New-York tribune., 1874-01-01
THB YE4R.

The history of every year seems more or
less memorable when it is just ended, though
before long it becomes part of a period, with
out any distinctive character of its own. 1t is
likely that the future will think little of the
years that followed Immediately after the con-
quest of France and the establishment OF the
Empire of Germany, in comparison with that
momentous twelve months which began with
the interview of King William and NJ. Bene-
detti at Ems. Eighteen Hundred and Seventy
will eclipse many years before and after 1t.
But to us who have seen the course OF
every day in its passage, the events of
1878 are far from unimpOrtant. 1t Is year,
however, which does not stand alone in his
tory. 1t has seen neither the beginning nor
the end of any great movement OF nations Or
of the race. 1t has seen the progress OF
former years carried steadily and wholesomely
forward, but has planted no great Landmark
in the march of the world. If the word of
d'Alembert, which ascribes happiness to those
nations whose annals are dull, can be applied
to periods of time. we are certainly enjoying
a happier moment than three years ago.
The sun rises to-day upon q better situation
and far better political prospect in Europe
J0HU was ptICtpJlDio u yCot uSo' III DPhtb,
the King was still holding to his shadOwy
power, his faithful subjects occupying their
leisure by occasional shots at him, his Minis
ters amusing themselves and gratifying the
slavers in the Cortes by saying that the re-
bellon was crushed in Cuba, and that no
foreign power would be allowed to exert the
slightest influence in the affairs of the Antilles.
We have witnessed since then not only
the destruction of the Savoyard dynasty
in the Peninsula. but also the irreparable
damage of the monarchical principle, an
advantage which is certainly worth all it has
cost. The Republic is in possession of the Gov
eminent, and although we do not have the pre-
sumption to prophesy as to its perpetuity, we
can say that our steady advocacy Of it has been
justified as well by its peaceful and dignifed
accession, as by the honest and orderly ad-
ministration of affairs which has marked it
from the beginning. There has been no Gov
ernment in Spain for years more generally
respected and Obeyed. and certainly none 80
worthy of respect. In its management
NJ the Virginius case the CASTELAR, Cabinet
has shown higher degree of courage
and of sagacity than any monarchical
Ministry has exhibited in our time.
The bravest course was the wisest after all,
and we hope the Republican Government will
reap still more important advantages IN the
future from their victory over the furious and
impulsive prejudices of the Peninsulars OF
Cuba. But however that may be, II the mag
nifcent experiment of popular government In
Spain were even now to fail, it would not
have been made in vain. CASTELAR, and his associ-
ates have given to their countrymen higher
standard of politics than they ever knew be-
fore. We do not anticipate failure; in Spain
az in France, the Republic is the form of gov
ernment which divides the least
The untoward results which have been ac-
complshed this year under the unfortunate
influence of the discredited Assembly at Ver-
sailles may seem at first to indicate check
of Republican progress in that country. We
think there is reason to trust that this may
not be the case 1t is true that the Republic
has been put into the hands of those who de-
test it. But many ward has grown lusty
and strong in the house of guardian who
wished his death. The Government are disloyal
to the Republic. but their power does not a.