New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-12-31

tween the belliyerent States, in preventing
bostilities on the Greek frontier aid III COM
pelling the Sultan to accept the results OF rev.
olutiop in Eastern Rumela. But there has
been no permanent settlement oil the queS''on9
at issue between rival States in the baiSah anu
in Europe. Jealousies between races hatioh
aities anu Empires have been emDlttereu anu
intensified Austria and Russia, acting al tle
outset iE concert, have drawn apart anu '"o
chances of general European war nave oce'
multiplied In like manner hollow truce mas
been proclaimed in Afghanistan between inc
rival Asian Empires. After costly afiEaIhcli'S
on both sides, war was avoided by a surtenueI
OH tho part of England that impaired us
prestige in the East. Russia was suffered 10
retain a conquest made by foul means, ana
thereby encouraged to repeat its depredationS
and Ireacherous diplomacy. conflict between
these jealous rivals for supremacy IN Asia mas
only been postponed for brief season.
The political tendencies of the year also oIler
many striking contrasts. In France the
electoral system has been changed, the con-
stituencies being enlarged under the scru'lh uc
liste so as to diminish the effect OF local cohdi-
tons and the result has been the return OF
formidable body of Monarchists host 10 to exist
ing institutions and the widening OF the preach
between Opportunists and Radicals In
England there has been a close approach to
universal suffrage under the Franchise Act
coupled with a REORGANIZATION of the electorate
under the Redistribution bill, whereby popula-
ton is made the main basis of representation
and the effect Of local conditions has been
greatly strengthened. The results OF these
tremendous changes have been the disappear
ance of the Liberal majority, the dependence oil
both parties upon the Irish vote, and the out
break of destructive faction feuds. 1t would
be hard to decide whether Cabinet government
to-day is more unstable in France or in
England as the outcome of radical changes III
the electoral systems. In both countries there
are ominous signs of Reorganization IN the
Liberal ranks and popular reaction against
advanced Radcallsm. Mr.. Gladstone's con-
version to home rule seems likely to break up
his own party, faction feeling and craftsmanship
being as strong in England III in France.
Equally unstable are the political conditions
throughout Europe Prince Bismarck's restless
activity in colonial enterprises has met with
little favor in Germany, where the cost OF
barren ventures is closely calculated. Ills
ruthless expulsion of the Poles from Prussia
has been resented by the Catholics, and he has
no party upon whose support he can depend III
bringing forward his new and startling hnan-
cial proposals. Italy has been equally unsuc-
cessful in its single foreign adventure, and the
political authority of Sisnor Depretis has been
impaired. Spain likewise has been exposed to
imminent peril by the death of King Alfonso
and even in Austria, while the Coalition Gov
eminent has scored gains in the general cleo
ton, the feuds between races and naiionaitlcs
continue. 1t has been year of unrest through
out Europe.