The Sun.
London, England, 1867-04-26 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, APP►IL 26, 18G7.

The Luxemburg question engrosses so much
attention at prNent that it is interesting to notice
what the French papers sly of it; and M. PAULIN
T.I2.IAYRAC'S article, published in the Constitationnel
of yesterday, will meet with many readers. He
protests with great energy against the opinion that
has gained ground in Germany, to the effect that
France desires war, and states that everything proves
the contrary of the assertion, French policy having
been, as it is, a policy-of peace and conciliation.
here follows a declaration which is fair courage in
itself, I.ut does not do much credit to the discern-
ment of those entertaining the opinion under exist-
ing circumstances. It was credited by the French
Government, we are told, that Prussia would
" make it a point of honour to show moderation

and consideration for the rights and interests of her
neighbours;" and what gave rise to this notion was
the recollection of all she had gained in the war,
in the way of successes and increase of territory.
The settlement of the Luxemburg question was
entered upon as an opportunity that would
offer itself for Prussia to act towards France
with cordiality and neighbourly feeling. The
argument becomes still stronger further on,
when it is averred that the French have never
seen in this question anything but a pledge of
a durable peace. All we can say is that, if this be
strictly correct, the Government of the EMPEROR
have not of late been distinguished for that acute-
ness of perception and accuracy of judgment for
which, through long years, they have been justly
celebrated. Who that has had anything to do with
Prussia but must have seen, felt, or acknowledged
the duplicity of her acts and the deceitfulness of her
professions ? Above and beyond all these there has
been so much selfishness and meanness displayed
that there was nothing for it but to let her entirely
alone to have her own way, or else to withstand her
treacherous course with firmness. Unfortunately
for the interests of Europe and the duration of a
lasting peace no great power has been able or will-
ing to perform this task, and the consequences will
inevitably be that sooner or later there will be a
general war, and, at all events, a war of great
virulence, before any settlement of a satisfactory
nature is arrived at.

No doubt there is a great deal of sense to be met
with in this article, and some of its arguments are
very weighty ; but the question is, how far will
anything of this sort prevail and influence
at Berlin ? So far as strangers can form an
opinion, it would rather seem as if it was
intended to enter a protest, in the sight of the
nations of Europe, regarding the manner in which
Prussia has acted in this matter. What, for in-
stance, can be more striking than the remark that
the French Government never thought it was to the
interest of Prussia to maintain a garrison in an in-
dependent country belonging to a foreign sovereign,
and not forming a part of the Federative State of
the North of Germany ? More impressive still
is the subsequent passage, which affirms that
it never thought that " Germany could
claim even the rights of a common origin with a
small country, of which the population, by the
account even of the King of PRUSSIA'S first Mi-
nister, entertain the deepest repugnance for Ger-
many, and would vote with enthusiasm .for the re-
union with France, if one would only consult them."
What can more clearly explain the extraordinary
course pursued by Prussia than this brief but em-
phatic commentary ? And how could we have put
before us in a more explicit form the difficulty
which has arisen entirely from the want of faith
manifested by Prussia ? The article also asserts that
the EMPEROR'S Government does not seek to raise
war out of a question in which nothing but a
pledge of peace was required by them, and that the
Luxemburg question has now become a European
one, and France holds aloof "in order not to em-
barrass the pacification of the Powers, and not to
involve national susceptibilities." Finally, to sum
up the meaning of this article, it is intimated that
France does not desire war, but neither does she
dread it ; and while quite prepared for any emer-
gency that may arise, she claims disinterestedness

for the course she is now pursuing.
It is very significant that at the present juncture
it is announced that the Government of Berlin will
not make any " communication to the Prussian
Chambers on their opening as to the state of politi-
cal affairs ;" the reason given for this extraordi-
nary reservation being that the Chambers are con-
voked for a Session ad hoc, and it is very desirable
that they should arrive at a speedy conclu-
sion of their discussions in. connection with
the North German Constitution. The Speech
from the Throne is only to treat of the
task of the completion of the Constitution.
This is a very curious illustration of tha freedom
and unity that is henceforth to reign triumphant in
Germany and animate the councils of her statesmen.
Really those people who are so enthusiastic about
the progress of freedom in Prussia should consider
a little the way in which affairs are conducted in
their favoured land. It is a sure proof of the mis-
taken policy our late Government pursued towards
Prussia ; and the semi-official North German Gazette
characterised the statement recently put forth by the
Journal des Debats,to the effect tha tEn gl an d protested
against the pressure put by Prussia upon Holland
as " an audacious attempt to deceive public opinion."
We must all know pretty well by this time that
England is expected by the Berlin Government to
hear and see, but say nothing in those matters ; but
perhaps another day their anticipations may be dis-
appointed in a manner theylittle expect or desire. It is
at the present momentquite impossible to decide as to
whether peace will prevail or war ensue, and there-
fore 3.11 very decided statements on the question are
useless and cannot really reassure the irritated.
We believe that war between France and Prussia
is, sooner or later, inevitable, though a year or two
may elapse before recourse is had to hostilities. For
this undesirable event we should give all the blame
to Prussia, whose factious course has for so long a
period interfered with the rights of others, and car-
ried disturbance and strife into the council cham-
bers of so many nations, and all to gain the most
selfish ends.

The Conservatives throughout the country are
apparently determined not to lose the opportunity
afforded them by the Easter recess for celebrating
their provincial festivites. They wish, no doubt,'to
show that their views command a good many sup-
porters in different parts of the country, not being
restricted, as some of their opponents are fond of
insinuating, to the immediate vicinity of wealthy
landowners. At the present crisis more than ordi-
nary interest attaches to these meetings, since some
curiosity is naturally felt as to the actual sentiments
of the rank and, file of the Conservative party
respecting the comprehensive change proposed by
Government in our electoral system. Usually it is
not difficult to forctel the tone and tenour of the
speeches at these provincial gatherings, to whatever
party they belong ; but just now it is by no means
a matter of course that either Liberal or Conser-
vative will keep to their party formulas. 'We have
had Liberals liberal enough to support a measure
whose main principles they approve, though it
belongs to another party. We have had Conser-
vatives who wish, seemingly, to conserve the Con-
stitution, errors and all, and the result has been a
confusion of parties in the lobby of the House of
Commons. Alen, in these trying times, are show -
jug what are their individual inclinations and con-
victions, and it no longer follows that because a
member sits on one side of the House he will vote in
a particular manner.
The Conservative banquet held at Derby on
Wednesday evening was intended principally as a
compliment to the former member for the southern
division of the county, Mr. WILLIAM MUNDY, and
a very large and influential body of noblemen and
gentlemen connected with the county assembled to
do honour to him. The principal speech of the
evening, setting aside the more personal part of the
proceedings, was that of Mr. HARDY, M.P., to
whom was allotted the task of returning