Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-01-14
A RETROSPECT.

4 RETROSPECT
Now that the new year is fully upon us,
we have had ample time to take retrospect
of the past year and sum up our conclusions.
The old year, so far as own country is
concerned, was not an eventful one in any
striking particular. 1t has witnessed the
madness of party strife subside into pro-
found calmness, the development of marked
prosperity, and an immense growth of all of
our material resources. In foreign countries
there have been many stirring incidents,
some of which have very greatly invigorated
the further progress of mankind, while
Others still assume the form of undemon-
strated problems. Whilst there are no great
wars in progress, the most exciting political
agitations have occurred, bringing to the
surface questions freighted with importance.
In England, during the past year, what
is known as the Tory Government, under
the leadership Of Lord Beaconsfieldy DisraelD
was overthrown and the Liberals, under the
leadership of Gladstone, came into power.
The triumphant party at the very start found
itself confronted with difficult problems at
home and abroad, legacies of the defeated
Administration. The most important and
trying of which was the land question in
Ireland, which has gradually but surely as
sumed the proportions of a peaceful reyolu-
ton OF the tenent class against the landlords,
and the establishment of land league UNI
der the leadership OF men Of prudence, deter
mination and ability. Up TO this period
the people of Ireland have kept within the
limits of the law, and have awaited them
selves of moral measures alone in their cf-
fort to secure such reforms in the land
laws as shall give them the benefit of their
labor, a reduction of exorbitant rent, the
suppression of brutal evictions and the right
to live Now, that Parliament has assem-
bled, il is more than probable that the friends
of Ireland will take determined steps to Sc
cure something like equitable relations be-
tween the landlords and the tenants.
Throughout France there has been a very
exciting struggle over the Education Bill,
which has terminated in the expulsion ofthe
Jesuits and other non-authorzed religious
societies. The Republicans, by cautious
management and extraordinary foresight,
have been largely victorious The current
of the year indicates a very ilattering
Strengthening of the republic, and universal
peace and prosperity. Following the exam
pie set by Germany and Austria, the gov
eminent has largely increased its army, liv-
ing up to the meaning Of the old adage, sin
time of peace, prepare for war
1t would appear that Russia has been ex
tremely unfortunate, having had to contend
with intestine troubles OF serious nature
during the entire year. According TO the
reports we have received from time TO tim
through diplomatic circles aud otherwise
her people have suffered intensely Tn
crops have been a failure, epidemics of
dangerous character have rayaged the coun
try, wins, distress existed in every direction
In the meanwhiie, the Nihilists We're NJ
idle in their conspirlcics Wit. the govern
ment The future, however, seems TO b
brighter Since the death of the Empress
the Gar is gradually retiring from the care
of rule and vesting his power in his sol
who is represented to be liberal in his tel
denotes, much to the pleasure and gratifica
ton of the Nihilists, who profess TO he |
favor ola constitutional government.
With Germany the most striking event
have been strictly of political character
the most conspicuous and important @
which is the closer confederation of Gei
many and Austria, which was speedily pre-
ductiye of a large increase Of the Germa
army, and which doubtless has accounte
10 great degree for the additional impetu
of immigration to this country. II woul
appear that some progress has been mad
towards more peaceful relations with th
Pspal power by mutual concession tina
priests may be appointed by the Vatican
provided official notification is made to tn
Government and they have its sanction
This is. however, regarded as r politca
movement On the part of Prince Bismarck
the greatest diplomatist ofmodern times.
A fierce and bloody war continues to b
waged between Chill and Peru. character
lied by the most atrocious excuses. thong
the United States has offered lis services as
mediator, which have been rejected by III
hot-headed leaders. who seem determined (
fight it ont until one or the other side is eN
hausted.
There have been some events of signif
canoe in other parts Of the world Fearh
iamines have swept over Persia and Brazi
The gradual abolition Of slavery has bee
commenced in the Spanish West Indies.-
Switzerland has voted down communism
whilst Italy has been actiyely engaged il
the enrolment of large numbers of Italian
10 aid the Greeks
Drawing a parallel between our ow
country and foreign nations during the pa,
year, we may safely conclude that in point
of industrial, commercial, social, politica
and peaceful blessings we have largely SUI
passed the most prosperous, and with Ems
land as our only equal in financial resource
"a sufficient cause for gratitude and con
graduation.