Europe in 1867 | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1867

Europe in 1867.

IN the annals of the Old World the year which closed yesterday, will in many respects count as the most memorable since 1815. The crisis which had for so many years been drawing near, arrived. The social fabric, which the Machiavellian statesmen of 1815 so laboriously reared, no longer threatens ruin, but has fairly begun to collapse, and the study of the European statesmen is not now how to prevent reconstruction, but how to secure a controlling influence over it. Some years ago it might be considered doubtful whether Europe was actually in a process of transformation; now every one is inquiring what the issue of this grand process will be.

Whatever people may think of the justice of the nationality principle which would reconstruct Europe on the basis of the political separation and independence of every nationality, it will be admitted by all that the principle actually is the great motive power which sets the whole of the European world in commotion. The disturbed condition of Europe in 1866, chiefly arose from the efforts made for effecting national re-organization, as in Germany, Italy, Austria, or for achieving national independence, as in Ireland and Turkey. The cession of Venetia has removed one of the most dangerous causes of national discontent, but the realization of Italian aspirations has at the same time given a powerful impulse to other nations. During the last days of the year, the political horizon again became clouded, foreboding a future tempest. The election of the first North German Parliament by direct and universal suffrage, can have no other meaning than the readiness of the Prussian Government to continue the alliance which it has tacitly concluded with the Liberal party of Germany for carrying through the National Union Movement, despite all opposing influences. The Slavi of Croatia and the neighboring provinces of Austria and Turkey, have recently assumed an attitude which indicates the imminence of a conflict. All Turkey is pervaded by an excitement which cannot last much longer without bringing on an explosion. The Fenians and the Poles carry their national hatred over into the new year, and the reported reconciliation of the Hungarians with the Austrians, rests on the frail basis of Austrian promises. Thus we meet, in all quarters of the Old World, with the prospect of new and great conflicts.

Europe has many statesmen, who, from different motives, have come to look upon the success of the nationality principle as inevitable; but no one has as yet found the key for a peaceable settlement of the intricate question, and Europe enters the new year with millions of people eager to seize the first opportunity for breaking the yoke which binds them to a foreign prince. A peaceable solution not being probable, the success of the Prussian army has caused France, England, Austria, and many other powers, to increase their armies and their taxes.—N. Y. Tribune, Jan. 4, 1867.