Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
More European Wars.

mOre European VuS'
When the late treaty was concluded between
the Allies and Russia, tho world hoped that the
peace of Europe was secured for many years TO
come. But the Peuipotentiaries had hardly uis-
persed before discussions arose among the high
contracting parties Since then there has been
no end to the talk about "Bolgrad and the Isle
of Serpents, aud another Conference has been
called to meet at Paris What the upShot OF
the matter will be is not toreseen.
Pending this difficulty, England and France
came near getting into war with the tyranneal
and foolish King of Naples, and now Prussia is
ON the eve OF Il contest with the Contederacy OF
Switzerland. while England is actually engaged
in war with Persia.
In regard to the threatened struggle between
Prussia and Switzerland, a few words of eXpla-
nation may be interesting to our readers.
The Contederacy of Switzerland is composed
of States, or Cantons, among which Is Neuf-
ehatel small district of country bounded on
one side by the lake of the same name, and on
the other by the territory of France. The peo-
pie are Swiss in all their characteristics, wear
ing the national costume such rs was worn IN
the DAYS of Tell They constitute little COM
munitv of watchmakers, and task only to be
psrmitted the undisturbed manufacture OF es-
capement wheels, content to mark the time
which more restless nations employ in acquiring
glory" But the King of Prussia has set up q
claim to this country, which to Americans, at
least, appears not little absurd.
A report presented TO the German Diet at
Frankfort, sets forth that the Principally OF
Neufehatel eseheated, in the year 1907, to the
King of Prussia us to her legitimate sovereign.
She remained in that situation up to 1906, when
she was ceded to Bonaparte, aud by him trans
ferred to Marshal Berthier. In 1914, the Mar
shall renowned the sovereignty conferred upon
him, and il again passed over to the King OF
Prussia The Congress of European sovereigns
at Vienna, in that year, stipulated that Prussia
should possess Neufchatel as before, and regula-
ted its annexation as a new Canton to Switzer-
land. The Principally continued in this con-
nexion with Switzerland, under the sovereignty
of Prussia, until 1s4S. During that year the
great upheaving in Europe took place, and the
people of Neufchatel established republican
constitution under the guaranty of the Diet or
Federal Government OF Switzerland. The King
of Prussia contented himself with protesting a
gainst these proceedings, without attempting to
regain his alledged sovereignty by force of arms,
or in any words he seems to have abandoned
his claim.
So much for the right of Prussia as virtually
defined by herself. The London Times says
'The title of Prussia, such as it is, dates, as is
admitted on all hands, from the Treaty of Wen
ma; but, under the authority of the same settle
lnent, Neuchatel is a member of the Swiss Con-
federation. The title of the King is undoubted,
but the amount of interest to which that title
applies is very minute indeed. The canton is a
State inalienable indiviSibe, and entirely detach-
cd from the Prussian monarchy. The King of
Prussia recognizes the full competence OF the
Government of Neuchatel TO conclude the union
of that canton with the Swiss Confederation
What rights remain after this union it is difficult
To say. Such Is they are they are vested in the
King of Prussia aud were recognized in 1852
by the four great Powers, on the condition that
they should never be enforced"
In the month OF September last, however, an O.
vent took place which induced the King to renew
his pretensionS. IN Instruction then occurred
at the city of Neutchatel in favor Of Prussia
which only resulted in the Imprisonment of the
leaders and their arraignment for trial. The
King of Prussia demanded the release of the
prisoners, and the prompt refusal of the Swiss
Federal Council has brought matters to a crisis.
Prussia is mastering force of u hundred and
thirty thousand men, and Switzerland on her
part has ordered the arming of twenty thousand.
The old Swiss spirit is thoroughly aroused;
the people are unanimous in their enthusiasm
and in the measures they are adopting; and not
withstanding the disparity of forces if the mat
ter progresses far enough there will be q fierce
and bloody contest The natives ofSwitzerland
in the United States are watching events with
intense interest, and it is stated that many Of
them are preparing to go to the assistance of
their countrymen, if necessary. A rumor comes
to us from Berlin, however, that Mr.. Dallas, the
American Minister to England, has interposed
his good officers to bring about peaceful adj
justment of the difficulty.
In regard to tho British movement against
Persia we have very little information All we
can ascertain is that war has been commenced,
and the people Of England appear to know no
more. The Secretary of the British peace
Conference" asks in a recent publication, for
what purpose it was begun. The London Times
states that the object of the war sis more
imaginary than words can put it," and that
england does not know what she is fighting
for" And the London Star declares, tive should
be very much obliged to any one who would
tell us why we are at war with that power."--
Encouraged by these frank Acknowledgements on
the part of intelligent Englishmen and leading
British journals, we are free to confess that our
ignorance of the whole subject is most profound.
Recent Deaths.
"Hugh Miller, of Cromarty,' the distinguished
Scotch author and Geologist was recently found
dead on the floor of his bedroom, at his resi-
-dence in Edinburgh, shot through the heart
For some time past he had been in the habit of
having loaded revolver in his room, an attempt
having been made lately to break into his muse
UNI. 1t is believed that the circumstance of his
death was accidental, his general character and
position precudng the idea of suicide. He was
the author of Scenes and Legends in the North
of Scotland" "0ld Red Sandstone, Footprints
of the Creator, My Schools and Schoolnasters,"
&c, books that have been extensively read and
:. Il.