The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1869-01-05
Whe &e9ister.
MIDDLEBURY. VT.
TyIEsDAY, JANUARY o, 1869.


The year 1853 has been gathered to its
predecessors, and, truly, 1t cannot be
recorded on the page of history as one
of little interest. On the contrary, what
changes political and So
will be for the historian to
gather and chronicle for the benefit and
instruction of future generations. The
progress made during the past year by
the various nations of the earth has
been very great. Let us glance at China
and the East. Here we find the Chi
nese emerging from their lethargy, and
their desire and will
lingness to become one among the
nations for the advancement of social
and commercial enterprise. Japan, also,
which has heretofore been so jealous
and selfish in her dealings with tho
outside world, is becoming more reason
able, and has thrown open several addi-
tional ports to the enterprise of foreign |
commerce. In the Oriental Empire,
we find cloud no larger than mans
hand, but likely to assume gigantic pro-
portions at any time, and darken the
whole political horizon OF central Eu
rope. \ conference, called by the King
Of Prussia for the settlement of this
difficulty, is soon TO meet at Paris, and
let us hope that the cloud will be dis
PEELED through these means. In Rus
sin, much has been done in the way of
social reform, and the people seem fully
alive to the fact that much more may
yet be accomplished in that direction.
Austria has not been behind in
the onward march OF Improvement.
She has boldly set at naught the threats
hurled at her from the Vatican, and has
liberty. In Italy, not much has been
done to further the designs of either the
spiritual or temporal powers, if we eX-
cept an increase in the military strength
of the former, and extreme caution and
forbearance OH the part of the liberals.
In Spain, what work has been accom-
plished within the last few months
During that time, one of the most arbi-
trary and prohigate monarchs of the
present century has been hurled from
her throne by an oppressed and down
trodden people, and forced 10 take re-
fuge in foreign country. The recent
outbreak on the part of few head
strong revolutionists, and which has
been so promptly quelled, will only
serve 10 strengthen the power of the
Spanish provisional government. tits
to be hoped that the advantage thus
gained by the Spanish people will result
in the permanent establishment of an
era of peace and prosperity and that
the year 1868 will form bright pare in
the heretofore dark history of Spain.
France has been comparatively quiet
during the past year; but still there APP
pears TO be a secret agency at work that
must eventually burst forth in all its
hidden power, and overthrow the gov
eminent OF the present Napoleon.
Even now there is visible signs of tot
tering and rottenness in the throne of
France; and the day may not be far
distant when the work that has been all
but accomplished in Spain will be in
augurated in France, and the last Ma
poleon compelled to seek refuge in II
foreign land. Much more unlikely
things have happened in the worlds
history. Prussia still maintains her
military supremacy in Europe, and is
likely to remain in the enjoyment Of it
for some time to come. England has
had her share of public rejoicings and
political triumphs during the wear.
The successful termination of the Abys-
sinian expedition has indeed been suf1l-
cient cause for thankfulness to the Brl-
fish people; and the recent triumph Of
the Liberal party will ensure new and
effective legislation in matters of great
moment. The Alabama claims haze
engaged the attention of England and
THIS country to considerable extent,
but no definite understanding has yet
been arrived at, and the year 1883 has
closed Its records without a settlement.
/ South America has been greatly con-
vulsed by war and earthquakes, and
many thousands of human beings have
/ found an untimely and terrible death
through these agencies. But for this
one great calamity, the year 1868 would
have passed away without an event to
cause it to be remembered with sorrow
| by n single nation OF the earth.
Our Canadian cousins have enioycd n
year Of tranquility and peace which it
has not been their lot to enjoy for few
years past. The great bugbear, Fenian-
ism, has not re-appeared in their midst,
and consequently there has been no
call for loyal men and true" to attest
their allegiance to the crown of Britain
and the sanctity Of their own soil. The
Blue Noses de-, Nova Scotians), how
ever, have been kicking in the harness
Of the New Dominion, and manifest a
strong tendency to balk." However