Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-08-24
The Worth of Brains.

The rapid and brilliant success of the
Prussan arms has taken Europe by sur
prise. The nations look on with wonder,
mingled with fear; and Napoleon, who con
sidered himself few weeks ago the arbiter
of peace or war, hesitates to insist on terms
which may bring him into conflict with
Prussia.
The result so sudden and unlocked for
one nation overrunning the smaller States of
Germany in n single week, and defeating
Austria and compelling her to ask an armis-
ticc in little more than double that time
can easily be explained. 1t proves the vast
worth Of brains in the cabinet, to secure sue
cess in the field. A clear head to plan, and
Il resolute will to execute, have made this
issue almost inevitable. Count Bismark is
unpopular mt home, and has no sympathy
abroad. His ambition is inordinatc, and fet-
tered by no scruples of conscience. He has
as little respect for the liberties of his own
people as for the rights of other nations, or
for the provisions of solemn treaties.
But he has definite objects TO accomplish,
and neglects no means essential to success.
AT the beginning Of his administration he
determined to make Prussia the controlling
power of Germany. To attain this end Il
large and wcll-disciplincd army was needed.
The Prussian Chambers refused to authorize
an increase of the army; but he assumed
despotic power and made the enlargement
on his own responsibility. A bitter strife
commenced between the Court and the Leg
islature. The latter was dissolved, and in
new election carried the people with them.
and increased the strength of the party op-
posed TO the Court. But Count Bsmark
was not batied or discouraged. With a SUI
prcmc disdain for both Chambers and peo-
hn hol1 f, ,,-l,i
crtlits and revenue were legally refused,
raised both by despotic measures. He look
ed also as carefully TO the arms of the new
lcvies as to their numbers, and quietly dis
placed the old muskct by the famous breech-
loading nccdle-gun.
"A short war, involving no peril, for the
conquest of Schleswig- IIostein, gave him
an opportunity of testing the worth of his
new arms, and also Of learning the strength
and efficiency Of the Austrian army. The
experiment was satisfactory in both partic-
ulars; and he made preparations for the
great struggle which he was ready to pro-
yoke for the supremacy in Germany
The anticipated crisis came. He was clearly
in the wrong, and Austria was in the right.
The public opinion of Europe was against
him, and with his antagonist The larger
States of the German Confederation were
against MN, ana pledged their military re-
sources to Austria. and il looked to the
world as if he were fighting hopelessly
against overwhelming numbers as well as
against right and justice. But he had su-
preme confidence in himself. He knew that
his own preparations We're complete, and
perfectly in hand. He knew also, the value
of audacity and promptness. And while
Austria was making ready for the encoun-
ter, his legions were marching ON Saxony,
Hanover and Bavaria, and were successful
at every point. The superiority of the nee
dle-gun over the old musLet made the vic
tory easy and Austria sees with dismay her
armies beaten and her Capital laid open to
the enemy.
Superior intellect has won this triumph.
Count Bismark has succeeded because he
left nothing to the contingencies Of the mo-
ment which could be provided for in advance.
His penetrating brain saw that modern sci
ence had changed the art of war, and that
the combatant who knew best the use of
railroads and improved gunnery must carry
the day. Prompt in execution as skilful
in device, he has made Prussia a die
tatOr for Central Europe, and may perhaps
settle the great question of German unity
by consolidating the States into great en-
pire of which Prussia is the centre and head.
Waterman and Reflector.