Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1866-07-05
War in Europe.

:, The long suspense is ended. The
resources of diplomacy have been
exhausted 10 no purpose. War has
fairly btgun in Germany Prussia
has taken the initiative The same
selfish ambition. which prompted
her union with Austria In the plnnder
OF Den mark, and afterwards induced
her to attempt cheating her accom-
plice of fair share in the spoils,
has culminsted In her present
action.
Our alvices are 10 June 18th, two
days Later than by the last proceed
ing steamer. 1t will be remember
ed that the German Diet, in which
all the States, large and small. are
represented, voted To call into the
field the troops of the Confedera-
tion. Austria approved this, while
Prussia protested against it. The
bulk ofthe minor States sympathize
with Austria, and oppose Prussia
This difference of opinion on the
part of the two leading powers is
therefore easily accounted for
The small principalities had family
hoped that they might remain neu-
trail. The idea was not q reasonable
one, for the opposing armies of
Austria and Prussia must needs pass
through the territories of the princi-
paliues. Nevertheless, the petty
rulers had done their best to exhibit
a spirit of compromise, and delay, IL
they could not arrest the impendi ng
blow. tl...
The hour for decision, however,
came, Austria dictated one course
to the Diet and Prussia another
There was no middle way, and sym
pathy carried the day for Austria -
Prussiaat once pronounced the Con-
federation dissolved, that is TO say,
that she considers herself no longer
bound by its restrictions, and declar-
ed war against all Germany; issuing
also q manifesto, addressed to the
Great Powers, in which she justified
her course. No regards for neutral
rights could now check the progress
OF her forces, and with an amazing
promptness she carried her declara-
tions iuto effect, by throwing q strong
body of troops into SaXony. The
feeling between the Prussian and
Saxon Cabinets has long been un-
friendly. The former kingdom has
added much to its territory by rob
bing that of the latter, and one theft
always begets another. The
prompt occupation of Saxon soil
was not dictated by stragic reasons
alone At last accounts, an Austrian
army was advancing to meet the
Prussian forces, and rumOrs were
current that q battle had been fought.
but our latest intelligence does not
confirm the reports.
L Austria is now virtually the cham
pion of the German Confederation.
Bavaria SaxOny and the mass of
the Southern principalities will fight
nnder her banner The little States
Of North Germany generally favor
Prussia, so that she need not fear q
"fre In the rear" but the majority of
the German people are against her
The value of her Italian alliance is
still TO be proved. The alleged dis
position of Russia to join hands with
Austria has not yet been manifested
in action. The course of France
one can hardly surInise.
But we need not enter the field of
conjecture. The facts which indis I,
putably exist are sufficient to enlist
and absorb our attention. The
curtain has been raised; let US watch
each act in the tragedy in its proper
succession. The opening scene re-
Yeals, 4 vast empire, socially and
financially distracted, and dreading
lest the evils of Today may give
place to others still more intollera-
ble.-Cin. Gazette