THE STATE OF EUROPE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 163, 21 May 1864, Page 3

THE STATE OF EUROPE.

Tun following extract ot' :l private letter received from an old resident of Auckland now in England, relating to the aspect of affairs in Europe. and the part taken by the .British Government may nut be uninteresting to our readers. iu-eh IS. The situation is a very complex one. Jt is scarcely possible tor us to escape beiiig,iuvolved in war, although our government ill their auxß'l v tor peace have let honour and lulluence count tor nought when opposed to .Manchester economy. The duty of standing up for riglit against might is in this case backed by special engagements, making it a matter ot " honour or disbut yet grace" ; the 'Jinns says " we are not so muck interested as to be bound to take up^arnis. The same authority adds, they (the German powers) are outraging European law, and wiil lind their misconduct recoil on their o\\ 11 heaus. It might add further, the nation that ignores its duty \\ ill pay dearly for its conduct also. The coward is never sale from insult when lie is among quarrelsome neighbours ; for his weakness bemg known, any body dare kick at him. jNot that our nation is coward at heart, but it is at present led by those whose conduct would maiie it appear so. _ Whether the creditors of Austria (llothscliilds) are the real prompters of our Government ; or whether the strong personal feeling at our " Court" towards L'oburg and Germany ; or whether Jdw ot our kind ally the man ot destiny" is the real cause of our Government halting on the very threslioldol war is 3 et tobe leuint. .Europe is in a state resembling a pent voleauo ; should once the Emperor of the Trench set liis lorces in motion, scarcely a nation 011 the continent will escape having to take one side or the other. Supposing Britain engaging, it would probably be, l'rance, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, (and .Britain), with some help from Poland and Hungary, against Germany, Austria, Prussia, and iiussia. The eil'eets of such a war would be fearful to contemplate. In America the Southerners have gained some advantages.