Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-03-03
From the London Times Feb 3
o Des'ihaes OF EurOpe-The Action OF the
German Powers.

,r, - From the London Times, Feb g
0 D0sohaes OF EurOpe-The Action the
German Powers.
Inc uesunies OF Europe hang upon the decision
OF Two great German powers Will the cabinets of
Vienna and Berlin unite themselves heartily anJ 60
cerey with the French and British governments for
The maintenance OF the existing territorial arrange
ments of Europe If this be so, there is even vei
possibility that the hostites already begun upon n
section OF the Danube may not rise to the prenor
tlons OF general The point at issue is, in re-
ahty one OF tar more immediate moment to the Ger
man sovereigns than TO the Western Powers Let us
speak Of each in turn One of the principal objects
whlch the Russian Emperor now seeks TO realise is
The conquest of the mouths of the Danube-in other
words. he desires to seal up the principal outlet for
the commerce of the Austrian dominions Now The
Danube is an Austrian rlver-for all practical pur
poses, as much so as the Rhone is French or the
Thames an English river. Of course the Austrian
Cabinet is amused with propositions for indemnif-
cation, but it would be just possible 10 indemnify
the Emperor Francis Joseph for the loss of his head
as 1T would be TO compensate his subjects for the loss
of the Danube. The Austrian should rejoice to see
Europe rising in arms to fight battle peculiarly his
own. We dismiss the hypothesis of neutrality as
unworthy of serious notice, should the struggle
sumo character of reality. Before two months of
war are over every Power in Europe, with the ex-
cepton possibly of Spain, will be engaged on one
side or the other. Let assume for moment that
Austria should side with Russia, and with all the
other German governments, against France and Eng
land, against the population of Germany, of Hunga-
ry, of Poland, of Italy.
Surely Lombardy would make herself heard once
more, and with effective allies the result might be
very different Let us ask the councillors of Francis
Joseph to consider what the effect would be if some
$4,000 Frenchmen should cross the Lombard from
tier six weeks hence, and fleet manned with Eng
lish blue Jackets should support their operations on
either coast of the Peninsula? Would it cost the
two government much pain to set Italy on fire at
the four corners Hungary and Poland remain; but
we do not think the Austrian cabinet derive
much satisfaction from the contemplation of those
provinces, IF their discomfort were backed by West
ern Europe. On minor points, such as the fate of
Trieste and Venice, in of war between Aus
trla and the naval Powers, need not dwell, but
would leave the in its full simplicity for the con-
Sderatlon of the house of Hapsburg. After ALL why
is the young Emperor bound to the triumphant sledge
OF the Gar? The Hungarian operations in which
the Russian army was engaged were under taken
far more for the Emperor Nehoass security
than for that of the dominions of Francis Joseph
The campaign which the Russian Generals conducted
in Hungary they must otherwise have conducted in
Russian Poland. In saving Hungary to the house
OF Hapsburg, they saved the European provinces of
their own master. Such is the simple statement of
Austrias obligations to Russia; but we have yet to
learn that questions OF sentiment be permitted to
influence the decisions of great government. To
these considerations would add that if by siding
with the other European Powers the Austrian mon
arch should succeed in making impossible to the
Russians, he will have saved the Emperor Nicholas
from destruction and his empirefrom dismemberment.
Surely this is the best proof of gratitude which could
be given in return for service performed
In Prussia indeed there is not the same amount of
discomfort in the provinces of which the Austrian
Empire is constituted. So far she enjoys felicity
denied to her neghbor and ally. On the other hand
whereas Austria is not Immediately assailable by
France in any of her provinces save Lombardy,
Prussia is open to every blow. There can be no
doubt that the military spirit of the French nation
would be highly gratfed by at least partial restor
alton of the old Napesonic limits and they lie very
nvitngly to the hand of the great Emperor's nephew
and successor. The question then remains for the
attentive consideration OF the Prussian cabinet, if
they could not hope to rouse the spirit of Germany
against the French invader in the time of the
war OF liberation! The fiery youth of Germany
then forward to be slain in hecatombs for cause
of their country's freedom. We doubt if they could
be induced to fight with the degree of vigor in
support of Russian aggrandiZement. 1t may also be
said that the people of Germany have had spe-
cimen of the manner in which the rulers of their
country understand the meaning OF the term /" free
dom of that talsnanic word which induced their
fathers to spill so much of their creduIous blood.
Between the war of liberation and the present time
we have had the violated promises of 1915 and the
reaction against the revolutionary outbreak of 1848
All these matters considered we have very serious
doubts If the German Kings could lead their subjects
10 renewal OF the struggles Of 180315 even for the
sake OF German thrones; but we have no doubt ut
all should the point at issue be merely the aggran-
dIZement OF the Russian Car. The public will be
glad to see that the telegraphc dispatches we pub
ish to-day announce that the Crown Prince of Prus-
sa has ranged himself decsively on the side Of the
western Powers, IF his counsel be acted upon he
will have saved the Prussian Monarchy. Now or
the time has to show the world that there
is some in the armaments which have been
kept foot in Germany since 1915. If properly di-
rectcl at the present moment, they may preserve the
peace Of the world.
I4sve AH"lr OF Benedict ArnOId's.