The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-01-17

GEsERAI B1NKis on THB PoLlr1oA1.
SITUATION IN EUROPE.-Thursday even
iog. General Banks delivered an address
in Waltham. Massachusetts, In which he
stated the Impressions he had received
Oh his European tonr in regard to the
political aspects Of Europe. He said:
The cause of the destruction of France
was what has brought on the ruin Of
every government which ever existed,
the spirit of senseless, remorseless. soul
less and goddess faction, At the end of
the war Of '6S, it was proposed that the
French army should be increased from
300. 900 to 1000. 900 or 1,400.O0U. The
by the French Chambers. They de.
mauded liberty OF the press, the right to
meet and discuss public questions, and
to bear arms; in fact, all the rights
which Republicans enjoy. In face of
this opposition, not only was the army
not increased. but 1t was diminished by
SOME 20. 600 men. The men who had
recommended this measure were raised
to power, and the first act of the French
Republic was to restrict all those privi-
leges for which it had before 80 strongly.
contended. The interference Of Europe
in the German-French war was made
impossible, because great power in the
North said to every nation: "You must
not be party, to this war;" Thus all
were held in check. and the war went
on. It seemed strange that such should
be the case. but the wisdom OF Russia
was the greatest political act OF the CEN
tury. Her situation, with Asia upon
ono side and Europe on the other, both
of which she hoped to control. with a
population of nearly 100000, 900, with
an aruy of $3.50. 900 leady for the field,
her people entirely devoted to their
country, she was able to hold all the
States in balance Germany must go in
the way she has started. The schemes
OF development opened by Frederick the
Great has been followed out, and
Prussia aims for the Baltic and Black
Sea. Her war with Denmark was to
gain the former, and that. with Austria,
to gain the latter. Russia can reach the
Northern Ocean only through the Cult
Of Finland, where navigation is slow and
dangerous, and where Prussia can COM
mand. It is impossible that Russia will
submit to this, and the contest will come
between her and those who stand in her
way. With America, Russia is united
by community OF interest. Both need to
reach the sea, and are prevented by
other powers The United States have
no control over any one of their great
rivers or lakes. and Russia is in a similar
condition. This is the secret of Russia 8
friendship for this country. Russia is
waiting for the opportunity to begin.
When that will be, no one knows, but it
is certainly, coming. and will complete
the destinies of nations begun in the
- u
nothing is settled. Germany is not
autocratic nor France destroyed. As
soon as any difference OCCURS between
States. Ruesia's opportunity will have
come, aud tho sympathies of the civil
lied world will be on her side, if she
aims to check the expansion OF Prussia.
France has in some respects been
strengthened and purified by her mis-
fortuue, and she, too. is waiting TO re-
gain the position she has lost. The in
terest of the United Stntes is that the
States OF Europe should be preserved
distinct, according to their nationali
ties; for the nationality is like family,
and the family Is, the work of God.
Whoiiever Europe is united under one
dynasty, then will come an attack upon
the United States. SO long as each has
it's Own, we have nothing to fear; but if
any one becomes preponderant it's
power must be exercised somewhere,
and we shall be the only object left to
attack. Our safety lies largely in the
armuess with which we support our own
institutions and make the force of our
example felt. Everywhere the common
people are filled with respect for us, and
want to know the secret of orr power.
We have to fear the same enemies which
have destroyed other nations. Faction
is at work among us, and is encouraged
by the respect paid the leaders--men
who are aiming for personal power and
influence. When we act for selfish
object, then the foundations of our
liberty are goue. But there is little