The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1867-05-01
THE pRETExT FOB THE WAR BETWEEN
FRANCE AND PRUSSIA.

THE IhEIEAG' EOh 1d6 WAh DEL w GGN
FRANCE AND PRUSSIA.
The latest Europeen intelligence confirms the
opinion OK pressed by this paper q few days since
that war between France and Prussia may bere-
gardcd as inevitable, although many suppose that
in summoning tire whole world to his great indus
trial exhibition Napoleon has placed himself under
bonds to keep the peace. The diplomatists, the
bankers and the spectators of Europe, however,
are of q different opinion, and in response to the
prompt challenge of Bismarck, of his warlike pre-
parations, Napoleon at once strengthens those
points near the confines of Prussia which are most
exposed.
The Prussans arc rapidly arning and preparing
for the inevitable struggle. The ablest Field Mar
shall of the Emperor of France has been recalled
from Algeria, all furloughs to officers have been re-
scinded and the work of drilling heavy reserves Of
fresh troops has commenced with great activity
French agents, it is said, are also buying up all
the breach h-loadng arms which they can find in
this country and in England.
The many failures of the Emperor in 1866 are
said to have exasperated the French, and to make
them anxious for war with Prussia. 1t IS very
clear that Bismarck and Napoleon are both prepar-
ing for bloody solution of the impending difficult
ties Both are preparing for war with an earnest
ness and rapidity that are very significant and
alarming to all Europe. France is said already to
have solicited in vain the help of Italy, and Aus
tria has nvowed policy of strict neutrality. We
have collected these facts with reference to the sit
uation from foreign journals of the highest respect
ability.
If our readers shall ask upon what pretext will
these two great nations go to war, we answer that
they have the readiest and most appropriate reason
cut and dried as an excuse to Christendom for the
proposed war. The Luxembourg question is to be
the casus 6elH. The danger lies not in the impor-
tance of this question, but in the temper OF the
claimants. Like the war last year, that of 1867
is to be waged upon pretext known to both par
ties to be o sham. Luxembourg will serve the pur-
pose of TWO great powers in lighting mood as well
as the Elbe Duchies.
Luxembourg, an insignificant district, lying on
the left bank of the Mosclle between the French,
Belgian, Prussian and Dutch domnions, has
capital of its own name, which is one of the twelve
strongest fortrcsses in Europe, and has been re-
peatcdly taken and held by all the powers that
have contcnded in the Low Countries from the six
teenth century to the present day. 1t belonged to
Austria down to the French revolutionary war.
From 1895 to 1914 it vas held by France, but In
that year it was taken from France and became an
appavage of the house of 0range-Nassau. The
population of the Duchy being German, 1t was
thought proper on the foundation of the now de-
funct Bund, 10 include the district within the Fed
eral Union of 1916. Previous, however, to the
completion of the Confederate scheme, that is, be-
fore the signature of the treaty in 1915, private
arrangement between Prussia and King William
had -garrisoncd the Luxembourg stronghold with
Prussian troops and this occupation has continued
To this dny. In 1880 Luxembourg, urged by reli-
cious sympahics joined Belgium in its revolt, and
it ceased TO be n portion of tie edominions of the
House of Orange until 1889, when the London
Conference arranged the basis of peace between
Holland andits ncighbors
BY this settlement Luxembourg was divided, the
Dutch King received back part and again entered
the German Federation. In 1866, under Austrian
influence, Luxembourg declared war. upon Prussia,
|
for all active military operations in that Duchey
was obviated by agreement with Bismarck. But
when Austria was defeated, Luxembourg fell as q
matter of course, and by the law of war became
subject TO the will of Prussia. Bat Prussia, it
seems has failed press this claim, being in actual
military possession.
But while matters we're smoothly progressing,
hard
money, has suddenly reported to have sold Luxem-
bourc to the Emperor CT France for the sum of
four millions OF pounds sterling. This report has
been officially consradicted in Holland but SO
guardedy as'to leave strong impression that ne
gotiations Of the kind have proceeded very far in
deed, even towards conclusion.
1t is evicent that Bismarck believes that Napo-
leon has entered on negotiations respecting Lux
cmbourc. 1t is asserted that secret purchase
has already been consummated, in disregard of the
claims of Prussia. Many Of the, French journals
have openly proclaimed and datcd upon the ad-
yanagcs of the purchase. It is not very difficult
TO see that Prussia or rather Germany, will not
consent to the surrender of Luxembourg. Ger
man dplomatist has declared that, ''if France at
,empts to hinder the work of reconstruction we
will show her that Germany is united" These
words Bismarck has declared "patriotic5 though
not diplomatic"
/ We have, we fear, wearicd our readers with
these details, but they are indispensable to right
understanding of question, the decision OF which
! will decide the question of peace or war. If, as
all declare, the French people are clamorous for
war; the Emperor can crafty them to their hearts
centent II he shall disregard the claims of Prus-
sia, and purchase Luxembourg, there will be one
of the moss terrible and sanguinary wars of modern
mes-Richmond Times.