The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-19

TO the influence OF England the fact that
Europe is now 1T peace. We do not know
how far this Is exactly true, but the words of
the Moniear are carefully expressed. ENG
land" it says, "by raising her voice in favor
OF peace has naturally recovered her just au-
thority and influence in Continental affairs,
and the present Ministry has acquired de-
gree OF strength aud power which will procure
Tor it the grateful respect Of Europe" If it
can be demonstrated that Lord Derby has
really succeeded in preventing a contest That
must have become one of the most ex'raor-
binary calamities Of modern times, then he has
won for himself an enviable fame as states
man. The reproach so often addressed to the
late Ministry of Mr.. Gladstone was that Eng
land had abdicated her functions as a leading
European Power that sne had been content
with taking second rate position among the
nations that the glory she had won in the
time Of Napoleon had been surrendered to
commercial and money-lovng spirit. We
think it was Mr.. Carlyle who said, in con-
versation reported to US by an inquisitive
American correspondent, that Mr.. Gladstone
was simply ''bagman," and that he dealt
with England as though he were at
the head of large dry goods business. he
believed that Mr. Gladstone had surrendered
the best interests of his country at the dlcta-
ton of America when he consented to the ar
bltration at Geneva, and that this contributed
more than any other influence to the destruc-
ton of his Cabinet. When Mr.. Dlsraeh came
;,1Ar ~ with he
England was once more to become vigorous
member OF the European family OF nations.
IF it can be shown that the influence OF his
government has preserved the peace, even
against as restless a country as France and as
imperious statesman ms Bismarck, it will go
far to redeem Victoria's reign from the re-
proach which has fallen upon it.
1t is natural that England should ask for
peace and insist upon it by the strongest
pressure. There could scarcely be war on
the Continent in which England could remain
neutral She is bound by treaty to guarantee
the independence of Belgium. She is closely
allied to Germany by interests of religion and
commerce, the family relationship of the
reigning houses and common ancestry. AT
the same time, during the last thirty years
there has grown up between England and
France, hereditary enemies in the past, the
closest relations of commerce and friendship.
While there does not exist between the French
and English the same natural and binding
ties that we find between Englishmen and
Germans, still in the movement of
affairs in diplomatic interests they are
even more strongly allied. France is the
only country in Europe upon which England
can depend to assist her in maintaining the
route to the Indies. France is the natural
ally of England in every question which may
lead to war, except, perhaps, the independ-
ence of Belgium. Therefore any war be-
tween Germany and France would necessarily
involve England If England were to stand
by and allow the destruction of France there
could be no reason why Russia would not
march to Constantinople.
England sees also that the misfortunes of
France have become the opportunities of
Russia. The recent war with Germany was
seized upon by the Russian Power to
abrogate the Sebastopol treaty and allow
Russia to resume possession OF the
Black Sea- All the results of the
war Of twenty years ago were destroyed
by one stroke of the pen, simply because
France, which could have aided England in
cherishing them, was lying bleeding at the
point Of Germany's sword. The public opin-
ion of Europe is in such condition now that
the next war must necessarily be universal.
1t is hard to sec how with these ornaments
growing larger and larger every day, with the
war spirit controlling the councils Of the diff
ferent empires, with the soldiers making
ready for the combat, with so many angry
questions at issue, questions like those
between Bismarck and the Holy See, calcu-
lated to rouse the deepest spirit of indigna-
ton. how we could have any war but one
the most comprehensive and destructive in its
character Nor can the most far-seeing
philosopher anticipate what the result of
such war would be. Great questions are
brewing in Europe. The knowledge of the
people grows clearer and clearer every day.
The legend Of divine right, the time-honored
monuments Of nobility and royalty, the estab-
lished churches, tho established castles and
established armies have no longer the same
influence upon the common people. In Eng
land especially we see public opinion drifting
rapidly from any allegiance to either Church
or State. Tens OF thousands of men assemble
/ in HYDE Park to declare that the Lord Chief
Justice OF England is a corrupt judge and the
verdict Of an English jury the result Of in
/ timidation aud fraud. II is easy enough for
4 kings to make war, but can they control the
I people when war has begun? England.
therefore. in compelling peace, has no doubt
prevented revolution, the extent OF which
| cannot be imagined.
steam Lanes and Summer Travel.
j ..-....--.... .a-.u.cl.s..