The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-08-23

The Political Complications in Bnrope-Prus-
sin still Triumphnntiy Debating Terms.
Peace is by no means assured to Europe by
the result of the war between Austria and
Prussia. On the contrary, the sudden leap of
Prussia to her present formidable position as
one of ths great Powers of the Continent has
produced new complications even more en-
barrassing and difficult Of solution than those
which resulted in the wa just terminated, and
which may lead to ano her of greater duration
and dimensions.
Louis Napoleon seems determined to look
after his own interests and persists in his de-
ella ed purpose Of multiplying the detested
treaties of 1915. Previous news reported that
he had demanded the possession Of several inn
portant fortresses ON the Rhenish frontier, with
the view to the extens on of the French do
mains to that river. These declarations, uttered
with great positiveness ana much APP
parent trepidstion by the London papers,
have called forth from the Emperor
declaration that he docs not intend to demand
the Belgium Sortresses OF Aarienburg and
Phillip@ille, of which the treaties Of 1915 de-
privad France; but we are left TO suppose, by
the language Of the despatch, that the reported
claim for the possession Of Landau and Sarre-
lsuis Is still pushed. France, for the present,
Ii doubtless willing to see the two fortrcssee in
possession OF Belgium held by that weak and
neutral Power; but is naturally anxious 10
secure the others, since one Is held by Prussia
herself and the other by Bavaria. whose indie
pendsnce Is not yet definitely settled. This
clam will doubtless be prosecuted, and may
yet be granted by Prussia in order to secure
uninterrupted possession Of her present Rhen-
ish frontier.
In the meantime, while tho armistice with
Austria continues and the Peace Congress at
Prague proceeds smicabiy in its work. Prussia
persists in carrying out her original project Of
absorbing such portions OF the Germanic Confed-
Grafton as will perfect her territorial confgura-
ton, establish her southern boundary and give
her an ample maritime frontier. The intention
to absorb Hanover, Hesse Cassel, Nassau and
Frankfort on-the. Main, besides q couple OF
Bavarian provinces, Is publicly and officially
announced. This, If conceded and consented
10 by the other Powers Of Europe, gives
Prussia territory Of extcnt equal to that Of
Russia. and even more populous, and far
greater than that Of cit er France or Austria,
while the new boundaries Of the Elbe, the
Rhine and the North Sea give her great addi-
tional advantages.
Tho absorption Of Hanover having been
decided upon, Of course the efforts OF George v.
at Vienna to secure the succession for his son In
case OF his forced sbdicstion are fruitlcss, and
| @ royal exiles are doubtless forever deprived
Of control in the affairs OF Hanover.
The difficulties with Bavaria have not yet
been settled though that Power has consented
to the demands Of Prussia, the principal of
which Is the cession to her Of the two most
northern provinces Of Bavaria, valuable princi-
pally as perfccting the Southern frontier Of the
newly regulated empire, and including one or
Two important fortresses.