The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-31

crowded with stirring events, both IN Amer
ica and in Europe; but those which have
occurred in Europe are fraught with conse-
quences Of greater moment. The trite say
ing that history repeats itself. while true Of
the multitude Of small events in every age
and Of some of the accessories OF great
events, does not hold true at NIL OF events
which are really great In attempting to
single out from the mass of things which
have happened during the year the few
which deserve prominence in retrospect
there is no better rule than to consider
which are and which are not likely to be
repeated. Commonplace occurrences. which
proceed from common passions operating
in not very uncommon circumstances,
are perpetually repeated with physiog-
nomy more or less varied, and these form
the mass Of human transactions in every
age. But events which settle great ques-
tions are not thus repeated.
During the year which is now closing
nothing Of this decisive character has hap
pened in America, but in Europe there
have been two events which have produced
or are certain to produce permanent conse-
quences. Our Indian wars, our Rio Grande
troubles, our labor riots, our savings banks
failures, the quarrel between our Presi-
dent and his political party, even the
extraordinary settlement Of disputed
Presidential election, are things which
may happen again and again but
when we turn our eyes to Europe we find
two events which have chiefly occupied
attention during the year and which are
not likely to happen again. Such events
rank high in the scale OF importance and
deserve the first place in a retrospect which
is meant to be discriminating.
The war between Russia and Turkey is
the one truly great contribution to the
events Of the year and, although it is not
yet terminated, it has made sufficient prog
ress to enable us to assign it its proper
rank. We may confidently pronounce that
it is not merely the latest, but will prove
the last, Of the important wars which
have been waged by Christian Powers
against the Turk since he pitched
his tent in Europe. What q wide
and wonderful cycle it will close!
The Mohammedan Empire in Europe,
which has been crumbling for half GEN.
fury, is now shaken to its foundation and
is topping into ruins. The Sultan will be
forced to part with large portions Of his
territory, both in Europe and in Asia, and
if permitted to hold nominal sway at Con-
it will be only US dependent
Power. The Porte will never again have
an opportunity or resources to make con-
siderable war, and its fate will be deter
mined by other wills than its own. But the
extinction Of Turkey as an independent
Power may not be the most important con-
sequence Of this war; 1t may prove to be
the first great Sep toward the decline and
fall Of the British Empire. But in
q retrospect of the past we must
not attempt to lift the curtain which
hides the future. There has never been
a time when England had greater
reason for anxiety. By her own folly in
preventing the case OF Turkey from being
taken up in concert she has isolated her.
self from Europe. At time when two of
her chief interests-her route to India and
her naval supremacy-are threatened, she
has not an ally among all the nations of the
earth. 1t remains to be seen whether she
has statesmen equal to such an emergency.
The other European event Of the year
which ranks next, though with o great in
terval, to the Russian war is the strenuous
political contest which has been wagcd be-
tween President MacMahon and the French
We trust we are not too
sanguine in thinking this piece Of
history that will not repeat itself
OF course, ave shall not be under
stood as believing that political strug-
giles have ceased in France. They never
cease, except for short intervals, in any free
country. What we mean is that the defeat
and submission of MacMahon finally settles
the form of government in France by fully
the Republic. 1t is fortunate
that the contest occurred, because otherwise
it would not have been known how strongly
the Republic is intrenched in the preference
and determination Of the French people,
Like tree which withstands the violence
of tempests it has shown how widely it's
roots have spread and how deeply they are
imbedded in the soil. We regarded it US
decided by the memorable conflict Of. this
year that the Republic is established as the
permanent form. of government in France !;
but whether it eventually turns out to be
q republic like Mexico, or republic like
our own, must depend on the moderation
and law-abiding spirit of the French people.
The result thus far is hopeful and salts
factory.
Coming back to our own country, while
we must admit that the closing year has
been an.exciting and eventful one, we are
unable to perceive that our condition, either
social or political, has been essentially
mended. The year opened amid an omi-
nous contest respecting the result of the
p.o,;l.ct;al oloct;ou Tho cOuufry Ia IN ba