THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1867.

Grey River Argus, Volume III, Issue 155, 10 January 1867, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1867.

Although so far removed from the stream of Old World politics as scarcely to feel the faintest eddy of the whirl of changes that have occurred, we cannot afford altogether to lose sight of then:. The study of History is at all times one of themostinstmctivesources of interest, and although contemporary events seem to lack the charm which the far past lends to those of another age, it does not require much consideration to arrive at the conviction that the present generation has witnessed events rivalling in their startling character any that have found place in the history cf European civilisation. And whilst for the last twenty years there has bcei a continuous whirl of political excitement, perhaps at no previous period were the signs of the times more pregnant with future dangers, difficulties, aud changes than they are at the present hour. It will be interesting, just for a few minutes, to review the position of affairs as far as we are able to learn it from the intelligence conveyed by the last mail. Whilst in one place we read of the consummation of the peace between Austria, Italy, and Prussia — whilst we hear of the prevalence of pacific intentions at Paris and St. Petersburg — aud that even the Sublime t Porte has made concessions to still its turbulent subjects in Canclia, we at the* same time are told of other circum, stances which bode ill for the future tranquility of the Continent. Just now the rivalries and animosities of nations are seeking indulgence iv the deep m} r steries of the Cabinet, and wonderful indeed are some of the expected changes in the political relations of certain countries. The most striking and yet the most easy of explanation is the reported 'entente cordiale between Italy and Austria. It may appear strange that a friendly feeling should be even possible between two nations so situated towards each other as Austria and Italy have been. "Whilst on the one hand Austria has been the enslaver of the Italians, and has made the iron heel of her despotism crush heavily every attempt at liberty, Italy on the other has taken an active part in inflicting on Austria defeats aud indignities which have destroyed her prestige as a military power and deprived her of her long cherished Venetian possessions. But no sooner has the aim of Italy been accomplished in the achievement of national freedom from the Alps to the Adriatic, than we find her cultivating friendly relations with her ancient oppressor, aud inclined to quietly drop her Prussian acquaintance. The Prusso-Italian alliance has served the mutual purposes of the parties, and beyond the common aim of crushing a. . ; ; - t

rival in the one case and driving out an invader in the other, Prussia aud Italy have few sympathies. Friendship between nations is not a mere idea, nor are their alliances formed for the mere pleasure of living amicably, any more than they quarrel for the simple love of fighting, It was easy to understand the alliance between Italy and Prussia, and now that Italy has no longer cause of hostility towards Austria we can understand why it has been considered the proper thing that the late combatants should become .good friends. Turning to Austria we find her so crushed and humbled in Germany, and on such bad terms with Russia, that she finds it of vital importance to strengthen her hands by the friendship of France and Italy. Italy is generous, aud has nothing to fear in castiug off her Prussian ally, whilst there are manifold advantages in maintaining friendly relations with the only power that could be a source of danger and embarrassment to her. France is more deeply concerned even than the countries who figure most prominently. The giant strides made by Prussia, whose military power is now second to none in Europe, have placed France in an inferior position. Napoleon has had to eat humble pie about the Rhenish frontier, and he cannot at present afford to quarrel with the redoubtable Bismarck. He casts his eyes around and at once detects the importance of allying himself closely to Austria and Italy, each of which are under obligations to him. The alliance of Italy, Austria? and France would be the greatest and perhaps only check to the Power of Prussia, but would be an element of danger in the hands of France if ever the Rhine a<gaiu came up for discussion. Turning to Prussia we find her absorbing one after the other the petty States around her, and .without paying heed to remonstrances or protests proc ;eding firmly to constitute herself territorially as well as political^ the mistress of Germany, aud the Imperial crown is probably the next step in her ambitious career. Ominous rumours are afloat of her intention to absorb Denmark, which unfortunate kingdom appears fated to extinguishment as an independent nation. As a counter move against Pressia, the ' annexation of Denmark to Sweden and the construction of a strong Scandinavian nation is mentioned as on the cards. Russia is renewing her friendly relations with Prussia, with an eye to her nelp in the future should the " sick niiin"- at Constantinople need attention. ■'The chances are that Russia's designs on Turkey will not long wait. The effete government of the Porte is on its last legs. It lias saved the Danubian Principalities only by ample concessions ; its Greek populations are rebellious, and its vice-regent in Egypt is contemplating the remiuciation of his ties to Turkey and the establishment of an independent constitutional government. The position of the Pope is not a pleasant one, but is one from which he might easily release himself lty frankly succumbing to the force of circinnstances. He is however too stubborn to yield, although he could do so with grace, and prefers to keep alive a tempest of excitement in the vain resistance to the national' will of Italy, rather than abate his j)reteusions to temporal sovereignty. It is however but a question of time, for sooner or later the temporal authority of the Pope will become a thing of the past. England is prosperous and at peace with the rest of the world.' The only commotion within her borders is the movement in favor of Reform. The desire of the people to be more largely endowed with political privileges is so legitimate and just that it will not fail to be satisfied in some form or other ; but that it -will take that advocated by Mr Bright is exceedingly doubtful. As to the Fenian excitement it appears to .have almost died out in Ireland, and if Mr Head Centre Stephens should carry out his promise of being in Ireland this year he will stand a good chance of being kept there. All the work of rebellion is done in America, where for party purposes the Fenian movement has been tacitly encouraged, . but when the elections are over in the States it strikes us very forcibly the American Government will soon put a stop to the dangerous nonsense. American affairs present a||wide field for comment, but our space is too limited to refer 'to them at present.