The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-01-06

With the close of the year 1878, it may be
interesting to take a rapid retrospect of the
relations which this country holds to the diff
ferent nations of Europe, and also their rela
lions with each other. Since the settlement
of the Alabama claims. Great Britain and
this country have got on smoothly and ami
cably. The Joint Commission for the settle
ment of the claims of british subjects against
the United States, allowed a little more
than two millions out of an aggregate claim
of about ninety-five millions. Great Bril-
tain's foreign relations arein the main peace
ful, if the Ashantee war be except
issue, may entail the loss of
many lives and much treasure,
which might have been more profit.
ably expended. In Arabia, likewise, there
seemed at one time possibility that a COLI
sion would result from the encroachments
of the Sublime Porte on the territory of the
Sultan of Leheg, one of Great Britain's al
lies. Her dominions are so widespread that
collisions at the outposts with jealous powers
are well nigh impossible. Notwithstanding
the character for steady-goins conservatism
ard infiexible integrity which Great Britain
has hitherto enjoyed, the Canadian railway
developments have shown a state of legisla-
ton on the part of the crown and its agents
almost unequaled for corruption. In Ger
many, the vexed question of Church and
State has absorbed every other. The expul-
sion of the Jesuits has been followed up by
legislation which tends to bring the whole of
the ecclesiastical machinery under the
surveillance of the State. The pros
ecution by the government of Archbishop
Ledochowski, shows that the legislation of
May last is not mere form. The late cleo
tions resulted in,large liberal gains, and cor
responding losses 70 the ultra -montanes.
The course of the Pope, too, has had the
effect to ALLEVIATE German Catholics,
lies afterwards. The late exactions of Ger
many on the French government, in regard
to the French bishops, while it is an evidence
of Germany's animus, and her power to die
tate terms, is yet to be regretted, as the act
will not be forgotten in the day of wrath,
which sooner or later will come for France.
The entente cordiale has been strength
ened between Germany, Austria and
Italy, by the conferences which have
taken place during the year be-
tween the sovereigns of those States
Austria, like her neighbor Prussia. has bean
restricting the ultrsmontanes within mar
rover bounds. They have been beaten at
the polls at every turn almost, and this
policy has formed the basis of Austro Hun
garian legislation. The great international
exposition at Vienna, however. has, more
than anything, called public attention to
that country. Plat this enterprise was not
a success, is due to several causes. First.
came the panic in the Vienna bourse in the
early part of the year, the depressing effect
of which was plainly felt all over Europe
and its outer waves OF agitation touched the
shores of American finance. Then came the
outbreak of cholera which ragged with terrible
severity in Vienna during the progress Of
the fair. Notwithstanding these bad fea.
lures, the result as a whole, to Austria, was
beneficial. The impetus given toindustries OF
all kinds, by the exhibition of the best
products Of the world. can not fail to be in
valuable. Russia is destined to figure more