The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-03
The Meeting of the Three Emperors-
The King OF Italy.

The Meeting OF the Three Emperors-
The King OF Italy.
On all hands 1t has been admitted that the
meeting of the Emperors of Germany, of Aus
tria and of Russia meeting which is to take
place within afew days-is brimful of purpose.
The press of the world has spoken out on the
subject; and while there is division of senti-
ment as to the actual motives, the universal
opinion is that the three menarchs meet with a
view to business 1t is admitted by all who
have q right to be we'll informed that the I'm
perial Conference-fo conference it must be
called-has been brought about by the German
Chancellor; and Bismarck is the last man in
the world to lend himself TO the getting up Of
worthless and purposeless sensation.
In Great Britain, in France, in Germany,
and even here in the United States, much has
been written and many things have been said
regarding the objects of this forthcoming Impe-
rial Conference 1t is intended, so we are told,
to secure the united consent Of the three I'M
perial Powers to the territorial arrangements
brought about by the late Franco German
war. In other words, Bismarck is desirous
that Russia and Austria both agree to the
permanent German occupation of Alsace and
Lorraine. It is intended that some common
understanding be arrived at regarding the
policy to be pursued in regard to Roumania,
in regard to the Kingdom Of Italy and the
Pope, in regard to the International, and
particularly in regard to the treaty provisions
of 1856. It is quite possible, nay, it is almost
certain, that all these things will be talked
about, and it is not improbable that in the case
of each of these questions the assembled
potentates may arrive at some common under
standing. For our part we care little what the
Emperors may or may not discuss, may or
may not agree to- for the time has gone by
when monarchs can form holy or unholy
alliances and SO prove themselves masters of
the situation. Nor is it any longer portion
Of the creed of the world that international
treaties among European governments are
binding beyond the point at which they can be
conveniently broken. Now that none Of the
Parliaments are in session the facts regarding
this Conference are but little likely to ooze
out.
It is undeniable, however, that England
must regard this meeting of the Emperors
with disfavor. A great change has passed over
Europe since the period between 1915 and
1924, when the Holy Alliance looked after the
welfare of Europe, and when nothing could
be done, not even by assembled emperors and
kings, without the presence of delegate from
England. England, however, must content
herself with things as they are, and accept
the truth of Disraeli's statement that she is
no longer European, but on Asiatic Power.
We are not surprised that England has not
been invited to take part in this Conference;
but we confess that we are somewhat inter-
ested in the fact that King Victor Emmanuel,
although invited, has politely declined to have
anything to do with this Congress of Kaisers.
Why did the italian Monarch decline the in
vitation9 Many are asking this question. Of
all the MonaNchs he is, perhaps, the most
deeply interested in the preservation Of the
status quo. 1t is our opinion that the King Of
Italy has done well to refuse. He could not
have taken part in the Conference without
giving offence to France. That, no doubt, is
one good and sufficient reason. France is
rising grandly from her misfortunes and
reaching a strength which may well alarm
the autocrats of Europe. Her day Of power
has been; her day Of power may yet be; and
it will not be at all wonderful if the re-
generation of Europe should yet be
accomplished through French influence.
Victor Emmanuel does we'll to think of France;
nor is it possible he can sustain any loss by
wisely considering the delicacy of her suscep-
Utilities. It is our opinion, however, that in
refusing to take part in this Conference he has
been Influenced by more potent reasons than
a mere desire not to give offence to France.
Spain is doing well under his son, and Italy is
doing nobly under himself. In both king
doms the sovereign rules by the will of the
people, and not by the consent of the oligar-
chies-by popular choice, and not by divine
right. BY taking part in such Conference
he might have lost F.; he could not possibly
have gained. We are glad for the welfare Of
Italy and Spain, and indeed for the welfare
of the entire Latin family of nations, that in
this obsolete Conference of Monarchs the King
of Italy will not be present. His presence
would have been misfortune. His absence
may prove happy turning point in the his
tory Of Europe.
OvERcRowDNo IMMIGRANT SHrps. --Cupidity
and cruelty conspire to abuse the class which,