The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-07-17
rope In . Political Point or View
Napoleon and Bismarck.


The news from Europe is full of Importance,
not only as to military events and operations,
but especially with regard to the political situ-
alton and prospect Of affairs there. 1t is evil
dent-to use an often repeated expression
that the map of Europe is to be changed. The
work Of the allies during the war against the
first Napoleon, and of the Congress of Vienna,
which finished that work, is to be demolished.
In fact the balance Of power established then,
and which has been threatened and . good
deal modified since, Is now finally broken up.
Another Europe, another distribution Of power
must come out Of the present war. What shape
this will take We are unable to say at present,
and, indeed, the statesmen Of Europe them
selves have not yet decided the question. The
events of the war up to this time foreshadow
certain permanent changes, but future occur
rences alono oan decide what these are to be.
All the Powers are watching one another with
profound concern, and will doubtless endeavor
to prevent the undue aggrandizement Of any in
the general breaking up and Encouragement
There are two men In Europe who are the
master spirits that brought on the present state
of affairs, and who will exercise the greatest
influence in final settlement. These are the
Emperor Napoleon and the Prussian Minister,
Count Bismarck. Since the death Of Lord
Palmerston there has not been, and is
not now, any European statesman who
would match these astute men or check
mate their designs. England occupies q
negative position, and has little weight. The
power or influence Of Russia lies, no. in any
eminent statesman. and only in her military
power when thrown into the scale of one side
or the other. Austria il struggling for her
existence, and, as is shown by the cesson Of
venetia to Napoleon, will be compelled to
accept the conditions others may make for her.
II is clear, then, that the future destiny Of
Europe lies with France and Prussia, or rather
with Napoleon and Bismarck.
That these men brought on the war, each for
the purpose of carrying out his ambitious
schemes there Is now no doubt Bismarck, q
very able man, bold and interruptions, and
imbued with the old Prussian-G German spirit
Of Frederick the Great, resolved to make
Prussia the first or only Power of Germany.
German unity has been the cry raised during
the late movements; but while il meant all that,
II meant. also, Prussan sscendency, the transfer
Of the imperial power Of Germany from the
south to the north, and finally the absorption
of the German States by Prussia. The struggle
il not altogether new one; but IL never
before assumed such magnitude, and never had
such prospect OF success. The German popu-
lation in Europe 10 not less, perhaps, than fifty
millions. Considering the intelligence and
character Of this population, and the geogra-
phical position Of the country, Germany, united
under one government would be The first
Power Of Europe That IL ID Bismarck's ambi-
ton 70 make IL 80 there can be no doubt; and
to accomplish this object he has been using al
his diplomatic skill with Napoleon.
The questions naturally arise here, Did. The
Emperor Of the French understand the sx,ep,
Of the Prussian Minister'S ambition. Did Bis.
marck avow or conceal Il! Was not the saga
cious Napoleon aware Of il, though il might be
disguisedf II seems likely that the Emperor
vinked Mt the Prussian's grand scheme, be-
lieving he could profit by IL and could check
II whenever necessary TO prevent an undue
preponderance Of Prussia in European afairs
Austria and Prussia were allied in despoiline
Denmark Of Schlsswig- Holstein, and then quar-
relied afterwards over the spoils; and il 10 quite
probable Napoleon and Bismarck, who plotted
together TO bring on the present war, may now
separate over the results. A consolidated
German empire Of fifty millions Of peopl,
could not he contemplated with favor by Ma
poleon. The Emperor wants no great over
shadowing Power on his border. II is clear h,
has been and is still opposed TO Italy becosninI
too powerful, notwithstanding be assistc,
to make a respectable kingdom. in tha
country. Under all the Circumstance. W
think the cession Of venctia by Austria /
Napoleon significantly points out a new lin
Of French policv. Nspo!epG in The Italsn W,