American Topics in Europe.
The following is from the European Correspondent of The Methodist, dated Bremen, Jan. 26, 1867. We received the paper containing it, just too late to give it an insertion in our last issue. The italic in the last paragraph, we give as we find it. The article is important as showing how strictly true it is that the future actions done by this “two-horned beast,” will be done in the sight of the first beast. The writer says:— The extent to which every measure of importance that transpires in America is discussed in Europe is remarkable: even the resolutions that are offered in the State Legislatures are sometimes found in the Continental papers, with lengthy editorial remarks thereon. You never do anything that you would be either glad or sorry that the world should know, that is not known here in course of time, and discussed too in all its bearings. Your secrets can not be permanently kept. There are two topics which have engaged universal attention here of late. One is your neighbor Maximilian. It is surprising how much interest has attached here to that representative of European despotism and Catholicism on American soil. Can the plant be made to grow in such republican atmosphere?—that is the question which the monarchists of the old world have been asking ever since Maximilian first set sail on his hazardous enterprise. The general impression here is, now, that the undertaking will prove a failure in the end. If so, what a lesson it will be to every future would-be propagandist of despotic ideas and Roman Catholic error on the American Continent! I suspect it is because the whole affair is an experiment of such vast significance in both religion and politics, that Europeans clothe it with so much importance, and never grow weary of talking about it. The most dignified and stately reviews in Europe regard the subject as worthy of their best pens; and the cheapest and poorest journals are not behind in paying due attention to it. The other topic lies a little nearer home—I mean the impeachment of President Johnson. One day we are informed that he has been impeached, and the people are left for a day or two to picture to themselves the unprecedented scene of a President of the United States on trial before his peers. Suddenly the news comes that it is decided that he will be impeached! Do not imagine that some of the New York papers are the only ones in the world that set a rumor afloat for the luxury of contradicting it by another on the next day. These conflicting reports on the impeachment of President Johnson are often of the most ridiculous nature. He has been impeached and unimpeached a great many times in all our principal languages, and at the present writing we have no idea of what has become of him. But the question of speedy accuracy of information in Europe concerning congressional action on President Johnson is a matter of much less moment than the opinions expressed by the best representatives of the foreign press on the propriety of the measure. They discuss the subject in a most serious manner, and evidently regard it as one of great gravity. As far as I have been able to become acquainted with the opinion of the class of journals which are in heartiest sympathy with the United States, I find it to be one of profound regret at the proposed impeachment. They concede that the President has far transgressed his functions, but they say that more must be lost than gained by pressing the impeachment beyond mere debate. This opinion is expressed with the best of feeling—with a love, in some instances, almost amounting to veneration, and with a sincere hope that the American shadow may never grow less. I might mention other domestic questions which you discuss with natural enthusiasm, while the Babel of Europe takes part in the debate. The general interest which is here felt in all that you do, and the force of American example throughout Europe and the world, lead to the very natural conclusion that no country has more eyes upon it than the United States, nor is there a government on the face of the earth whose measures have a greater potency for good or evil on a larger number of human beings.