The Sun.
London, England, 1866-05-17 00:00:00

gress might have been made, but the difficui

ties that lie in the way seem almost insuper-
able. The preparations for war are still going
on, which speaks badly for any desire on the part
of the principals for peace. Very little encourage-
ment can be drawn from the last accounts that have
been received. It is positively declared that no founda-
tion exists for the reports of Herr BIS3IARCK'S having
determined to amalgamate the leaders of the Oppo-
sition. No such intention has existed, we are offi-
cially told, but it is true that a better understand-
ing with the Opposition is desired. This wish is
not very likely to be realised, according to present
appearances, for the policy of the Government is as
bad as ever—if not worse—relative to domestic
matters. An excuse is given officially for the non-
reply to the last Austrian Note, namely, that no
answer could have been necessary, as Austria her-
self declares that they had exhausted all discussion
on the question of disarmament. This isvery absurd,
because everyone knows that nothing could have been
easier than for Prussia to have recommenced the
proposals in a different form, but very likely the Go-
vernment were only too glad of the excuse for de-
stroying such futile attempts. An official denial is
likewise given to the report that Russia was willing
to assist Austria in case of a war, and neither will
Prussia take the aggressive as some have surmised.
The last determination of Herr BISMARCK re-
specting his grand scheme of Federal Reform is
that if the middle and minor States reject his pro-
posals he will make an appeal on behalf of Prussia
to the whole German nation, and embody proposi-
tions of the fullest and most comprehensive cha-
racter. It seems most inconsistent to make all this
fuss about Federal Reform at a period of so much
disquietude, and fraught with jeopardy to the in-
terests of peace and the welfare of Germany ; but
the rules of common MC se are set at naught in the
most defiant manner by the all-important and self-
sufficient statesman who sways the destinies of
Prussia. This plan of Reform, in a comprehensive
style, was suggested in order to direct attention and
cover his manoeuvres respecting the Duchies, and
also to make a grand parade before the Prussian
people. 'I hese latter have not, however, been taken
in by his dodging, for no interest has been exhibited
respecting the matter, and the thoughts of all are
naturally turned in the direction of the war that
seems likely to ensue. As for the matter of a ge-
neral appeal being made it is quite idle, because
many of the States to whom the appeal would be
made are most inimical to Prussia just now, and
not at all likely to give any attention to her pro-
posals. Is it at all likely at a period when they are
momentarily expecting a collision with Prussia that
they will trouble themselves to weigh and count the
advantages of her schemes, and think of giving
their consent to her becoming the arbiter of the
destinies of Germany ? The delay that has been
made in the appointment of Commander-in-Chief
to the Prussian army has been at last terminated by
the selection of Prince FREDERICK—thanks for

that responsible position.
We may form some notion of the great advan-
tages that would accrue to Austria by the
cession of Venetia from the tone adopted
in its discussion by the Prussian journals.
The semi- official Provinzial Correspondenz states that
the unfounded rumour that has gained ground on
this topic, showing great ignorance of the " political
situation, for Austria has not the power thus sud-
denly to change her policy, and place Prussia in the
isolated position threatened." The wish is no doubt
father to the thought in this case, and it does not
very distinctly appear what prevents Austria from
carrying out the policy thus called in question.
The fact is that the advocates of Prussian
policy are naturally very indignant at anything
that tends to interfere with the grand idea of
making a compact with Italy, and thus thwarting
the efforts of Austria in a great measure. The
Italians seem burning to go to war at any cost,
with or without reason, and it has been announced
that Italy will consider any attack of Austria
upon Prussia as directed against herself. This is
simply ridiculous ; and those who rush headlong
into such a course will rue the day they did so.
Perhaps undue reliance is placed upon the result
of the last encounter with Austria ; but it was
the French who then decided the victory, and we
see no cause whatever to suppose that, in the
event of the war now threatened, France
would side with Italy. As for the address
from the Municipality and Common Council of
Breslau to the King of PRUSSIA it is most absurd.
They acknowledge the justice of the reasons which
are leading his Majesty to war with Austria, and
trust that the wisdom of the KING will remove the
misunderstanding between the Government and the
Chambers. This is jumping at conclusions indeed,
and it is surprising to meet with such infatuation.