The New York herald., 1874-12-31


prejudices of that peculiar people. So far AZ
we can understand the relations of the oppos-
ing forces Carlism is as active q power as il
has been for the last two generations. Rest
ing, as it would seem, upon the time-honored
| prejudices and traditions of race as proud
and bravo as the Basques, and representing
the strongest sentiment of local patriotism, it
seems to be an influence that cannot be con-
quered, but must be concilated.
While conservatism has asserted itself on
the Continent, especially in France and
Spain, its influence has been felt also in
England and the United States. When the
year began Gladstone was Premier, and
although his power had been weakened by
many influences, by the reaction and irrita-
ton that arose from what was "heroic legisla-
tion," few imagined that it would be seriously
challenged. An election took place, and the
result was the overwhelming defeat of the
liberal party and the accession of Disraeli to
power. The Ashantee war came to a cruel
but successful end, and the Gold Coast was
annexed to England While the Empire thus
grew in Africa another measure of annexation
was consummated in the Pacific, and
the Island Of FIJI became o part of
the vast Empire Of England. The tory
administration has ventured on no special
phases of new legislation. Mr.. Disraeli's
health has been the source of much concern
to his followers, and fears are entertained that
now, in the flush, and, as it were, the begin
ming of power, to the attainment of which
he has given long life he gill be compelled
to resign it. The Tichborne case, which
formed so prominent feature of English
social life, came to an end by the conviction
of the extraordinary person called the claim
ant The controversy between Mr.. Gladstone
and Archbishop Manning as to the real
meaning of the Vatican DEGREES has pro-
duced a profound impression, and, taken in
connection with the contest between Bismarck
and the Papacy. threatens to exercise pro-
digous influence upon political and religious
sentiment in England
This has been sad anxious and eventful
year at home. The panic of 1878 was in full
force when the year opened We had hard
winter. Legislators made desperate effort
to pass measure of imitation which would
have been q measure of practical repudia-
ton; but the frmness of Grant put an
end to it. Had the President continued
in this wise and firm course his party
might have retained continuous power.
But the country showed restless tendency.
Maine went republican before this tendency
tooy off Tho third occnYnad a
tentous aspect and when to this was added
the scandals in administration and govern
ment and the desire of the country for q
change, the impatience became resistless inn
pulse, and the great party which had saved the
Union and secured emancipation was over
whelmingly defeated. Much Of this is due to the
misfortunes of the South. The unhappy States
who once formed the Confederacy seem not yet
to have expiated the sin of rebellion. In Loui-
siana the oppression led to an outbreak which
took violent possession Of the government,
and for moment threatened civil war. But
the wisdom of the usurpers and the frmness
Of the President suppressed the movement,
and since then there has been no serious out
break Our relations with Mexico and Cuba
have continued cordial. The capture of the
Virginius and the massacre of large number
of American citizens which took place in
1873, still remains subject of negotiation. Our
national prosperity has not been as rapid as
in previous years. Many scandals have
affected our credit and the consequent
development of the country. Emigra-
ton has fallen of and misfortunes in some
of the Western Territories have checked the
tendency Of our people to 60 West The
general belief is that these business misfor-
tunes really show that the country is gradu-
ally settling upon sounder and frmer basis
that we are recovering from the false war
spirit of speculation and unhealthy enter.
prise and that we shall enter upon q new
career of prosperity with the year that comes
tomorrow The death of MIR. Sumner was O
national misfortune. The sudden death o1
Mr.. Havemeyer created profound feeling Of
sorrow in city which respected his integrity
and virtues. Our society has been moved by
az extraordinary scandal affecting the fame
and moral influence of the foremost clergy
man of the Union. This is now before the
courts Of the country and will soon be brought
to a trial The visit OF the King of Hawaii
has made o pleasant impression upon oul
people and contributed largely to the good
relations between the little Kingdom and oul
Republic.
Reforming the Charities and Corr &C.
ti0n Department..
The new Commissioners of the Depart.
ment Of Charities and Correction take Office
! with the knowledge conveyed to them in the