The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1878.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 26, 16 January 1878, Page 2

The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1878.

While the nations are wondering how the present war will aiffec^the balance of power m Europe and what will be its ultimate results, there is another agent silently at work which may, perhaps, be preparing the way for convulsions still greater m magnitude than that which now agitates the continent. Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy, has bowed m subjection to a greater monarch than himself. After wielding the sceptre for nearly thirtyyears death has deposed him from his high position, and another occupies his place. But within a short space ot time death will have other

trophies among the crowned heads of Europe. The Emperor of Germany has now passed his four score years and the Pope is m his eightyfifth year. The death of the latter is so imminent that the record of it is half expected m every fresh batch of European intelligence that comes to these shores, while it is patent enough that the Emperor William has almost filled m the term of his years. As we do not lay claim to vaticinal powers ' we cannot forecast the results, to be brought about by the deaths of these great potentates. Yet after allY-the best prophetic inspiration that a 19th century journalist can possess is that of experience. The best prophet is he who can reflect the known past upon the unknown future, and so take his gage of the events to be. History tells us that the accession of monarchs possessing differently constituted minds and different political principles from their predecessors has repeatedly led to both intestine and international strife, and it is perfectly safe to say that like causes may m the future produce like results. The telegram that announced the death of Victor Emmanuel stated also that Prince Humbert, who has been proclaimed, holds political views very different from those held by jiis^ father., , and when,. in»dcliti?> : S; LLiO-i-e Is the iiu mediate prospect of .successions of still greater importance, it may be reasonably inferred that a very critical time is approaching m the history of Europe. Critical because there is no certainty that the new potentates will be content to observe the same rules as their predecessors with respect ta international interests and rights. A little extra ambition, unscruputousness, or indiscretion on theppart of any one of them may, m the present nice equipoise of rights and distinctions, make all the ; difference between peace and war. While this danger threatens m the future, the war clouds m the East shew a disposition to clear away. An armistice is reported to have taken place, *and doubtless during this lull m the storm, strenuous endeavours will be made by the powers to bring about a p.remanent peace. But whatever terms may be agreed upon, they are not likely to be very satisfactory to the dependencies of Turkey. The least probable thing'to be achieved is the independence of those states that have suffered beneath the iron yoke of the Moslem, and any arrangement that would fall short of this would but determine which of two tyrannical masters should hold sway. The sword has been wielded with dreadful effect upon the lives of ! men, and the tears of widows and ! orphans attest its power. Yet withal it has not achieved the one object that is -worthy of the tremendous sacrifice of human life ; it has not cut deep enough to remove the cause of strife. However or whenever a peace will be patched up, the Eastern. Question is not likely to be satisfactorily settled. Itwill remain for many years to come a rankling sore m thebeatii of Europe.