The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-09-01
The Meeting OF tho Ea.perors.

>-N~~~~~o~~0 SRSO0AosAOAo oEJOA tl0 COh-
ference of Napoleon and Francis Jo-
seph. As the world. by common
consent, has agreed that o war be-
tween France and Prussia is inevita-
BILE, though the Inauguration OF that
conflict may be postponed for many
months, q glance at the present situa-
ton in Europe is worthy of attention.
The Commercial says:
"The meeting of the Epperors of
Austria and France, at Salzburg, is,
we are inclined to think, of far great
er import than mere interview of
coincidence over the late tragedy in
Mexico. For many months, Austria
has shown most eager desire to con-
ciliate France. Whether Herr Won
Benst is contemplating another strug-
gle with Prussia for supremacy in
Germany, or whether he only fore
sees European complications which
may lead to general war, he IN
either case is determined that Aus
tria, in any future contest, shall
have the friendship and alliance of
the great Western power of the con-
tinent. The invitation extended by
the Kaiser to his Imperial brother
was ofmost marked importance; and
it was the more significant, too, be-
cause the Empress was included in
lt-a civility never before extended
to Her Majesty by any sovereign ex-
cept by the Queen of Great Britain.
Nor does the intelligence by the cable
that their Majesties have declared
that the peace of Europe is to be
preserved for an indefinite period
as consequence of the understand
ing between them, seem to be of u
kind likely to quiet the apprehen-
sions of Europe. This gratuitous de-
claration Of the permanence of peace
looks very much like covering to
real danger of war.
"And that there is such danger
can no longer be doubted. France
and Prussia are both rapidly arming;
trade is at a stand-still, and the
peaceful utterances Of the 1loniteur
have had very unquieting effect.
However sincere the Emperor Napo-
leon may be in his desires for peace
and we believe he is sincere at this
time-.the French people are very
much alarmed at the prospect of q
consolidated Germany, which will
destroy forever their long cherished
desire of extending their dominion
to the Rhine, and which ill deprive
them of the position they have SO
long held as the first of continental
powers. The Emperor's power is
based on success. Without this, he
cannot expect to receive the CONT
nued support of the middle and
lower classes in France; and without
suoh support, his power is very un-
stable indeed. If France insists on
war, to war he must 60, and the in
tense hatred of Prussia, now prevail
ing in France, looks very much as if
she would SO insist. In Germany,
on the other hand, there is general
feeling of Indignation at the idea
that foreign nation presumes to
interfere In any way with the recon
struction' of that country, and the
hardly concealed threats of the
French people are particularly gall
ing.
"If that war comes, we believe
Austria will not long be quiet spec
tator of it. To join q foreign power
against Germany would undoubtedly
be very unpopular in the German
provinces of the Empire, and espe-
cially at Vienna. But if Francis Jo-
seph has really made up his mind to
conciliate the Sclavonic nationalities,
and shall be as successful with them
rs he has been in Hungary, the MUIR
muring of his German subjects is a
matter of small consequence to him.
The well known disloyalty of Prus-
sian Poland will be sufficient offset
to it. Besides, nm alliance between
France and Austria might lead, in an
to an attempt which
would paralyze Russia, weaken Prus-
sia, and carry with it the warm SYM
oathy of England, and that is, the
-estoration of Poland. This policy
s one that, during eighty years, the
French cabinet have never lost sight
'f, and for which they may hope, not
merely for the neutral good will of
England, but, with q householders'
Parliament, for her active assistance,
llso. The hope may not be despe-
ate. For of all the changes expected
rom the recent reform bill, none is
10 certain as that the European TO-
'eign policy of Great Britain will