10 pursuing has been
prompted by the selfish fears Of her arsiocracy.
They are spprehensive that any further addi-
ton, to dcbt which keeps three-fourtbs Of her
population in condition bordering on pauper-
ism will bring about revolution and a conse-
quent loss Of their privileges. One would
suppose that, moved by such fears, they would
be disposed, by . relaxation Of the restrictions
In the elective franchise, to eonciliate, As far
possible, the good will of the masses. With a
blindness only equal 10 that which is impeliing
the European despois into suicidal struggle,
they refuse to concede to the people, whom they
fear, the moderate concessions which they ask.
II is needless for us to dwell on the results Of
such an infatuated policy. Suffice il TO say
that II will serve 10 hasten the sacrifices which
they would postpone. Let Great Britain become
involved in these complications-an event al
most certain-and her condition at home will be
anything but secure. With Ireland possessing
the elements OF formidable insurrectionary
organization, with the English working classes
discontinued and enraged at the defeat Of their
demands for an extension OF the franchise and
with Caneda calling loudly for protection
oBnihss ron'0u 'SiuS ouc Wan nv nuu hcT pew
pie disposed 10 put up much longer with
system Of government which neither assures
respec! abroad nor happiness or security at
home. OF all the countries Of Europe there is
not one, perhaps that is ripper for revolution
than England. She might escape 1t by the
prudence and generosity Of her ruling classes;
but, judging from their course on the Reform
bill and the Irish Church question: We are justi-
fed in saying that she will, In all probability,
take the lead In the vital political changes
which the approaching war is likely to bring
about
THE Posr OFFICE AND THE RAuwAYs-We
observe that some Of The New England journals
are complaining Of delay and irregularity in