The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-02-21
The Campaigns OF Isla End 1854.

consist OF six Powers--France, Great Britain,
Turkey, Austria, Sardinia and Spain. II is
probable that Holland win join before long and
some Of the minor German States are likely to
follow the example. Austria may carry Ba-
varia with her; and Germany on the Rhine ia
so thoroughly French in feeling that it win be
sure to espouse the cause of France Sweden
is only restrained by fear of Russia from an
alliance by which she has much to gain aud
nothing to lose. Out of all the great European
Powers Prussia and Denmark alone hold them
seIves aloof from the Western league. Prussia,
partly from dynastic, partly from commercial
reasons cannot abaDdon the friendship of Rus
sia; or at all events will not do so until the
prospect of danger is nearer hand than at pre-
sent.' Denmark has never forgiven the unwar
antable massacre Of Copenhagen. True to
France up to that event, she sought in vain
separation from England, and vengeance from
her enemy; and now the Russians are at least
as popular in Copenhagen as the French and
English. But when the time comes this coming
spring for the second invasion Of the Baltic by
the allied feet, it is by no means probable that
the further neutrality OF Denmark will be tole.
rated. England wants port in Denmark; she
will take it, England and Denmark were at
peace when Nelson destroyed the Danish fleet;
peace will not now prevent her from taking
such measures as may be thought necessary to
ensure the cooperation OF the Danish army
feet and forts. Prussia will then remain the
only friend to the Gar in all Europe.
Forty.t.-ee years ago, precisely similar
combination was effected by Napoleon the
elder. After years of struggles and wars he
had effected an alliance between all the Ger
man Powers and France Turkey was ready
to move in conjunction with him. He had an
army in Spain, and the flower of the Spanish
army, which was better than any court al
lance, was awaiting his orders on the Rhine.
England occupied towards him the position
which Prussia occupies towards his nephew
she was neutral, aud positively refused to in
crease her debt, or add to her enemies by in
volving herself either for or against the Gar
Napoleon the elder had not won the friendship
Of his allies, or persuaded them that their in
terests required the alliance; they were his
friends perforce, driven at the lannon's mouth
and the bayonet's point to contribute their men
and their money to help his schemes Herein
the combination Of 1912 differed from that of
1854; for Napoleon the younger has not driven
his neighbors into the alliance, but dexterously
and by master diplomacy has led them all to
believe that their welfare, not his rendered the
league imperative. The distinction is impor-
taDt, and must be borne in mind carefully in
speculations on the probable result of Rus
sian successes. Another distinction-the adj
mission of England to the alliance instead
Of Prussia-may hereafter be more preg-
nant with consequences than it ia at present.
From present appearances, the vast military
superiority OF Prussia over England would am
ply compensate for the inferiority of the former
il point of naval strength. Prussia gave the
elder Napoleon money and stores in abundance;
England can do no more. Otherwise, the resem-
blarce between the two periods is so striking that
MINDS prone to put faith in these condolences
and aaalogies would prognosticate similar ter
miDation to both wars.
1t is certain, at all events, that after this war
Great Britain is no longer first class Power
For, either Russia ia victorious in which case
there must be, as Nicholas said in his letter, q
second march to Paris, and q partition of Eu-
rope to suit the Russian view, not to speak Of
the annexation of Turkey to the empire; all
which would obviously thr9E sreat Britain into
the background, aud give u control of Europe
for time to the Gear. Or the allies are victo-
rious, and in this case the fruit of victory will
enure to the Emperor of the French. It is al
ready clear that though the English soldiers
are as brave as steel, their officers are so incom
petent TO lead them that the real work of the
campaign will be left for the French to do; they
will not fight the battles for the purpose of
sharing the reward Nor will Napoleon, with
diplomatic skill that is unrivalled in Europe.
effect great continental league unless he is
at the head of it.
Alter the failure Of the expedition of 1912, a
reconsttution OF Europe took place at the va
rious congresses which we're held. The failure
Of the expedition of 1854 (Which may occora
year or two hence) would possibly be followed
by similar result Misfortune loosed the
bonds which united France and Germany in
1872; the same cause might produce the same
result again, and Austria might employ her
army in keeping the Hungsrians in order III
stead Of invading Russia As to the other con-
tinental allies Of France, they are not worth
mentioning in military point Of view, AMI
would be sure TO fall off in case of Disaster
1t is not usual for the English to abandon an
ally, or give up q cause they have taken 10
hand Pride and stubbornness will keep them
faithful to tie Emperor through long period
Of diss ster. But 1t will take six or seven years
before the English will be worth anything in
the field as allies. During the forty years OF
peace which have elapsed since the battle of
Waterloo, England has allowed her military
establishment to 60 to ruin, while Russia has
heen carefully imnroyinp hers. and II tn mnr.