The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-20
Governmental Progress IN Earope--A Nom
orable Year.

Governmental Progress In Earcpe--A Nom
orabie Year.
An enlightened spirit of progress, prolific in
great works of modern enterprise, industry,
art and science, has vigorously invaded the
eGete political institutions of the Old World,
and we have seen it earnestly combating reac-
tionary ideas and actively engaged in liberal
izing monarchical systems which were an incu-
bus and a barrier to the prospects of popular
government.
Reformatory measures have been fairly
inaugurated which will tear away many OF
the bulwarks of absolutism and promote
developments in the interests of the people
and against despotism. Among the cham
pions Of governmental progress in Europe are
earnest, representative men whose inteli-
gence, wisdom and position give weight to
their opinions, and in whom we recognize
many of those essential elements Of persever-
ance and power which tend to insure ultimate
success.
In the work of reform France has taken the
lead Of the other Continental Powers, and of
the movement there we shall speak more par
tcularly. When Napoleon leads other poten-
tates must follow. The elections in May, fore
shadowing the doom of personal government
have already yielded results beyond the most
sanguine expectations of the people. We
have seen the great chief Of personal rule
parleying with the advance guard Of the
legionaries of democracy, granting legislative
concessions and inspiring Senatus Con-
seatun, which, if judiciously improved, will
soon operate the Transformation of the Gone
man power into an administration respon-
sible to the people. We have seen prince Of
the blood bringing his unqualified support to
measures which even endanger Imperialism and
astounding the Senate with most profound
and liberal commentary thereon We have
remarked Napoleon further signalize new
departure in favor of popular principles by
procaiming O general amnesty TO press and
political offenders, which, as is now intimated,
may include even the Orleans princes, exiled
by the republic Greater latitude has been
permitted to the press and to public discus
sion; the obnoxious Rochsfort is suffered to
go at large, receive the ovations of his friends,
take his seat in the Corps Legislatif and faunt
his jeers at the imperial family. A new Minis
try, less absolutist and with healthy counter
poise of radical sentiment infused therein,
is to be formed, and the Legislative Body, now
in session, are to give practical operation to
reformatory measures--the outgrowth of par
liamentary government. All this promises
much for France, and it remains to be seen
what permanent profit will be derived there
from.
Henri de Bourbon declares that the prince
deceived himself who devoted his thoughts
and efforts to the foundation Of dynasties, ''for
the universal tendency was towards repub-
lic." Prince Napoleon asserts that the time
had arrived for liberty in France, and the
mission of the empire should be to "act In
unison with the popular democratic aspira-
| tion." Victor Hugo tells the Peace Congress
ut Lausanne that Europe initiating the exam
pie Of America, was destined to BECOME q
federative republic; and, lastly, the good and
| gifted Pere Hyacinthe condemns the Church
of Rome for wishing to remain in antagonism
to the progressive ideas Of the present CEN
tury These are but the sentiments of indi-
viduals, yet they may be accepted as pre-
cursory demonstrations full Of significance
for the future. They are the occasional
outburst, the premonitory Indications, Of On
undercurrent of liberal aspiration which Is
pervading individuals, communities and ma
lions. II has already brought forth harvest
Of reform, and Is growing and extending until
no one can prescribe It's limits or say surely
that the measure of good ultimately attained
shall not accord with the measure Of just
demands. The over-zcalous, uitra-radicals or
''Reds" Of France may temporarily embarrsss