Weekly Trinity journal., 1870-10-08
Progress of Republicanism.

The first Napoleon is credited with saying that
" Europe must become all Republican or all Cos
sack" The reasons, if any assigned by this re-
markable and far-seeing man in support of his
prophecy, have not been placed on record. So
I far. the lapse of events bear out the prediction
made sixty years ago. The history of Europe
shows a continual and increasing spread Of Re-
publican ideas under every government but that
OF Russia. There is not nationality except the
/ Russians but has been troubled by dcmonstra-
tions in behalf of a Republican Government
Among the great powers, the French people
alone have been successful in Kidding themselves
of hereditary dynasties. The revolutionary out
breaks in Germany, Italy and Spain, mean the
same thing In one respect, the French people
are peculiar and exceptional. Whatever it may
be that agitates the civilized world, is sure to
first take tangible shape and form among the
French nation They are the first to move al
ways. The leayen Of Republicanism dssemina-
ted by the bright example of the United States,
has as yet only manifested itself unequivocally in
France. This last is the third republic
tablished by the French people In all Europe
!
verge of a Republican form of government, pro-
vided General Prm assents, and it may be,
whether he does or not. But short while since
our ears were filled with shouts proclaiming Ital-
ian unity, and the march of liberal ideas. The
accomplishment of that unity and the practical
development of Republicanism were delayed by
the bayoDets of Louis Napolon, but this obsta-
Gle removed, Italy from the Alps to the Adriatic
is free TO choose its system Of government. I'm
der the lead of Mazzin and Garibadi it is easy
to tell what course will be pursued. Austria
next to Russia, the most despotic, finds it neces-
sary from year to year to make liberal conces-
sions to the people England whose boast has
always been that the British constitution never
changed and that the provisions Of that instru-
ment needed no amendment to add to the liberty
and security of the subject, now realizes that
the reign Of an oligarchy is trembling in the bal
auce. Yes, the gradual enlargement of the suf-
frage and the popular demonstrations before
which the Ministry of Great Britain bend like
the reed before the rushing wind betoken clearly
that at some not far distant period, there will be
no constitutional monarchy, privileged no
bility. In Russia alone, Autocratic power seems
to be finally fixed. great influence tending to
this end, is to be found in the fact that the Rus
slams are a very religious people, and .he Car is
the head OF the Greek Church Containing
population of about seyenty-fve millions, Russia
rs free from all entangling relations and sympa-
thy with the rest of Europe, and under the abso-
Lutte rule of the Gar, there is no discussion of
the benefits TO BE- derived from popular form of
government. Everything indicates that the Rus
slams are just entering upon n career of conquest
in Asia after absorbing Turkey in Europe. This
she will be enabled to do easy during the con-
tests that will shortly take place between the
crowned heads of EaroPe, and the people. I'M
told years must efapsc before the Tartar hordes
will possess a civilization that will enable them
to comprehend and possess government of the
people. There is no doubt bat that to day the
whole of civilized Europe is disposed to take
the institutions of the United States for model
OF this their rulers are fully aware 1t is this
that complicates the present struggle betwixt
! France and Prussia. England Austria and Rus
sia perceive that while it is dangerous to their
peace to permit Prussia 10 add to her already
formidable resources at the expense of France, it
Is still less advisable to allow Il republic 10 Eu-
rope. 1t will be imagined that Bismarck and
the Prussan King have not left this question
ont of their calculations. To conquer the
French in battle, capture their Emperor and ar
mics, was glorious achievement, but if in so
doing, they established a republic based upon
tha 1
they thereby endangered the Prussian dynasty,
more than dozen Napoleons would be able to
do. The result of the present contest is there
fore not easily foreseen. That with the advance
of civilization, Republicansm is becoming dom
inant, cannot be denied. The late civil war in
this country, attracted the undivided attention
of the world, and the tremendous strain that
our form of government so triumphantly endured,
furnished its advocates with unanswerable argu-
ments. Had we failed to suppress the rebellion,
there would have been a text from which des-
pots might preach effectively. Our success is
the handwriting on the wall for them to read
) and trembe. Shakspeare's oft quoted line,
that uneasy lies the head that wears crown, u
aptly expresses the state of affairs. With Ger.
many, France, Spain, Italy and England repub-
lies, the smaller try will follow suit. Then will
begin the conflict of ideas to which the French
Emperor referred in his prediction 1t is reas.
enable to believe, that, although this strife may
not be inaugurated in this generation, it will
+ not be delayed long thereafter. Had the illus.
trious prophet lived to see this day, we think he
would modify his former opinion to something
like this Europe may become all Republican
but all Cossack, never.
TROUBLED WITH THE BIG HEAD.-A correspond