The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-01
Europe In 1867.

EUROPE IN l9O1s
n has not been possible for thinking men on
this side OF the Atlantic, even amid the stir and
excitement Of home politics, to be indifferent
to the scenes WHICH, in the progress Of the
European drama, have BEEN unfolding them
selves from month to month during the year
now past On this side we are working out
problems to which Europe cannot afford to be
Indifferent In like manner ths European
nations are each Of them busy with problems
which it becomes US seriously to study. The
progress Of civilization, under the combined
influences Of steam, electricity and the printing
press, is gradually making the whole world
one and rendering 1t more and more impossi-
BILE for any one Of the great nations to be
regardless of the condition of any other. The
experience Of each is, or at least ought to be,
for the advantage of all. 1t Is one of the pecu-
liarities of modern times that younger nations
may avoid some Of the bitter experiences
through which the older nations have had to
pass; but this favor Is not to be enjoyed
unless studious attention is paid to the events
of the present.
In glancing at the condition Of Europe at
the close of 1867 there are one or two general
facts which deserve to be noted. Prominent
among these is the disposition evinced by the
peoples towards self-government. The example
Of the United States had long been exerting q
quiet but effective influence among The nations
Of Europe, and the tendency which already
existed received powerful impulse from the
triumphant conclusion of our late civil war.
The results Of this tendency have been made
manifest in England by the passing of the
Reform bill; in France by the increasing
power Of the Chambers; in Austria by the
PRONUNCIATION of a new and more liberal con-
stitution; in Prussia by a growing courtesy
toward Parliamentary deputies, and in Italy
by popular excitement which shakes the
foundations Of the throne and borders on revo-
luton. Nor have similar manifestations been
wanting in those outposts of civilization in
Europe, Russia and Turkey. Everywhere, with
greater or less emphasis, the people have been
asserting their rights; and generally there has
been progress in tho right direction.
Another and noted feature of the year
is the disposition eyinced by each na-
tionality to have government Of Its
own. The doctrine of nationality, of which
the Emperor Louis Napoleon has been the
great modern apostle, is no longer dream,
u poetic vision, but living truth, everywhere
and by all believed. Never OF any former
period was the tendency to national unity and
autonomy so Enthusiastically revealed. The Illus
trations have been curious, but they have been
consistent. II is rapidly making the whole of
Germany vast and powerful unit II IL as
rapidly splitting up the Austrian empire into a
series of disjoinied fragments. Hungary has
obtained autonomy; Bohemia now demands it.
II has prompted the Italian people to insist
that Rome shall be their chief city and that
the Italian peninsula shall recognize but ono
temporal head. In Great Britain and Ireland
and the cry of Ireland for tho Irish. In the
far East it threatens the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the
Turkish empire and the aggrandizement at
once Of Russia and Of Greece. We do not say
how far this doctrine is just or how far it is to
be encouraged we merely note the fact. One
sariy place the control of Europe in fewer
hands, 1t will not, any more than the present
arrangement, protect the weak against the
tyranny Of tho strong.
Nor is it easy, in glancing over the map OF
Europe, especially when we bear in mind the
events of the past year, to resist the conviction
that power is quietly transferring itself from
old to new centres. While Russia wakes
mightier and more majestic, aud looms up
more portentously as the great Colossus Of the
North while Prussia expands into and absorbs
the forces of united Germany; while even Italy
looks forward hopefully, in spite Of Napoleon,
to unity and strength, England isolates herself
more aud more, Austria has fallen from her
high estate, and France, Notwithstanding her
pretensions to the Rhine frontier, becomes more
effectually cooped up than ever within appa.
rently impossible bounds. The future Of
Europe is, no doubt, involved in much doubt
and difficulty. Whether progress Is to march
on to the better future, heraldcd by peaceful
messengers, or whsther she Is to wade through
blood and miro, following the footsteps OF hor-
rid war, we must leave 1t TO time to determine
Meanwhile let us indulge the hope that the
time is not far distant When dynastic oppres-
sion shall have become thing Of tho past
and when pure and generous Ideas and Lofty
AMI cnnobling principles shall govern the
nations both in the Old World and the New,
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NnutfaDsas Gar fhn ppc .ldcuCv.