, 1866-07-13
S z, 8 o. Avn s,

ASA
tell whether he means compensation In
money or compensation in territory.
Probably it is the latter which he had in
his mind, but at whose cost is not clear.
Turkey may have been the Power ex-
pected to furnish the means Of making
up for losses. The Emperor Napoleon,
in conversation with a foreign diploma
list, passed a judgment on Turkey after
the Crimean war, not very different from
that of the Emperor Nicholas, and he
may now think that it might still be use
full in that way. In what other quarter
compensation could be found for Austria,
if Austria agreed to give up Venetia to
the Italians, it is difficult to guess.
M. Drouyn de Lhuys was instructed, as
the Emperor says, "to repudiate in His
Maiesty's name all idea of territorial az
grandizement so long as the European
equilibrium be not disturbed" 1t was
observed that when the Minister of State
read the first part Of this sentence, repu-
dating the notion of territorial aggran-
dizement, he was Interrupted by loud
acclamations from the deputies, but
when the condition Of Reputation was
heard silence prevailed. 1t struck them,
perhaps, as it has struck many out OF
doors, that when three Powers are at
war one must come out of the conflict
seriously diminished. If Prussia be the
winner in this terribly game she annexes
the Elbe Duchies forthwith if Austria
triumphs over her rival she may think Of
recovering SiIesia, which she is known
to ycarn after and if the chances of war
are favourable to Italy, Vcnotia will, Of
course be hers. There must be a winner
and a loser and the question is whether
the indemnity which the winner takes
may not be considered as n disturbance
Of the European equilibrium" and, con
sequently, just ground for "territorial
ACKNOWLEDGMENT for France. If this be
so the Emperor shows his usual sagacity
in waiting for the result. This result,
however whoever may gain the day,
whether Prussia, Austria, or Italy, will
be a gain to France; and France would
not refuse to accept territory won with
out the cost of blood and treasure to
herself. His Majesty declares that he
has received the assurance of the Courts
engaged in the conflict that, whatever be
the issue of the war, not one of the
questions involved III it will be settled
without the assent of France; and of this
no one entertains the slightest doubt.
By the public the Imperial letter has
been received with a sort of mingled
feeling. 1t is regretted that the depu-
ties were not allowed to express their
opinions on a communication of such
importance. NJ. Theirs repeatedly tried
to get in a word, but in vain. Discussion
was considered by the Minister and by
the President of the Chamber to be in
opportune, and the deputies could not
obtain an assurance that in the event of
France being obliged eventually to take
part in the conflict the Legislative Body
would be allowed an opportunity of CIV
ing their opinion.
As for the belligerent Powers, none of
them can allege now or hereafter that
the Emperor of the French has not acted
towards them with the utmost straight
forwardness. He frankly informs all
whom it may concern what he expects
when the war is over, and when the set
thing day comes.
! A French ~financier and political eco
nomist has examined the financial posi-
s.tion of the three Powers about to engage