Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-05-26
EUROPEAN WAR AsPHCFs.

We published Yesterday the speech of Ma
poleon to the people Of suxerre-a province
of France. 1t is regarded Of significance in
the fact that the Emperor, grea, in himself
and greater still in being the heir to the as
pirations of Napoleon J. declared that |
dctest equally with YOU those treaties of
1915, which it is now sought TO make the
sole basis Of our foreign policy" The trea-
ties referred to I.acifed Europe after twenty
years Of war, by partitioning it to suit
the views of England, Russia, Austria
and Prussia, and by the Punishment of
Napoleon Bonaparte to the Island of
st. Helena; an adjustment that has ever
been a thorn in the side Of the Imperial
party, now, TO all appearances, permanently
dominant in France. This announcement
80 frank, and 50 variant from the accustomed
reticent and cautious diplomacy Of the En-
peror, is well calculated TO produce a start
ling impression in the present unsettled
condition Of European affairs, and 10 lead
to all the effects on the money market attri-
buted to it, Either NAPOLEON, or BIsMARK
of Prussia, the ablest and boldest diplomatist
in Europe-as shrewd as Talleyrand, and as
courageous as Pitt-can unslip the dogs Of
war at any moment they see fit and it is
the apprehension Of general war which is
bursting all the speculative bubbles, and
drowning all the "wanton boys" that swim
the sea Of venture on which they float
The note of preparation for this event is
heard from one end Of Europe to the other.
Vienna, the capital Of Austria, is bristling
with soldiery. An Archduke of the empire
is appointed to chief command, and garri-
sons are being filed and supplied with pro-
visions. Forced conscriptions are being
made to equip large armies, the frontier
towns are being fortified, the Government
funds are being concentrated at the capital,
and throughout the dominion is felt the
hustle and excitement.
Prussia is equally alert in perfecting her
war establishment and is unyielding in the
position she has assumed. 1t seems to bethe
ambition of her great minister of State to
reassert her ancient authority in the affairs
of Europe, and TO realize for her the object
for which Frederick 50 CALAMITY contended.
Nor is Italy idle. She is gathering the
sinews Of war; and massing armies and put
ting her affairs into the hands of her ablest
men.
England and Russia are watching the
scene with intense interest, while, until the
recent speech of Napoleon, France has been
regarded as occupying an outlook-thus far
neutral, but eagerly watching for the advan-
tage wherever it might present itself That
demonstration is interpreted to mean that
he is not averse to the war, and, that once
set on foot, he may attempt to marshal the
forces of France TO achieve the unaccom-
plished destiny of his family preigured
by his illustrious uncle.
1t is difficult to solve the riddles of State
craft, but the elements are present and
fermenting in Europe for a mighty and
protracted war. Ambitious rulers are play
ing AhC game ISOpiSS anu bhCiA uCdiSoI |
interests are the dice they throw. If the |
former miscalcuate the difference between
the present time and fifty years ago, some
of them may be terribly mistaken in re-
suits
There is 4 spirit abroad which was not |
known in the earlier part Of this century. |
The attempt Of crowned heads to triile with |
it may make it omnipotent Already the !
astute Bismark is threatening to propose the |
pIebiscitaa choice by the people of dy- |
nasties and a voice in the forming Of the |
Government. Inaugurated in the midst of |
war, this would thrill and rattle the dry |
bones of legitimacy as they have not been
for many an age.
What course events may take we cannot |
tell. IL is not to the interest of our portion |
of the civilized world that there should be
war at the present time; but if it is inevitA-
bic, we hope for liberal and progressive re-
suits. Necessary wars are like elemental
storms They may, as TO individuals, be
calamities but in their general effects they
are benefits. If Europe is to be convulsed
let monarchy and prerogatives go down
let the people be purified and elevated.