The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-20
The Grand Military Drama in Europe
The Possibilities of the Future.


The cesslon of venetia TO France by Austria,
and the reported conditional assent by Italy and
Prussia to the arm stice proposed by Napoleon,
present al entirely new phase of European
affairs. The whole campaign of diplomacy and
war resembles great military drama, with Ma
polson 40 manager, and the powers and states
men of Europe as actors. The first act opened
with quiet conversational scene between Ma
poleon and Bismark at BiarrItz during which
all the preininarles we're arranged. Then came
the dispute bet Neen AusuIa and Prussa a for the
possession ol the Duchles; Napoeon's pathetic
appeal fOI Peace Congress; the dlgnlhed retu-
sal OF Austria and the great melodramatic scene
in the Federal Diet when Prussia declared the
GeTmanic Conieueracy dissolved The act
closed with the rapid movements OF troops, the
flashing OF sWorus the beating OF drums, and
stirring martial tthde.
The curtain rose upon the second act amid
the hurhed anxiety OF the vast audience.
Napoleon was discovered with his arms crossed
behind him, III the style OF his immortal uncle.
He smoked clear, assumed tue ar of the
SphynX, and staiBed OH the stage. Then Victor
EmSnuel, one OF the most popular heroes,
appeared AID dashed his army againtt the
Quadlilateial. Having Oeen defeated and
applauded, he Withdrew to give place tn the
Prussian and Austrian leaders. There were
advances ana retreats; dl- play OF forces upon
both sides; several mlnor and amusing episodes,
in which the lesser German princes figured as
low comedians, and inally the stage was cleared
for the sensation scene OF the battle OF SudoWa
which was presented with hosts OF auxIlaries,
real cannon, plenty OF red fire, and every device
that the resources of the management could
supply. The effect was thrilling; but nobody =
csuld tell now long the play was to last, or what
was to be the issue of Its plot.
In ali properly arranged spectacular dramas
a sensation scene is always followed by one o
domt sic interest, so as to helgh:en the sensation
by the contras:. So it is III the military melo
drama now per orlning in Europe. When tht
curtain rose tor the thlId act We were sho WI
the council chamber OF the Tutlerles. Napo
leon was presiding over meeting OF his minis
ters and discussing the internal affairs OF France
no alusion being made to the great war
Suddenly messenger entered, with dramati
abruptness, and handed Napoieon Telegram
from Vienna. The Emperor smiled, answere
the TELEGRAM, lii cigar, and dissolved the couI
Gil without having lntmated to his minister
the lmpor ant INTEL gence he had JUST received
The scene again changed to another apartmeI
in the same palace-the Emperor's privat
cab net.
Napoleon was conversing with Eugenie wb
had recently returned from Amiens. To thel
entered Prince Mehernlch, the Austrian Amba
sador, and announced that he came authorize
to cede Venetla to france. DrOuyn de- LhuI
next appeared upon the scene and took part
the dialogue. Propositions tor an armstiC
were immediately sent 10 Italy and Prussia. 4
rushed TO the ioothghts, in true melodramat
style; gave orders that the French flag shou
be holsted in Venice; advised Victor Emanu
10 cease hostil ties, and, amid the cheering
the populace outside. and the glare caused
the illuminations over liberated Venetia broug
down the curtain with these historical word
"EuRenie this has been great day tor Franc
You at Amiens and at Paris have done GO
days work"
Here the drama is suspended until the arriS
Otthe next steamer, SO FAR as we are concerne