The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-09
The Peace of Europo-RnmOrs and Con-
fradicfi0na.

The Peace Of Europo-Ramors and Com
tradictions.
II is difficult to conceive Of any situation
more complicated and uncertain than that of
Europe at the present moment. If we listen
to rumors from one quarter, they are hopeful
and assuring. If we listen to rumors from
another quarter, they inspire alarm. If we
look at facts, they are anything but encourag-
ing. Lord Clarendon tells us that the peace Of
Europe has not in three years been so secure
as it is at the present moment. Peace assur-
ances have been repeated in royal addresses
at Dresden, at Berlin, at Copenhagen. So far
so good for the North, although the King of
Denmark is not yet satisfied with the action of
the Prussian government In the matter of
Schleswig- Holstein. The feeling between
Austria and Prussia is evidently more cordial,
as is proved by the visit of the Crown Prince
to the court of Francis Joseph. The trouble
lies in France, in Spain and in the East. The
situation in France is more serious than some
of Napoleon's friends are willing to believe.
When second coup dStat is loudly spoken of
things cannot be right. The ''reds' mediate
a sort Of demonstration that may prove dis
astrous to themselves, although it is not
impossible that it may give Napoleon trouble.
Outsiders can see no good reason why Gam
BETA, and some other new men who live by
excitement and float on the breath of popular
favor, cannot wait until the day which the
Emperor and his ministers have deemed most
convenient for the assembling Of the Deputies.
It Is their intention to steal a march upon
Napoleon; but it will not be wonderful If
Napoleon should steal a march upon them
On that fine morning, the Goth of
October, when they intend to make
special display of their patriotism,
it would not be wonderful if the police were
first on the field. The Goth of October would
in that case become as famous as the I'd of
December. A little sensation is just now
needed in France, and the Emperor is just as
qualified to make 1t as the Deputies. We
shall wait for the day with not little
interest. A general Continental disarmament
has been spoken of, but a leading London
journal, which we quote to-day, appears to
think that such step cannot be taken just at
present. In Spain all our worst fears are
being realized. The situation is bad. Insur-
rection has become 80 general that the
government has found it necessary to ask the
Cortes to suspend what here and In Great
Britain we should call the writ of habeas
corpus, but which In Spain, now at least, is
called the constitutional guarantees. We put
the matter plainly when we say that Spain is
under martial lava state of things Of which
Spain has had large experience. We dare not
say less, we care not to say more, than that
the present government Of Spain has been
found sadly wanting. Serrano has scarcely
honored himself and Prim has lost all his
chances. In the East dark cloud has arisen.
The Sultan and the Viceroy cannot agree.
The great Powers, according to late report,
have mediated in vain. Open war between
Turkey and Egypt would lead to rebellion to
dead certainty in other parts of the Sultans
dominions. The principalities are ripe for
revolt. II is not easy to think that the visit
of Prince Charles at the Tuleries is without
importance. As we have said, the whole
situation Is peculiar aud rather threatening.
A general rising in Spain will encourage the
rebel element in France. France again in
revolution will shake Europe. A simultaneous
rising in the East will create many oppor-
tunities and beget some disasters.
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