common wants and
common weakness of both should and will induce them "like kindred
drops to mingle into one." The language of Portugal differs from that
of Spain considerably, but almost every Portuguese speaks Spanish, and
the literature of Spain is in a great measure that of Portugal, as
that of Great Britain is shared by the United States.

Portugal and Spain are both deriving the means of true strength by the
diminution of their colonial possessions, and when they have recovered
from the shock which the exercise of power over distant dependent
states is almost sure to bring, they may, united, have an important
rank with the European powers.

Terrible has been the oppression of rulers in some parts of Germany.
That oppression has not trodden _out_, though it may have trodden
_down_, the spirit of men. And even in Austria the awakening power has
been felt within the present year--felt to the agitation of national
councils--to the terror and flight of rulers. It is perhaps a subject
for joy rather than regret, that the movements of the people have been
less radical than in some other countries. This is, after all, the
true way. Grasping at more than they can retain, a rising people lose
what might have been of service. The lesson of France in her
revolution in the last century was not lost on Germany, and the people
demanded of their rulers that which might be granted without the
disturbance of order; and then they were content with what they
received, because it was at once a proof that asking they could
receive, and receiving they could learn to enjoy.

The King of Prussia, in reply to the demands of the people, yielded
some points, and then drew their attention to a long-cherished idea of
a confederation of the German States, by which the differences of the
several powers should be settled by an accredited tribunal, and a
species of federal government be established to watch over those
rights conceded by the individual states to the federal power.

It is to be regretted that the King of Prussia should have found
occasion in these trying times to provoke war with Denmark, upon a
claim by Schleswig for protection, and that claim rests upon the poor
plea that--though really a _dependence_ of Denmark--Schleswig is not
of Scandinavian origin, like Denmark, and therefore is anxious to
maintain her German relations. The Scandinavian blood runs through the
veins of Sweden and Russia as well as those of Denmark, and "wi