New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-04-12
EUROPE ON THE EVE OF WAR.

The news from Europe continues 10 Do Oh very
warlike character. Both Austria and Prussia are
Fastening their military preparations with great en-
ergy, and collision, it was expected might take
place at any moment. We no longer hear OF efforts
for the preservation of peace, but only of ornaments
of mutual charges and of endeavors to devolve the
responsibility for the disturbance of the peace of Eu-
rope upon the opponent.
The signs of the times, at present. not only point
to a war, but to a war which may at once assume
fearful dimension and be iraught with far-reaehing
consequences. Count Bismark shows that he fully
appreciates the prize which is at stake. If war really
does break out, Austria will find him mercileSs
enemy, Who in order to settle forever the struggle
between Austria and Prussia for the supremacy OF
Germany, is determined to aim at the utter
humiliation of Austria. BSmark undoubtedly
knows the weakness Of Austria as well as any.
European statesman, and no one can doubt that ne
means to avail himself of all the advantages
which it offers. The Asia, which yesterday arrived
at Halifax brings a report, that Prussia has already
concluded with Italy formal treaty of alliance and
that considerable ornaments are in course of prepa-
ration in Italy. This is fact of ominous Importance
for Austria. The Italian subjects Of Austria (about
900 0O0) are unanimous in their desire to be dscon-
nected from Austria and be united with Italy. They
will not hesitate a moment to rise In insur-
rection if they have reason to expect aid from
Italy. The Italian Government has always frankly
declared that it has not abandoned and
never will abandon the hope of efecting the an
nexaton of Venetia No more favorable occasion for
achieving this end can ever present itself than JOINT
war Of Prussia and Italy against Austria Combined
the forces Of the two Governments are vastly superior
to those of Austria. Tho latter has population OF
IS 900 900, but deducting the italian population,
which would show themselves at once openly
hostile and swell the Italian army with volun-
teers. the number would be reduced to 32,OOO,OoO
Should it be possible to call forth another nsurrection
in Hungary the power of Austria would be still more
weakened On the other hand, Italy aud Prussia
together represent a population OF moro than
40 600 900. or if we add the italian subjects OF
Austria. of moro than $4,000, 900, which is fully
II 600 900 more than Austria in the most favorable
case can rely upon.
The only help that Austria can possibly find in this
alarming complication is the Federal Diet OF Ger
many which, leaving out Of account Austria, Prussia
and the Dutch Provinces of Luxembourg and Limburg
represent population of about lS,OOO,Ooo. at
present the majority Of the Diet are friendly to Aus
tra, which has generally treated the authority OF the
Diet with respect and r to concert with the minor
powers reorganization Of the Federal Constitu-
ton The majority of tho Iiet may, therefore,
be inclined to declare Federal war against Prussia
which in anticipation of such an event. has threaten
ingy called upon the minor States to define their po
sition. Some of the States however, sympathize
with Prussia, and others may be sufficiently intimi-
dated to refuse to join ina war against her. and both
classes together would to large extent, neutralze
the effect of declaration Of war;
1t is generally expected that in war in which Aus
tria Prussia Italy and Germany should be engaged,
France would not remain neutral The present in
tentons of France are not known. The latest ad-
vices from Europe state that the Emperor has sent
Prince Napoleon to Italy a secret mission too i'm
portant to be intrusted to anybody else. The Empe-
ror has never formally renowned the design OF en-
areing the frontier of France to the Rhine, and war
between Austria and Prussia would undoubtedly be
strong temptation to crafty what is still the iavore
wish of a large portion of Frenchmen.
II will be seen from the above facts that whether
the prevailing anticipation of great war may be
realized or not the present complication OF European
politics is certainly Of fearful character.