The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-10-20
The situation in Europe.

Our news from Europe does not become
more peace-assuring IS the days roll on. Each
successive day brings us fresh news, and the
alarm. What at one time seemed simple
filibus.ering movement has assumed not only
a national but an International character. 1t
is now certain that if Napoleon does not inter-
fere by landing an armed force on the Papal
territory or by an unmstakable threat that
he will do the same, Victor Emanuel will be
master in Rome, and the Pope and his cardi-
nails will be compelled to shift for themselves
as they best can. The insurrectionary party
are winning successes. Nearer and still more
near do they come to the City Of the Seven
Hills. Weaker and still more weak, notwith-
standing reinforcemen.s from France and
Spain, become the defenders Of the Papacy. II
viii not surprise us to learn at any moment
that Rome is captur ID, and, by the universal
reclamation OF its citizens and the unanimous
voice of the Italian people declared the capt.
tai of the Italian kingdom.
II is not to be denied, however, that doubt
and difficulty remain. Much depends on the
course which Victor Emanuel may choose to
follow. Much also depends on the action
of Napoleon. Victor EN- lnuel and his govern
ment are evidently in sore perplexity. They
know not what to do They wish Rome, but
they tear Napoleon. They have been neutral,
as far as neutrality has been possible They
have, in fact, been more than neutral.
1t was not necessary in carrying out the terms
of the September Convention, that they should
capture Garlbaldi In their extreme desire,
however, to be on friendly terms with the
French government. they did capture him I;
and it is now question whether, in his desire
committed grand mistake. The Italian gov
eminent have not only not done what some
people think they ought to have done, but the
reverse and the result Of their policy is that
while they have alienated the Italian people
they have not won the appreciation Of France.
Whether at this moment they have retrieved
their position by prompt action we cannot tell.
| All that We can say is that the best thing for
Italy and for Rome is that, in order to prevent
unnecessary bloodshed, Victor Emanuel
should at once occupy Rome and make an
appeal to Europe to cid him in the settlement,
Of the question.
Much, we have said, depends upon the action
OF Napoleon. He has threatened to interfere
by force Of arms. The Toulon feet is ready,
and everything, we are told, depends upon the
answer which he awaits from the Italian gov
ernment II the answer IL to his mind, his
ships and troops will remain where they are
If not, they will sail at once to the Papa coast.
What answer the Italian government may
return to him We know not 1t may be
favorable or II may not. II the rumor
prove to be correct that Garibaldi has
escaped from Caprera, it matters less what be
the character Of the answer for the matter
will, TO large extent, be taken out Of Victor
Emanuel's hands. The true king Of Italy, 1t
| will then be found, II Garibaldl, not Victor
Emanuel. In other words, . compromise with
France will be found 70 be impossible. Italy
will appeal to Europe, whatever Victor
Emanuel may do; and Prussia, Russia and
England win be compelled to admit that the
settlement Of the Roman question IL - much
their affair a. the affair Of France. Garibaldi's
temperance on the scene, II nothing else will
do IL, will render the question European, and
will enlist the existing Powers, one and al. In
lie settlement A European congress will then,
for the nrst time since 1916. have meaning
and purpose.
There are few statesmen Of the day who see
farther, and with less unnecessary enthusiasm,
than the present occupant Of the Foreign
once in Great Britain. Lord Stanley is .
watchful, wary and wise diplomstist Few
living men, II any, know modern Europe better
than he. His opinion, therefore, is entitled to
consideration Lord Stanley does not dread .
European war. Lord Stanley does no! look At
isolated facts, bat 1t oil the facts and circum