TOPICS OF THE DAY.
THE Poles have saved the French from the . machinations of Russia, and therefore it is argued, the French ought to save the Poles from the vengeance of the despot. Sounder reasoning than this must be introduced into politics, or we shall soon see all rtrope in a flame. The spectacle of Europe at this moment is remarkable: the times are pregnant with doubt and uncertainty. The truth is, we are all in a transition state—proverbially a condition of suffering. We are passing from the Divine Right of Kings to the Divine Right of the People ; and the countries of Europe are all in one or other if the stages of this process. Where the monarchical principle is paramount, it is alarmed, is looking out for aid, and anxious to repress the inroad of the other power. Where the popular prin- ciple rears its head, it beareall the marks of elation with conscious power and recent success : it may be somewhat apprehensive of its own immediate predominance, but its prevailing sentiment is hope,—mixed with a doubt whether it should be content with its natural progress, or go forth and espouse the course of its brother People all over the world. The opposition of these two powers, and the confusion these antagonist principles make in the minds of diplomatists and political writers, may be considered as an ex- planation of the condition of men's minds all over Europe. It is this confusion syhich thickens the atmosphere of discussion in every direction. There never was a time when men were more perplexed what side to adopt, what principles to avow, what mea- sures to follow.
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