The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-20

and bring discredit upon the cause OF the oppo-
sition; yet they cannot destroy, while they do
not advance IL 4as
The year now fast drawing to close will
live as an eventful one in history. The tri-
umphs ofcommercial enterprise, Of science and
capital which completed such works as the
Pacific Railway, the French Transatlantic
cable and the Saez Canal will be remembered
with the victories of governmental progress
which loosened the letters of despotism and
formed the starting point of an era of enlarged
liberties for the peoples Of Europe Great
Britain, too has not been inactive the while in
the PRONUNCIATION Of important reforms. We
record the extension Of suffrage, tho disestab-
lishment of the Irish Church, &c. Would that we
could add amnesty to the imprisoned Fenans,
as an earnest of generous policy of concilia-
ton towards Ireland, instead Of the hitherto
fruitless one of coercion.
This year of grace is made further memora-
BILE by the Ecumenical Council now assembled
at Rome. 1t would be premature yet to
attempt to define the aims and consequences of
this manifestation. If it proceed to endorse a
syllabus in hostility to the principles of modern
Christianity, to proclaim the infalibility of the
Pope, and give countenance to dogmas that
i'll accord with the spirit of the age, it's char
acter must be regarded as purely reactionary.
Speculation, in anticipation of the ratification
Of the decisions of most ultramontane COM
mittee, has already been busy with ominous
intimations of a revolt and probable revolu-
ton which is to develop the genius of
second Luther to champion the dissenting
element and direct 1t in the way of another
reformation. Whatever be the result of the
the Catholic Church at large will hardly
assume the fruitless task of opposing
barrier to progress, nor is it by any means
certain that the Council will hazard the alter
native of revolt by insisting upon such re-
quirement.
We might dwell at length, were it neces-
sary, upon other events in Europe which have
characterized the year 1869. The steps taken
to forward the unflcation of Germany and
the vigilant, jealous watch thereat Of France;
the Dalmatian troubles, secretly instigated,
perhaps by Russia and Prussia for Interior
purposes; the Turco- Egyptian quarrel tempo
rarily quoted by outside pressure, and the
commissions Of Spain in wild hunt for
royalty, are questions likely at any time to
disturb European equilibriums and greatly
affect the internal affairs Of kingdoms and
empires. And in any future issue provoking
revolution at home or war with rival Powers,
who shall say that the people, becoming more
aud more enlightened, will not be profted2
AS further evidence Of the growth of popu-
lar principles we will refer, In conclusion, to
the strong republican element manifesting
itself in Spain and Portugal by rebellious
outbreaks which exercise the utmost vigil
lance Of the authorities to suppress. A cur
sorry glance at the present status of European
politics will strengthen any one in the convic-
ton that progress is active and working for
reforms which must advance the liberal ten
denotes Of government end rebound TO the
good of the oppressed and rebuke Of the OPP
urassor