New-York tribune., 1868-01-01

Npry. .yrAR,S DAY IN THE Old WORLD
The political situation of tho Old world Is
today reviewed in the capitals OF Europe IN a
number of imperial and royal New-fear's
sneeches. Occasionally these speeches have
given us a glimpse of great movements whlch
were preparing, as in 1859, when Napoleon lntl-
mated his determination to aid Italy III expei-
ling the Austrians from Lombardy. Generally,
if the princes comment at all on the p0ntical
situation, they give us nothing but vague re-
marks on their views, or, we should rather say
on their wishes, for it is not often that
prince owns up defeat as frankly as the En-
peror of Austria did after the battle OF Sa-
dowa.
If the princes to-day could and would give
ps true statement of their experience during
the past year. they might draw most inter
estinc picture of the state Of the Old World.
What, for instance, could be more entertaining
and instructive than the confessions OF LOUIS
Napoleon7 At home he succeeded In maintain
ing the stiffness of Che grave; but abroad, lie
may safely defy any living monarch IN snow
ing q more brilliant series Of Illuminating de-
feats. There was, first, the inglorious end OF
that Mexican expedition, which the Emperor
predicted would be most glorious page Ill the
history of his reign. Then followed the retreat
in the Luxemburg question, when the Prussian
veto compelled an abandonment OF his long
cherished desire for the annexation of German
territory. Toward the close of the year, the
cowardice of the Italian Government procured
for Napoleon an apparent triumph over the ho-
man revolution but this triumph was imme-
dately followed by defeat on the Conference
question. Such is the record of France IN the
year 1867, and her prospects in the present year
are by no means more bright Italy all glow
ing with the most intense hatred of the sole
opponent of her national unity; Germany with
firm hand pushing France out OF her way,
and advancing circumspectly to the proud POSI-
ton of the first Power of Continental Europe J;
Russia giving Napoleon notice to quit his med
ding in the Eastern question-it only needs a
full understanding of these three natural
enemies of France to bring on q coalition more
formidable than that against the first Napoleon.
The great task of Louis NapOleOn's reign to
make the principles which are at the bottom OF
all the European complications subservlent to
his personal ambition, is signal failure Ills
influence on the transformation of Europe Is
nearly gone and principles once more prove
themselves stronger than men. For the present,
tho nationality question remains in the fore
ground: for Italians, Germans, Slavi, all justly
see that il requires all the strength Of united
nation to secure and to defeat political progress.
Little Municipalities like Parma and MOdena in
Italy, or Lippe and Waldeck in Germany, even
if they were exclusively inhabited by Republl-
cans, can never hope to attain and to enjoy
the amount of political freedom to which a
united Italy and united Germany may
aspire. Thousands of good Republicans, there
fore, subordinate their longing for greater
political freedom to the general movement for
national unity. Now that the opposition OF
France to the progress of this great recOnstruc-
ton movement has ceased to be effective, its
complete success will probably not be far off.
As Germany, Italy, and the Pan-Slayic Empire
are rising, incoherent agglomerations, like
Austria and Turkey, must 20 down
The Progressive party Of Europe will not ex-
hibit its full strength until the nationality
question is solved. 1t is now divided as to the
best way of solving this question, and its disa-
greement procures for the Conservatives some
temporary successes. Still, it continues to be
powerful in all, and progressing in most Euro
pean countries 1t achieved last year great
victories in England and Austria, and, at least,
retained the ascendancy in Germany. 1t enters
the new year full of hopes in better future
in every European country. The result, we
trust, may correspond to It's hopes
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