The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-04-11
OPINIONS OF The FRENCH PRESS.

Ths Criticsl Situation OF Holland Dis
oussed-Bismarl<'s Designs-The PruS-
sian Garrison at Luxembourg.
From he Parts PreSSe, March 25'
Is the France quite sure that there has been no
negotiation relative to the Grand DuChy of Lux
embourg? On the other hand is the Temps sure
that a solution has been arrived at? We believe
that affairs are more advanced than tue bTdnce
says; but that solution is more distant tnan
the Temps supposes. The critical situation OF
Holland at the present moment has already
been shown. The language OF the Berlin
press leaves no doubt as to the desires aud
pretensions OF Prussian policy, which would
place Holland between the alternative OF ter
rito1ial sacrifice or absorption In the Northern
Confederation. NJ. de Blsmark, in one OF his
last speeches, denied none of the pretensions OF
Prussia; be only declared that the CABINET OF
Berlin would abstain, Tor the time beng from
putting any pressure On Holland, IN order not
to give rise to q European question, Heiland,
then, knows what to expect, when M. de Bis
mark thinks the moment opportune to renew
his demands and exercise the pressure neces-
sary to their success. From Whom may sne
expect assistance, If not from France?
Luxembourg Is of no Importance, either
political or commercial, 10 Holland, to which it
is only united by the fact OF their having the
same ruler. The KING OF Holland cannot have
a very strong liking for the role OF yassal to
Prussia, which henceorth is the only character
possessed by the Princes of the Northern Con.
federation. He ought much more TO desire the
independence OF his crown, as King OF the
Netherlands, than the satisfaction of Teignlng
as Grand Duke over 100000 LuXumbuIgians
under the good pleasure oil NJ. de Bismark The
interest of the sovereign and the people Is
the same, and it is perfectly admissible that the
King OF the Netherlands should be disposed to
exchange the possession of Luxembourg for a
peCunary indemnity, and an alliance which
would guarantee the independence OF his States.
We do not think that these dispositions of the
King of Holland have been embodied IN any
Dc NINnl 10 thntH
have been established IN diplomatic converse
tions merely under the title of an exchange of
views on the eventualitles of the future. But
what appears to us certain is, that they ought
present state of affairs. Has Prussia anything to
do with the question? Yes and no. If Hol-
land and France admit as legitimate and we'll
grounded the presence Of Prussian garrison in
the fortress of Luxembourg, Prussia has right
to have an opinion, and ought to take her place
as a contracting party to the arrangement
which would be come TO. If Holland and France
refuse Prussia the right OF holding garrison at
Luxembourg, in virtue of the provisions of the
constitution she has destroyed, 1t is obvious that
there is no need of consulting Prussia in any
way. Such is the question OF justice; but Prussia
is at Luxembourg, and the difficulty is, to know
politely of the rights which she does not possess,
and request her to fulfil their conditions
Shall we accept the alternative OF only entering
Luxembourg by demolishing its walls? But
who does not see that all the Importance of
Luxembourg is its fortress, which, when it is
not in our hands, is an open gate to the French
frontier? Where would be the benefit of the
annexation If it had not for it's object the stop
ping up Of one OF the openings made on our
frontier in 1915? Would the addition OF 200, 900
souls 10 the French population be serious
compensation for the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Prus-
sia ana the unity OF Germany? The simple ex-
cess of births over deaths gives us as much
every year, without any necessity of asking NJ.
de Bismark.