The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-08-17
Fee.FO.Eunl,

1t is not often that spectators can divine
what the French Emperor is after. He sits
with his back to the diplomatic chess board,
and gives check TO King or Queen with re-
freshing composure.
In the presel tlabroglio, however, it has
been plain since his speech at Auxerre that
he intended to advance the French frontiers.
His bitter denunciation of the "detested trea-
ties of 1916" were universally Interpreted to
mean the establishment of the map of his
domlnions by the acquisition of German ter
ritory; and now the Atlantic cable confirms
our belief
How far Count BIsMARk was prepared for
this modest demand, it is impossible to
conjecture; but, it is clear that the feverish
inhabitants of Berlin, who are very much to
the rest of German populations what the Pa
risians are to the people Of France, were en-
tirely unprepared for the polite offer to take
half dozen fair cities of Belgium, Bavaria
and Prussia, by way of preserving the balance
Of power
This promises the gravest complications
We cannot expect the victor, with the laurel
fresh on his helmet, to submit to this arrogant
demand; and the chances seem to be in favor
of still more ''heroic dance than that which
BENEDEcx managed to get through with in so
shcrt time. We can see but one solution
to the matter. Apart from Count BIsMARK's
known character, We are authorised in the
belief that this modest claim will be refused.
His position is such that he cannot, even if
he wished surrender the cities and territory
demanded without overthrowing, at the same
moment, the fabric which he has lately
avowed was the dream of his early youth and
to the erection of which he has devoted all his
energies for so long time. Hence his refusal
to comply with the demand of France. The
equation being thus stated the result plainly
is war. The picture is deplorable. The
struggle if begun will be gigantic, and it is IN
possible to conjecture its ultimate proportions
In such struggle Prussia will find that
she has a very different antagonist from
Kaiser JOSEPH, and the perfect appointments
of the French Navy will make the conflict if
once begun, very different from that just
brought to triumphant close With his
fleets and transports NAPOLEON can make
flank movements which will give the first
strategist of Europe" all and more than he can
do to maintain his reputation. The attitude
CT affairs is far from pleasant
Upon grounds of humanity alone, such a
conflict as that now impending, is to be de-
plored; but when we think of its probable
effects upon us, it becomes still more lamenta-
BILE. Among these we clearly see postpone
mcnt for considerable time, of our visions of
immigrants pouring into or across the State,
coming strain on the money market; and a
continued rise in the price OF bread. In view
of all these combined results, lot us pray that
the Prince OF PEACE will avert the Storm
Since the above was in type for our edition
of yesterday, from which it was crowded out,
the cable brings us doubtful story that Ma
Pol.EoN has abandoned the idea of extending
the frontier of France We do not credit the
statement, but sincerely trust it may be true