The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-01-01
s1n.


Tie year which begins to-day. will figure
in all likelihood among the cventful years
in the last quarter OF this century. In
almost every country on the globe there
are pending social and political ques-
tons Of oapacious import. and which We
may expect 70 see carried far toward solu-
tion in the course OF the next tweiyemouth.
Here in the United States W. shall watch
with paramount concern the extent Of the
impetus given TO industry and production
by the resumption Of specie payments and
the restoration Of honest values. We hope
10 see American fabrics. which are already
able to meet most Of the demands for home
consumption, brought within the reach Of
other lands. aud especially Of that South
American continent for which we are the
natui al purveyors Remembering. too. how
large a share o. the CARRYING trade We con-
troled prior 10 1861, we have iiSht To- de-
mand that our mercantile marine shall be
aided by iudicious legislation 10 recover its
old place at the head Of the worlds mer-
chant navies. There are also certain as
poets Of our national politics which will be
scanned with keen curiosity during the COM
ing twelvemonth. For the first time In TWEEN
~ years the Democratic party will have a
majority IN both Houses ~ Congress, all
though tested by the aggregate popular
vote last autumn it Is in pronounced
minority throughout ,hc Northern State.
Under these circum stances. the action VI
the party will be eagerly followed by friends
and by opponents. Tor its fate in lssl must
directly hinge upon its attitude toward the
financial problems Of the hour. toward the
conflict Of races In the South. and. above
all, toward an Administration whose taint-
Cd origin no prescription can cure, and
whose continuance in Office is perpetual
menace and reproach 10 republican institu-
tions.
For our next Of kin IN the British Islands the
new year opens an era Of grave crisis rs re-
CARDS those Industrial resources which have
given England wealth. and made the Brit
ish empire possible. Il IS certain that the
prospects Of British manufacturers are nj.
tered FOR the worse, ami Il remains u b.
seen how much arrangement and dis.
trees viii be entailed by the inevitable To-
adjustment OF capital and production
70 tho modified conditions oi trade
Should this economical change bcget wide
spread suffering aud social disturbance, 20.
II Is well-ugh sure 10 DO. We shall naturally
lOu.s forward 10 Il political revolution. ",
wi. not dwell on the bearings Of such IN
event on the grave questions Of county
suffrage OF land tenure, aud the di-estab
lshuent Of the English Church. Nor Is i
neediul to point out what sweeping rover
sal in the foreign and imperial policy O
Great Britain would mark the return Of Tn
Liberals 10 power.
1--we turn 10 France. We cannot doubt tina
the character and permanence Of free insti
tutions in that country will be largely &c
termined by the events Of the coming yeal
For the first time under the Septennato tn
Left and the Left Centre will command
majority in both branches OF The legsla
turc, Before the twclvemonth Is complete
GAMDErTA and his cOad!utors Will hay
ample opportunity u disCredu their part!
or 80 commend it 10 the sober iudglneu
aud confidence Of the nation. "
shall follow with especial interest III
debates on the stupendous project Of publ
works introduced by VI. IHEYcINEr an
sanctioned by II. SAY, the Finance MInste
Should this bill become law, the first an
obvious effect would be- % furnish emplo,
mcnt to Il multitude IL worEmen for an il
definite period IN other words, this mea
ure will be .antamount 20 a practical appI
cation Of the Socialist theories OF govern
Inent. while 1t must powerfully strengthe
the hands ~ the Ministry FOR the time bein
The new year may see the structure fasl
Toned and sustained by BISMARCK subJect'
% rude strain. There is no doubt that II
rigorous measures taken against the Socia
lists Will check the visible spread OF the
propaganda, but they will certainly tran
form pacific disposition TO seek triumph
the polls into a spirit Of profound disaile
ton and passionate revolt And althoug
supported by the array and the sentiment
German unity, the Chancellor should succe
ih mastering the revolutionary elemer
he will stil DC confronted by some pcrple
ing problems. 10 make the empire set-su
porting has become o capital object Of 81
NARcK's policy; hut how can the cent?
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