New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-31
THE YEAR.

The annals of 1888, as recorded on other
pages. offer striking contrasts between Euro
pean and American civilization 1t has not been
a wear of unbroken peace, for there have been
revolutions in Hayti apd Samoa, native up
risings in Zanzibar and South Africa, ana
military campaigns in Sikkim and on the coast
of the Red Sea but there have been no wars
of magnitude, and the European States have
been undisturbed save by the menaces of their
own ornaments Peace there has been on the
two continents with these trivial exceptions
hut in America it has been real whereas IN
Europe, with the weight of war taxation ana
military budgets steadily increasing, it has
been unreal-a feverish pause between cam
paigns. In Germany 10000 men have been
added to the available forces of the Empire
and 81 O, 0OO, 900 to the public debt for armar
ments. In Austria the military system has
been eorganzed, the term Of service extended
to ten years, and the army greatly strengthened
Russia and Italy are unceaSing in their efforts
to keep pace with their rivals, and the french
War Minister has carried through the Cham
bers an enormous military budget, with an
extra credit of 81 05, 000,0 900 for Notifications
and improved Lebel rifles. Never before were
preparations for war made on such gigantic
scale as during this year of profound peace.
Prince Bismarck has even anticipated the out
break of hostilities by forming an offensive and
defensive alliance with Austria and Italy, ana
with cynical frankness has proclaimed the
coalition as challenge to Russia and france.
These two Powers are too disslmlar In pollil-
cal order to contract counter-alance, but
they have made close approach to a coahtloh.
One is borrowing money freely from the other.
How different are the conditions Of American
peace
Another contrast is aft orded by the supreme
importance attached in Europe to the personal
fortunes Of sOvereigns, statesmen, ana even
adventure s. whereas in America pontlcal
forces and democratic tendencies are allowed
free play. 1t is remarkable how little would
remain of the record of the Continental Powers
for the year if all that related to dozen or
more great personages were stricken out. Two
Hohenzollerns have been buried, and Prince
Bismarck stands behind the third, the conl-
handing genius of Europe. The Car felgnS'
and all the RusSias are his private estate; ana
if an accident occurs to an Imperial train MIN
lister of the Interior is discharged like lackey.
The Emperor of Australia Hungary, forty years
ON the throne is surrounded with parllamentS
and legislative chambers, yet is supreme in
diplomacy and administration, and Is allowed
to have his own way when nations and races
cannot be reconciled France with republican
institutions and democratic tendencies, Is
overshadowed to-day by the mysterious per-
sonal prestige of military adventurer, who
attracts the support Of hostile factions ana
hatfield speculators and seems destined to be
the leader of another coup d etat. Even IN
England the Home Rule cause seems to hang
upon the lives of two statesmen. Gladstone ana
parneu. one a very old and the other sick
man and its opponents base then hopes OF
ultimate success upon their ability 10 wear out
both the leaders. As with the grca, So with the
little States. Their history j, determined 10y
personal incidents. King Milans divorce brings
on a Radical revolution and constitutional
crisis. The betrothal of the Crown Pllnce OF
Greece TO daughter of the hohenzolerns helps
to 6oat new loan and fires the ambition OF
a race
In America history is more impersonal' IL
is the record of political and economic ten
denotes without the dominating influence OF
great personages, as in Europe. The paclnc
revolution Of the year has been wrought Dy
eleven millions of citizens arrayed IN hostiIe
political camps, and contending on each SIDE
for principles of m0mentous importance. III
tbe National Parliament, which debated free
trade and protection for ten months and finally
oveytbrew the Government of the day by
decisive division in November, vicissitudes OF
nersonal fortune and the authority OF political
leadership counted for little. Inc peop'e
rcigned, and held their industrial deStiineS III
the hollows Of their own hands.