The Express.
London, England, 1866-08-15 00:00:00

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

(THIS DAY.)

Now that Italy has become by the annexation of
Venetia a member of the European family of nations, the
Tines oaks what she will do in this new character, and
answers the question by expressing its belief that the influ-
ence of the new kingdom will lie in a liberal direction, and
that it will bring very large and increasing resources to
support the line it adopts. The Times then proceeds to a
consideration of the moral and material elements of
strength possessed by Italy, and comes to the conclusion
that with increased resources, a fine army, an enthusiastic
population, and a cool-headed and able government, we
may expect Italy ultimately to rise to her proper place
among the great Powers of Europe.
The Herald should be extremely glad to be able to be-
lieve that the frontier difficulty between France and
Prussia will be arranged amicably, but cannot see a strong
hope of such a solution. France cannot recede from her
demands. Prussia will not—perhaps cannot—grant them.
Nothing remains, therefore, but war. Not a war, perhaps,
that will burst upon us this week or the next, but a
war not the leas certain to come that it may be some
time preparing. Nothing can be more mischievous
than the attempt to lull people into a false sense
of security upon this point. Of course peace may be
preserved. In smite of all appearances, France may retire
crestfallen, or Prussia may yield what she now refuses.
But we must not calculate upon miracles—we must shape
our course upon the assumption that nature follows her
ordinary laws, and the only honest and sensible course
under the circumstances is to warn the public that the
storm is gathering. They may then take the precautions
which will enable them to ride it through without dis-
aster or even damage.
It is a very easy thing for Englishmen, observes the
Telegraph, safe in our insular freedom, to blame our neigh-
, boars across the Channel for their jealousy of Prussia, but
it is impossible for us to enter into their feelings. They
are in all probability deeply wounded in their self-esteem
because the Emperor must in a great degree adapt his
I policy to the will of the North German government. The
Emperor, in the opinion of the Telegraph, endeavoured to
- obtain from a sense of fairness what he could not expect

to extort by force, wad bee reason to believe that the pro-
posale or suggestions made by France were more moderate
than had been supposed, that they have been cour-
teously though firmly declined by Prussia, and that no
attempt will be made at present to press them any further.
In the speech from the throne the King of Prussia, ob

serves the Post, almost went out of his way to admit
that the manner in which the budget had been provided
for during the past four years was unconstitutional, and,
waiving all those advantages conferred on him se a sove-
reign reigning by Divine right, he modestly asked the
Chambers to pass a bill of indemnity for the past offences
of his ministers. To a monarch thus pleading to his sub-
jects for forgiveness of course nothing could be refused.
If the Chamber is prepared to forget the past and to
grant to the crown the supplies of which it is in need, it is
of little consequence in what language the address is
couched which expresses its willingness to adopt this
policy. Count von Bismarck will now again have to
deal with a parliament more ready to make concessions,
and we believe he is much too astute a minister to throw
away the opportunity now afforded him of ranging the
popular party on his aide.