The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-08-22
The European Peace PreIiminaries- pcrial
Expansion Of Prussia.

The European Peace Preliminaries- periaI
Expansion Of Prussia.
The most extraordinary document marking
any Of the many notifications Of the balance
Of power in Europe for thousand years is the
text OF the preliminaries Of peace agreed upon
between Prussia and Austria, which was pub
lished in yesterdays HERALD. It amounts to
an official recognition by Austria Of her COM
plete subjugation, and that she thankfully ac-
cepts the gracious terms vouchsafed by Bis
marck whereby her existence as an independ-
ent Power is still recognized. There is nothing
in any of her repeated humiliations by the First
Napoleon which can be compared with her
humiliation by Bismarck. At the outset of
the war Austria, with her supporting German
States and principalities, was considered as
more than match in military strength and
resources for Prussia and Italy combined. This
was doubtless the opinion of Napoleon, and
that in being ultimately called upon TO inter-
pose with his army for the sake of peace,
France would secure the lions share of the
spoils.
But the astonishing efficiency and superiority
Of the Prussian armies and their unparalleled
activity in pushing forward over all impedi-
ments from Dresden to Vienna, have bafied all
the calculations Of outside diplomatists and
spoiled the whole programme OF Napoleon.
The Paris journal La France is very naturally
astonished at the rapacity of Bismarck, as dis
closed In the text of these peace preliminaries;
for surely, beyond the limits of Prussia, no
such imperial scheme of expansion on the
part of the skilful, bold and audacious Bis
marck was dreamed Of Let rs briefly con-
slider It -.-s..-.--
In The first place, with the exception of the
Lombardo-v Venetian kingdom, which goes 10
Italy, the Austrian monarchy remains intact
This was q generous concession to Austria, for
nom what follows il II apparent that Bismarck
had the whole empire ct his disposal By the
second article Of these preliminaries Austria
recognizes the dissolution Of the Germanic
Confederation a. It has hitherto existed and
gives her assent to new Northern organiza-
ton, with her total exclusion from H. The
Austrian Emperor also consents to the pro-
posed Northern, Confederation under Prussia
and to separate union Of tho States south OF
the river Main, whose national bonds with
the Confederation Of North Germany will form
the objects Of an Interior understanding be-
tween the two parties" The plain English Of
this Is, that having absorbed all the States
Duchies, IT,, north Of the Main, Prussia, at
her own convenience, may take all south of
said river, Austria having excluded herself
from any further voice in the matter. The plan
Of absorption thus provided for, when carried
out, will give TO Prussia the control Of some
thirty-fye or forty millions Of Germana
But, again, the Emperor Of Austria transfers
to the King Of Prussia all his rights and claims
to the Duchies Of s. hleswig- Holstcin, with the
reservation that the people of North Schleswig
shall be again united to Denmark II they 40 cx-
press themselves in vote freely given. Bis
marck, proAting by the lessons Of Napoleon
In this business Of popular suffrage, will doubt
less know how to manage this election. Here,
then, will be another important annexation Of
territory and population to the strength of
Prussia, for she will gain with the seaports and
coast Of Schleswig- Holstein something far more
valuable than their lands and people. Yet,
again, Austria agrees to pay, in excess OF all
drawbacks on account Of her Schleswig- Hol-
stein expenses, the sum Of twenty millions OF
thalers towards Prussia's expenses OF the late
war, and further agrees that Bismarck may dis
pose Of the kingdom Of Saxony and levy upon
it his war contributions at bis discretion,
and 20 on 10 the end OF the ch,pter.
Such are the prelminaries OF peace agreed
upon between these high contracting parties.
In three weeks the armies Of the two Princes Of
Prussia have accomplished far more for her en-
largcment and recognition among the great
Powers Of Europe than was achieved by
Frederick the Great In his famous and success
full seven Year, war. Within twelve months,
Bismarck, from the reputation Of selfwilled,
despotio, and foolhardy Prussian Prime
Minister, has risen to the high distinction Of
the ablcst diplomat and the foremost man in
Europe. Under his bold and sagacous man.
| agement Prussia has advanced from the posi-
ton OF a second rate State TO that Of the COM
handing power in Central Europe. Strangely
enough, too, the Continental equilibrium, In
view Of the future peace OF Europe, provided
always that Napoleon's present professions Of
peace may be relied upon) with this imperial
enlargement OF Prussia, Is fixed upon much
better foundation than that contemplated by
Napoleon himself France IL aggressive, and
requires to be held In check. Prussia, MS now
about TO be constituted, will serve as barrier
against the ambitious designs OF imperial
France. There will be little TO fear, on the
other hand, from the non.aggrcssive character
OF the Germans: but much TO dread from any
hostile Entertainments upon their domains,
with their strength consolidated under what
may be called the Macedonian military system
81 Prussia. The success Of Prussia in the
humiliation Of Austria is 10 some extent a