EUROPE

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 174, 21 June 1859, Page 3

EUROPE

The news by the telegraph in our issue of yesterday is just what might have been expected. The whole course of events for the last twelve months has pointed to a continental war. The attitude of Sardinia towards Austria—the language of the Paris Press—the speech of the Eihperor of the French, in reference to the policy of Austria in Italy—tbe active organisation of the French army—the distribution and force of the Frenoh navy: all these put together, indic-ited the solemnity of the crisis. The hostile Cabinets—for such they have long been —have a task of some delicacy. It is of primary importance to the rulers who appeal to the sword, that public opinion should go with them; riot only ihe opinions of the Press— which, indeed, they can direct, control, or overawe—but the secret judgment-of the thinking world. War implies not only the sacrifice of thousands of lives, it includes a series of events which may jeopardise thrones and overturn dynasties. The conflagration kindled in Italy will inevitably light up a blaze in Germany ; it will spread to the distant north, and, ultimately, affect the interest of every State. Those who throw the first fire-brand will bear an awful weight of responsibility. The last intelligence seems to have left Europe in that solemn pause when nations stand in silent awe, watching the movement of the balance in which are weighed, against ambition and resentment, the lives of men and tlie peace of the world. Will the interest of humanity prevail? Will discussion, meditation, mutual accommodation, " turn the sword into a ploughshare, and the spear into a pruning-hook ?" What says history ? Do we find in its pages any example of nations prepared for war embracing peace ? Italy, the land to which was given " tbe fatal gift of beauty " —ltaly is the prize ; and will those who aspire ,to the possession forego or relinquish it ?

; The measures reported to be taken by Austria shew the tendency of events. Wheu a Government seizes tlie bullion of a bank, it strikes a blow at its own credit which no statesman would venture but with a prospect of immediate war. There can be no commercial influx of gold after this seizure by the State. This violence must lead every man fco lodge his money anywhere, rather than in the public coffers. We do not say that this step indicates weakness, because when a great blow is to be struck it may be policy to grasp any means at hand-to make it effectual; but then it seems to imply that tbe time for negotiation is past, that the reliance of the State is no longer on ordinary resources, and that war is at the door.

What, then, will be the policy of England ? No doubt.. statesmen of every class are anxious to avert ; the war. It can only appear as a calamity and an obstruction to any class of politicians. It will impose upon England the necessity for great naval and military preparations. When our neighbor's house is on fire we are obliged to look to tbe safety of our own. This preparation for war will impose additional burdens on every British dependency, because, while we are entitled to the protection which tbe general defence of the empire may secure to every part of it, we must yet bear the cost of special defences. Thus, a war in Europe will' affect tbe security and well-being of every British subject from pole to pole. Can we doubt then that our Government will wish, if possible*, to prevent a war.

But then is it possible for England to keer> out of a continental war ? For some time it may.be so, but first she must make up her mind to permit the French to dominate in Italy. If Austria, is driven out by the French army, Italy will only have changed masters. A national life cannot be created in a day. Italy has never possessed an independent national government since the fall of the Roman Empire. Its numerous states, sometimes the centres of art, of commerce, and municipal liberty have never formed a homogeneous whole. They will be incapable, but uuder the pressure of some superior power, to. preserve an organisation necessary to the development of a national .custom. There is, however, this to say for the French, that they, will carry with them the science., the mechanical skill, the refinement, of the age, in their most perfect forms—everything

but personal liberty. It is notorious, that deplorable as were the temporary consequences of • French occupation; under the First Napoleon, if scattered many abuses and left behind the seeds of a higher civilisation. It is clear that L >rd Palinerston. will not support the Austrian rule in Italy, and we imagine that no other statesman will patrouise that domination. It may thus happen that England, having no strong sympathy with either party, will bo able to maintain & strict neutrality, and if the struggle shall be short, we may escape unscathed. But can a Jong continental war take place and England be unaffected? How many circumstances may happen to embroil her; how many family interests and traditional obligations tend to draw in the European powers, however inclined to neutrality. Austria and Kussia cannot, indeed, claim our I succour; for Austria and Prussia both evaded I the Russian war, but would England ace with, indifference our ancient allies succumb. It-is here our danger exists—not so much as between Austria and France, not for any great value we set on the prize for which these powers combat, but the all but inevitable involvement of other Powers in whose stability we are concerned, and the numerous points of contact which are always in danger of becoming points of collision. We must, however, hope for the best. We have often seen threateuings of war, which glided over the nations like a passing cloud, and we should have a strong hope that these last might be equally fleetiug, were we able to explaiu more favorably the vast preparations which France charges Austria with making, and which Austria imputes alike to France and Sardinia, and which seem in fact, to be made by them all. What means the gathering up of these forces, but an intention to launch them on the field' ?— Sydney Herald, June 8.

The Panama Route.—The following telegram is published in the Sydney Herald of the 10th instant:—" The Argus of this morning announces, on good authority, tliat tenders, were to be called for on the 20th April, for the monthly postal service via Panama. Tenders to be delivered on the Ist of July. The Atgm informant; had seen the draft of the Admiralty notice for the calling of the tenders."