The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-04-13
Europe,

Since the interest in the Fenian outbreak IN
Ireland somewhat subsidized, and the Eastern
<question presented no new phase, there was
no break in the chronic dullness of the cable
dispatches until few days ago the startling
flash came, that great excitement prevails IN
view of the statement from high quarters that
hostilities are imminent between France and
Prussia" "The uncertainties" says another
dispatch g in regard to the future actions Of
Napoleon, and the fears that he will adopt
warlike policy, create wide spread distrust
among business men, and there is a great de-
preston in consequence in financial and COM
mercial circles both in this city and Paris
Of course the trouble arises out of the prop
osition mentioned week or two ago, made
by Napoleon to Holland for the purchace of
Luxembourg. While Germany was divided up
into little petty Kingdoms and princpalities,
France had no fears from that quarter. On
the occasion of any hostilities between her and
Austria, or Prussia, she was always able to di-
vide up the smaller German States and recruit
half her armies on German soil. The triumph
OF Prussia, however, within a year, has vir-
tualy consolidated Germany into one massive
military empire. This presented perlls to
France undreamed OF before. Germany unit
ed is stronger than France, Napoleon, there
fore, saw clearly enough that the supremacy
of France III Europe was gone unless check
could I've put upon the growing power OF
Prussia The gate between Germany and
France is Luxembourg. France in possession
OF this gate can still set German invasion at
defiance. So in the view of Napoleon the
safety of France required the purchase OF
Luxembourg, and he commenced negotiations
accordingly. But unfortunately, Bismark
with his usual foresight had provided for such
Il contingency, and garrisoned that impregna
BILE fortress with Prussian soldiers; and wher
Holland listened to the proposals of France
he simply said no. The European press there
upon, to quiet matters, reported that Napoleon
had Immediately ceased to prosecute the mat
ter But behind Napoleon stand the French
people, who more than share all his hatred
without any of his fears of Germany. The
idea of back down by Napoleon in matter
of this kind on account of menace from
Bismark, was not to be thought OF by thu
French people. So Napoleon finds backing
out impossible, were he even SO inclined. IL
short he is in most uncomfortable dilemma
~
the negotiation with the Netherlands, involve,
inevitable war with Prussia; to 90 back, in
wolves the safety of his throne as against The
aroused Indignation of the French people.
1t is probable the inconvenience of the % sit
uation" may be somewhat exaggerated fol
stock gambling purposes; but war between
France and Austria during the present year, ii
at least among the probabilities, and if sucl
q war does come, it will be the grandest strug
gle known to history"
From England the statement Is, that tho
opposition in Parliament have split on thu
reform measure introduced by the ministry
and that the government " will have an easy
time Of it. a..
The trials of the Fenian prisoners on thu
charge Of high treason commenced at Dublir
on the sth. Massey had turned Queens evi
dence.
From the East it is stated that the Sultar
threatens to declare war against Greece OF
account of the instruction troubles on tn,
Turkish frontier.