The Sun.
London, England, 1866-10-25 00:00:00

sible claim can they advance, founded upon truth
and justice, that they should thus seize on so

many independent States.

As for the idea

that some perbist in, that it is necessary
for the interests of Germany, we do not see it
at all ; and the best rule to lay down in all
matters, whether social or political, is the simple
one that wrong can never be right. If the Prus-
sians and their friends and admirers are consoling

themselves by their notion that they are doing evil
in order that good may come out of it they will find
themselves mistaken. The surest proof that all
these changes of so sudden a character, and so
startling a nature, are wrought for the sake of
the gain of Prussia, may be seen in the
persistency of Count BISMARCK to sink all

considerations that respect for others might suggest.
Thus we find that these unfortunate princes, who
are despoiled of their possessions either virtually or
in reality, are treated with the greatest contempt
and indifference. Were they potentates of some
remote region of the earth, whom the fortune of war
had left at the mercy of the conqueror, we do not
see how their present feelings or their future welfare
could be matters of more absolute indifference to
the Prussians than they are now when they are of
the same race and country.

If the new Germany that is to spring into exis-
tence in marvellous strength and splendour is to take
root in oppression and to flourish in selfishness, we
have no hope for its permanence or for its prosperity,
and neither will it deserve to enjoy these blessings.
The terms forced upon Saxony are very hard and
harsh, and we do not wonder that the KING so long
held out against these. The command of the
fortress of Konigstein has been handed over to the
Prussians, the Saxon troops are placed under the
control of the new Governor, and the infantry
go to Pilsitz. Now it is quite ridiculous
in the face of this to talk of the
clap-trap of unity, and the friendly desire
of Prussia to join all states together for the common
good. The fact is that in all these arrangements we
can recognise a deep-seated purpose and a strategical
power at work aiming at the ruin of all indepen-
dence and the loss of native influence. Of course it
might have been better if the re-organisation of
Germany could have been accomplished in a satis-
factory manner ; but it would be even infinitely
preferable to let things stay as they were
for some time rather than allow wrong to
be done, injuries inflicted, and tyranny to
flourish. Of one thing we are sure, the new
regime cannot last. The present age is not one
to sanction or tolerate tyranny under any form, and
of what worth will be the unity of remodelled Ger-
many that only holds together by force and is ex-
pected to grow and flourish at the point of the
bayonet ? A work of improvement that must take
place, through the agency of an army of occupation,
is likely to turn out a very sorry affair after all, and
we do not recollect any man in the present day

who has so completely outraged the opinion of Europe
as Count BISMARCK has repeatedly done of late.
lie has acted with the greatest contempt and in-
difference for all the rules which direct and restrain
those who call themselves statesmen ; we find no
respect for the chivalrous spirit that should animate
a war among civilised communities, and no regard
for the countries that should be shown in the ar-
rangements of peace. Beyond this there are many
instances of treaties being faithlessly kept, pledges
violated, and promises broken as if for the purpose.
What became of the clause which was to have se-
cured to the Danish Schleswigers the right of re-
turning to their former allegiance ? It would really
seem as if it had been insulted in the Treaty, for
the sole purpose of showing with what contempt
and indifference the magnates of Berlin could treat
engagements which honourable men would have
thought to be solemn and sacred. It has been so
throughout the whole course of the proceedings that
have taken place. We alluded yesterday to the
extraordinary course pursued towards the King of
lIOLLAND, and the barefaced manner in which facts
were distorted to meet the purposes of the victors.
In small matters the same sinister spirit is seen, and
we find the most unnecessary restrictions inter-
posed; for instance, the former subjects of
Denmark in the Duchies have been for-
bidden to give their little tribute to the Princess
DAGMAR on her marriage. All these acts must
have been committed with the approval of the
Prussian people,
or why is it that we find no pro-
testthe basis of the structu 7
re.
raised against them
If,of Gt
ehremn
a,
nt h
ue snei t ayr ew teo sbe
ee
no chance of greatness, goodness, or glory, in the
world. It is all on the principle that the cud
a very dangerous one to adopt
sanctions the means,
at any time, but especially mischievous when
the interests of a great community are at
stake. It is
paying but a
the
eir
Geeormmpalnis-
ment to the intelligence of
collectively to think that they are to retrace their
steps so completely, and offer to the world the
strange spectacle of incapability which Count Bis-
MARCK forces upon them. It is all very fine to talk
of the desire experienced by the several States for
annexation to Prussia ; but all we can say is, if the
German feeling is so strong in this direction, it is
very strange, indeed, that it is necessary for the
Prussians to occupy all the fortresses and to take
possession of the military power in those places.
It looks very much as if the mild and benig-
nantWlLL]AM was forced
sway of King
upon them, and they were allowed
eywtehdthleil:ofdreei-t
free-
dom of choosing as to whether
or not, but no peace or liberty beyond this. We
have an instance of the feeling entertained in such
quarters, at all events, with respect to the alliance
with Prussia. We learn from Carlsruhe that at a
prolonged sitting of the Chamber of Deputies it was
debated whether or not certain propositions were
expedient, and the paragraph relating to the pro-
posed alliance with Prussia was rejected by a large
majority. Whether this may mean anything or
not, eventually, at any rate, it shows what the state
of feeling is there at present iu a very unmistak-
able manner.

The Liberals apparently think it quite time that
they should have some social gatherings on their
own account, and not leave their adversaries in pos-
session of all the opportunities for speech-making
during the recess. The hon. member for Birming-
ham has, we know, been actively engaged in en-
lightening the good folks of the North, and the
good county of Surrey has just been the scene of a
brilliant demonstration. The occasion was a public
dinner, at which Mr. ONSLOW, one of the members
for the borough, was entertained, and at which a
piece of plate was presented to Mr. LONG, the un-