The Sun.
London, England, 1866-08-17 00:00:00

UM

LONDON, FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1866.

The Emperor of the FRENCH having decided no's

to go to war just now, there has been nothing

to disturb the celebration of his fête-day, and in
some respects the affair passed off very well, for
the weather was very fine, and therefore many
were able to enjoy themselves. The EMPEROR,
as an act of grace, pardoned or commuted the
sentences upon more than eight hundred military
offenders, which was a politic arrangement, be-
sides affording general satisfaction. Unfortunately
the day did not pass over without any draw-
backs, for in the evening a crush occurred in
which several persons were killed and a consi-
derable number were injured. Many persons will
doubtless be satisfied at the decision of the EM-
PEROR respecting the war ; but the real question
is, how long will the present peace last, and
what will it be worth ? France must either yield
the first place in foreign affairs to Prussia, or
else be constantly striving to resist her encroach-
ments. How long she may be able to do so with
the mere force of diplomacy will remain for the
future to decide ; but we may be certain that,
while the Emperor NAPOLEON lives, he will not
be content to be put back while his arrogant ally
is in the ascendant. For some reasons, certainly,
we may all find cause to approve of the recent
decision of the French EMPEROR. It has put
off the evil day, and afforded opportunity for
the harassed soldiers of Prussia to rest after their
hard work, and it will allow the more speedy resto-
ration of the tranquillity which hhs been so much
disturbed by the Continental hostilities and the
period of anxiety which preceded them. When we
consider the real interests of Europe, and look more
to the ultimate effects than to the immediate object,
we may doubt if, after all, a collision between the
rival Powers might not have been productive of
some beneficial effects. It cannot be for the gain
or the good of Germany that the plan of Count
BISMARCK should be allowed to succeed. If matters
go on for some time after the fashion that now
prevails, there will either be a complete revulsion of
feeling taking place which will subvert the present
authorities, who are carrying all before them, or
else the Germans will have gone so far back in real
freedom and enlightened progress that it will take
years of toil and trouble to be where they now are,
or rather were previous to the outbreak of this war.
It is very much to be doubted if those are not mis-
taken who think that the apparent inconsistency
displayed by the French EMPEROR arises from his
having changed his mind. Such vacillation is not
like him, and he must have known very well that a
refusal was what he would most probably meet with.
He could not have considered it an advantage to
be thus checkmated before the eyes of Europe,
and if he did not wish to resort to war, in case of
non-compliance with his request, he could have
sounded the Prussian Cabinet, and ascertained
their intentions in a more reserved manner.

The threatened fracas with France being over,
the Prussian Government have nothing else to do
but rejoice at their success and consolidate their
plans. Fetes and congratulations are the order of
the day, and of course BISMARCK is for the time a
sort of demigod. It is said that the peace negocia-
tions between Prussia and Bavaria are progressing
favourably, -which is so far fortunate, as it will pre-
vent more sanguinary contests taking place. The
new Prussian Electoral Law, which has been laid
before the Prussian Chambers, appears, so far as we
can judge of it at first sight, to be moderate and
not devoid of merit. Of course it is a very elaborate
production, as all the details of German States are
sure to be; but it promises more than might have
been expected, only the danger is whether the half
of it will ever be practically arrived at. Very
likely it is intended that this arrange-
ment shall satisfy people at the time, and
f afterwards it should turn out that its working
is not satisfactory, then the Government can either
so alter it as to change its meaning or else refuse to
act upon it altogether. No doubt many will go into
rhapsodies concerning the liberality of the clauses of
this bill, and declare that great benefits will accrue
thereby to Prussia, and consequently thereon to the
large possessions she has acquired. But we would
rather dwell upon the probability that exists for
Carrying these provisions into effect than oPecu"