The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-15

Old World, is farther, perhaps, than
ever from realization. The figures already
given show to what extent mutual appre-
hension of attack and want of confidence
in the people has led European Powers,
and how impossible anything like disarmament
must be so long as this feeling continues. 1t
has existed for centuries and will exist for
ever in the history of monarchical govern
ments. Great wars and great slaughter are
the natural consequences of great and rival
armies. Where there are superduous soldiers
occupation will be found for them; and it
is folly to talk of durable peace when
nations are armed to the teeth and
jealous of each others power and progress.
Apart from the burdens of taxation and OPP
preston arising from these extensive arma-
ments, other and prolific sources of discomfort
are springing up and rendering the situation
more critical. The people, long patient, are
beginning to appreciate the condition, and talk
of reform and revolution. A crisis is APP
preaching, and the future is dark with doubt
and uncertainty. Public confidence is para
lyzed, and commerce suffering in awaiting a
solution which shall disspate the manifold
sources Of evil.
Since the uprisings Of ls4S popular discon-
tent has not been so general in Europe. The
people, becoming educated to the ideas of
modern progress and reform, are aspiring to
popular government; they are growing rest
less under oppression, and, emboldened by
partial triumphs, are clamorous for disinthral
ment, for enlarged liberties, for the cessa-
ten of that disastrous ''armed peace" and,
above all for liberal, generous Legislation.
While nothing like a general outbreak in re-
sistance to existing government seems immi-
nent or probable, there is an undercurrent of
revolution, decided opposition to continued
tyranny, which is not to be trihed with, and
will in due time rebound to the greater lib
critics of the people. The time has passed
when popular sentiment or the aspirations of
people can be stihed at will by monarchs and
their minions. Even the army-the sole reli-
ance of continental despots-cannOt always be
depended on. The French soldiery have be-
fore fraternized with the people in opposition
to tyranny, and there sprung from this union,
ephemeral though it proved, ''The French Re-
public, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"
The revolution now anticipated it is hoped
will be accomplished without war or blood
She'd. The gradual march of modern ideas,
tending to liberal and constitutional govern
ment, is being felt on the European Con-
tinent in a way which promises "a
new era less in the interest Of absolutism
and more in favor of popular rights"
Great Britain, under the pressure of popus
ar demand, is conceding reforms. France is
and we find Napoleon not only par
eying with the champions of extreme repub-
lican ideas, but according the ministerial de-
of some Of the stanchest friends of
Imperialism. An era of reform is fairly inau-
gurated in monarchical Europe. The people
are having foretaste of liberty, and, with
the powerful convincing example of FREQ gov
eminent, as developed in the United States,
and the concessions already obtained as
compromise to liberal aspirations, they will
find encouragement to go forward and onward
to new victories in the interest of freedom and
human progress.
In France, particularly, events are shaping
themselves to the satisfaction of the reformers
Napoleon, whether from compulson or an
ing to the wishes of the French people, who
are now determined to have something to say
in the management Of governmental affairs.
This is the first vigorous move of q party
now powerful in France, and becoming 80 in
other portions of Europe, which, it followed up
with prudence and patience, and at the same
time with determination, will ere long work
changes which will startle more than one of
''those who govern in the mood potential" and
make them tremble for dynastic SUGGESTIONS
when confronted by the champions of equal
rights and the apostles of that faith which
teaches that all men are born free and equal.
It remains to be seen whether the current of
revolution now prevalent in Europe will be
mel of peace, or, by ill-advised zeal, be COM
PEELED to find vent in the rugged one of war.
France is the main field of action just now, and
much depends upon the result of the initiatOry
contest now in progress. A popular uprising
in defiance of Imperialism could accomplish
nothing so long as Napoleon is sustained by
his army; and this fact is doubtless too well
appreciated by the leaders of the opposition for
them to act with undue haste in preciptating
the crisis or provoking conflict. The future,
at all events, whether for peace or war, is
fraught with momentous issues for the peoples
Of Europe, and we can only hope when the
fight does come, If come it must that those
immense standing armies now curse to
modern civilization, will be used for monarchs
against monarchs, instead Of by monarchs
against their people.
A CHARACTER ToUMsr-C