Year: 1859

Like most other great International conflicts the
approaching collision between France and Austria
has a double origin. 1t has been brought about
in the first place by the operation of certain recog.
nized causes of which diplomacy can take cogni
zance, and which will constitute the ostensbe
ground of war; and in the second place, by the
logic of historical necessity, not the less real
that no Ministry will allude to it, and no proto'
coils discuss its bearings. In the near imminence
of the final crash, it is desirable that the people
of this country should clearly understand both
aspects of the case for although nothing can be
more unlikely than that the United States extend.
ed as our commerce is, should in any way become
involved in the progress of hostiites it is extreme.
ly important that the sympathy and the moral
eupport of SO great and free q nation should be
given to the side of nationality and independence
in conflict from which it may be we'll permitted
us to hope for vast and permanent good to the
liberty of mankind. 1t has been common with n
large class of English Journalists, speak of the
disturbances Of the last few months as "provokedp
by the "restless ambition" of Napoleon III. Let
us see whether some other satisfactory cause can
not be found for commissions which have so deeply
| agtated the world 1t is certainly far from prob.
able that in the present age the mere petulance
and personal passion of any one monarch, how.
ever powerful, should be found able to shake Eu.
rope to its centre, unless the question agiaed by
that monarch were really and of itself inherent in
the very constitution of European affairs. Thus
much it would be safe for any disinterestod OBJ
server to assume at the outset.


The words addressed by Napoleon III, to the
Austrian Envoy at Paris New Years Day
were few and simple. They referred to negotia
tons of some standing, and expressed the deer
regret Of the French Sovereignty that these nego
tations should continue to be in so unfayorable a
state. Why did these seemingly harmless phras
es carry terror to every Exchange on the Cont
nent? Why are they bearing fruit it may Ie up
on this very day, of open and deadly war between
the two greatest Empires of the Continent Be
cause they were at once understood to mean thai
Napoleon III, was dealing seriously with the It.
allan question because ali Europe knew. and fol
years has known, to borrow the language of the
London Times itself, that there can be NJ stable
peace in the world while Austria can defer set
tlement of her protection in Italy; and because
the French Emperor has established characte
for resolution and far reaching policy which make
HE bitterest enemies feel that whenever be calm
ly undertakes piece of political work, be will
linfslibly accomplish it to the uttermost of hi
ability. What then are these Austrian preven
sions in Italy, and why is France in especial cal
ed upon to insist that thsy shall be summarily an
decisively dealt with


: The Italian Peninsula, with an area abou
equal to that of New York and New Englan
combined, and population of nearly tweHty.iv
millions, occupies such position in Europe tha
were it united under one authority, or league


in one interest it must carry with it the comman


of the Mediterranean. and balance in tho Soutl
the power Of Germany in the North Were tn


Italian States free and independent, nc powe
could successfully undertake to arrogate to itsel
the dominion Of Southern Europe. Were the 1t
, allan States subjected to any one of the grea
Powers, that Power might undertake the accom-


plishment Of tho dream Of universal European