The Sun.
London, England, 1870-07-21 00:00:00

THE SPANISH THRONE QUESTION.
IS IT TO BE WAR?

The Spanish Throne has more than once already been a
source of trouble to Europe. Once again it commands
the attention of Europe. Once again it has made war
more than a possibility. To-day is not to be de-
nied that men's minds are filled with the war idea, and
another war of the succession in Spain is one of the likeli-
hoods of the present. The Prussian Prince who has been
offered and who has accepted the Spanish Crown has
given a new feature to European politics. Day by day
the situation becomes more and more clearly defined.
What is to be the issue ? Is it to be peace or war ? Is
Spain, after all, to give new life to Europe ? In answer-
ing these questions one or two points need to be borne in
mind. It ought to be remembered that no king can be
chosen for Spain who is not first of all approved of by
the Emperor Napoleon. It ought also to be remembered
that in this matter Napoleon will abide by his usual plan
—he will consult and abide by the wishes of the French
people. These two facts borne in mind it becomes toler-
ably clear that if Spain pushes this matter Spain will
place herself in antagonism to France. If Prussia should
feel insulted by the tone of the French press—more, if
Prussia should be compelled to . bid defiance to the
haughty language of the. Duke de Grammont, it will not
be at all wondered if some of these fine mornings the
Rhine should seem to be on fire, and those beautiful pro-
vinces that line its banks should be given up a prey' to
horrid war. War begun on this question will, as a
French Deputy well put it in the Chambers two days
ago, be a war on the part of France against the rest
of Europe. Austria, to-day a strict neutral, it
is not impossible, might go with France ; but
in such an emergency Austria would be worthless, and, so
far as we can see, France would be without any other
ally. Russia, although in receipt of special despatches
from Paris to-day, would, most likely, stand aloof. Russia
would compel Austria to be neutral, although it is said
that the Vienna Cabinet has made an alliance with
France. If Prussia stood by Spain, Spain would have no
choice but stand by Prussia. Italy would not be sorry to
see some such row. We do not say that Victor Emanuel
would take any undue advantage of it ; but the time
might be found convenient for driving the French soldiers
and the Sacred College, not to speak of the Pope and the
bishops now in council out of the Holy City. Great
Britain, of course, will simply look on. On no account
will the British Government allow itself to be involved
in a European war. It is not our conviction that Napo-
leon wishes war. Nothing but the imperious demands of
the French people will induce him to draw the sword.
Much, therefore, now depends on the arts of diplomacy.
If explanations are gracefully given they will be gracefully
received. A congress may be got together to settle the
affairs of Europe. But should everything fail, and should
a war, European in its dimensions, grow out of this indis-
cretion of Prim, we have no cause for sorrow. The result
will be a gain to us. It will increase the value of our
bonds, and it will swell the tide of European emigration
toward our shores. If, therefore, they must fight, let
them. The crowns of Europe are toys that have no
attractions for us. If a bauble like the crown of Spain is
sufficient to involve Europe in war, pity for Europe !
New York Herald, July 8.