The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-08-16

War Prospects i'm Europe.
The news from Europe which we publish this
morning, via the Atlantic cable, indicates that
In conjunction with the ultimatum Of Prussia
relative to the Rhine frontier, which we had
previously received, war is imminent between
Prussia and France. Napoleon, we are told,
has withdrawn his demand on the Cabinet of
Berlin; but It remains to be seen whether he
sity imposed on him by Bismarck's prompt
refusal, or pauses to prepare to take
by force the territory which he can
never obtain by diplomacy. Prussia pursues
her high handed policy. She has evidently
completely overridden Hanover, a. the official
notice to the Queen of that kingdom through
Prince Yestenburg would show, and that King
William is master Of all Northern Germany is
an established fact. Conscious Of her strength,
and positive in her intention to follow out the
policy of Bismarck, Prussia feels herself in .
position to stand by the universal German senti-
ment that the Rhine frontier can never be ceded
to France. Germany and the Rhine are in
separately connected in the grand idea Of the
Germans fatherland, and the possession Of that
historic river by any foreign Power is as repul-
sive to the German mind as the old time
prophecy of the Cossacks Of the Don watering
their horses in the Seine was to the sensitive
nature of the French people. The King of
Prussia knows the German element too well to
entertain the demand of Napoleon upon this
point even for moment.
The demand for an extension Of territory on
the Rhine-a Napoleonic tradition, and a
dream of The French people since the time when
the empire of Charlemagne m alted away and
was restricted to the limits of France-having
been met with a firm refusal, Napoleon is
placed in difficult quandary. The French
people are not accustomed to have their de-
mands rejected. Neither are they likely to per-
nit this question Of an extension ofterritofy to
be set aside without a contest. Aggrandize-
ment of territory is the prevailing weakness OF
the French nation. This Is the price which they
have always put upon their military services
for other nations. Nice and Savoy were the
return required for helping Italy against
Austria in the war of 1861. The Rhine frontier
is the price now demanded for the fancied
mediation Of Napoleon in the late war between
Prussia, Austria and Italy Bismarck, how
ever, is not disposed to recognize the services
of Napoleon in this regard. He feels, doubt
less, that Prussia, with her fne army, her
needle-gun and her good gcneralship has be-
come master OF the situation, and intends to
maintain it.
What is Napoleon TO do in this emergency
He stands between two fres-a war with
Prussia or revolution at home. We opine
that, knowing the character Of his people, he
has already chosen the former alternative.
Our news states that he has hurried off to
Chalons to review the army encamped there.
Probably he finds that the time has come to
look after his soldiers The French army,
with Napoleon at It's head, is, in reality, all
that is substantial in the French government
It is that which directs the policy of France
aud regulates events. The voice Of the people
at the ballot box, the farce Of universal
suffrage, are Like The machinery and scenic
delnsions of the stage. The army, with its
cunning and sagacious leader, decides all
foreign policy. after ALL
II may be, then, that Europe Is on the eve
Of a more prolonged and bloody war than that
which Prussia has brought to o standstill by
the vigor Of her arms. A conflict between
the German race and tho Latin race seems
imminent, and we should not wonder If the
German element, composed Is it il OF men Of
solid ideas, progressive minds, animated by an
all absorbing passion for German unity and Ger
man supremacy, should prevail over the Latin
race If war is 10 be the Issue ofihe present com
plication. That the fight will he terrible one
there can be no doubt. The recent successes
OF Prussia will create rivalry between her
and the army of France which must lead to
deeds OF extraordinary valor on both sides
II would be idle now 10 speculate upon the
alliances which France may seek OIL obtain
should she accept the gage OF battle; more
idle still to offer any conjecture until we have
more news at our command as Ia what Aus
tria, Italy and Russia and the minor German
States are going to do in the event of war
between France and Prussia but we can
readily understand how such conflict viii
efface the whole map OF the Continent as !,
now stands aud control the future destiny
of all the nations OF Central Europe.
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PAYMENT or ynE TEMPORARY L0AN.--Thc
secretary Of the Treasury has al last taken the
necessary steps towards paying of the tempo
rsry loan. Notice has been given that these
certificates will not draw interest after the 18th